New Hotels (Apr 2022)
We never cease in our quest for the very best small hotels, so here are a few of our most recent discoveries.
Once owned by the Luttrell family of Dunster Castle, The Great House in Timberscombe is a Grade II listed building that is the epitome of gracious living. With parts dating back to Tudor times, the main facade is 17th century and the interiors reflect a mostly Victorian style.
The sunny dining room recreates a typical Chinoiserie theme with appropriately Oriental murals and original Regency panelling. Breakfast is served on a table set with white linen tablecloth, antique silver cutlery, vintage bone china crockery and huge linen napkins. Fresh flowers in a crystal vase and classical music playing softly in the background combine to ease you gently into the day ahead.
The five bedrooms are each wonderfully spacious and beautifully appointed. Timberscombe lies on the edge of the Exmoor National Park with a cornucopia of natural and man-made attraction on hand. Go walking, cycling or horse-riding on the moor, and stay late to enjoy the star-laden Exmoor Night Sky Reserve. Play on the sands at Minehead or visit the little harbour at Porlock Weir.
in the historic heart of Jerez, La Gitanilla is a traditional Andalusian townhouse set around an inner courtyard. Insulated from the world outside, this delightful patio makes a cosy living room where guests can relax with a book or a drink (sherry, of course!) and soak up the ambience of the house.
Past and present merge in perfect harmony as recent renovation has brought together century-old architectural features with soft, muted, modern colours and materials. La gitanilla means "the little gypsy" and owner Virginia regards the house as one of the family, to be cared for and treasured. Guests too receive the same care and attention.
Another Spanish townhouse is Hotel Viento 10 which has been a labour of love for Gerardo and Gema as they turned a historic but tired old Cordoban house into a chic and stylish hotel. 
result is absolutely outstanding, with ancient stone pillars and arches contrasting with modern decor in perfect harmony.
The patio is an ideal spot to sit and relax while the galleries above provide access to the guest bedrooms. There is also a rooftop terrace with great views over Santiago Church and the city. The small spa provides a sauna and jacuzzi, and massage services are available.
The oh-so-elegant bedrooms have a modern decor with paintings, tapestries and a few artistic surprises to delight their guests. Comfort is assured, with air-conditioning, a hydromassage shower, television, wi-fi, bathrobes and a hairdryer.
One of the jewels of the Barcelona modernista movement, El Palauet provides luxury two-bedroom suites in the most privileged part of the city. Designed by architect Pere Falqués i Urpí in 1906, it is an exuberant example of modernist architecture 
blended with touches of baroque and brought up-to-date with cutting edge 21st century furnishings and technology.
The six apartments are quite simply massive: 150m2, with a lounge, dining room, kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom. Depending on the suite, there are cast iron balconies, art nouveau stained glass and spectacular ceilings to gladden the heart. The facilities are totally comprehensive, including a spa, terrace, chill-out area, a personal assistant throughout your stay, and you can even book a private chef to cook for you.
Without a doubt El Palauet is the most luxurious and exclusive way to stay in Barcelona.
We finish with something that is most definitely not your usual B&B. Union Road Moto Velo was born from a lifelong passion for two-wheel travel, and has grown into a characterful bed and breakfast, coffee bar, bike showroom and workshop. 
It may seem like a place exclusively for a certain sort of biker, but non-bikers will find it wholeheartedly welcoming too. The subtle theming of the rooms is appealing and the enthusiasm is infectious.
The coffee bar hangout is a real gem. Relax in comfortable armchairs, or catch up on your social media by hooking up to the free wi-fi.
There are six comfy en-suite rooms most of which can be set up as a superking or with twin beds, and offer a view of the parish church and churchyard. All rooms have a flat screen TV, workstation, hairdryer, hypoallergenic crisp white cotton sheets and an ample continental breakfast is included. A spacious kitchenette, dining and sitting room with television and board games is there for guests. Crediton is an ideal base for touring around Devon.
6 Apr 2022, 13:36