The Sail Loft, Southwold, Suffolk

The Sail Loft's location is arguably Southwold's best - walking distance from the town centre, the main beach and pier, but also just a short walk away from the town's harbour, with its fish stalls, lifeboat museum and the historic foot ferry to Walberswick. Best of all, it's bang opposite the dunes and beach. Take a spin on the Coastal Explorer - a high-speed rib that leaves for tours of Sole Bay from Southwold's harbour throughout the year.

By car: The hotel is 3 hours 20 mins from London, 2 hours from Cambridge and 3 hours 30 mins from Nottingham. There is free private parking on-site.

By train: London Liverpool Street to Darsham (via Ipswich) takes 2 hours 30 mins. The hotel is a 20-minute taxi ride from the station. Book trains to Darsham.

The Sail Loft makes you feel like you've fallen asleep and woken up in a seaside shack in the Hamptons or New England, with rustic furniture, bare floorboards and an infectiously relaxed and informal air from the bar to the restaurant to the outside terrace. The five pin-neat rooms upstairs have a seaside theme that feels thoroughly appropriate.

Service is unhurried and friendly, and they run regular special food nights in the restaurant, the best of which is their 'Curry-tastic' night, along with occasional live music. Overall though the most striking thing about the Sail Loft is the location: with the dunes and beach opposite, the atmosphere is deliciously relaxed.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Garden
• Beach access

• Free Parking

• Free Wi-Fi

They have five bedrooms, all upstairs and decent sizes: one has its own terrace with a view over the marshes while the others have sea views. The look and feel is clean and contemporary, and all have flatscreen TVs with Freeview, tea and coffee-making facilities, biscuits, juice and water; bathrooms are all good sizes with powerful showers.

Room types: Double, Twin, Superior Double with Sea View

Key amenities: ensuite shower room, luxury toiletries, hairdryer, TV, tea and coffee facilities

They serve food throughout the day (though Fri-Sun only during winter) and naturally, the menu partly focuses on the sea, with mussels, scallops, and all sorts of fish and seafood dishes, along with burgers, steaks and chicken and plenty of other earthy fare that also suits the beachside vibe.

The Sail Loft: all-day dining, international dishes, fresh seafood, breakfast and brunch. Open daily. Mains from £11.95.