Scarborough celebrates its annual Seafest next weekend, a full-on celebration of all things nautical in what is North Yorkshire’s most venerable resort – and in The Waves the town has somewhere to stay that is much more than just a traditional seaside B&B. Acting on the ever-reliable impulse to try to create the sort of place they would like to stay in themselves, the owners Chris and Phil have made The Waves into a cool, cosy and contemporary B&B of the best kind, occupying a lovely old Victorian house just a couple of minutes from the clifftop and a short walk from the beach and main part of Scarborough – England's original seaside resort.

There are seven rooms in all, six en-suite doubles (a couple of which could accommodate a family) and one single, all beautifully and thoughtfully furnished throughout and very homely, with interesting books to browse, tea- and coffee-making facilities, TVs and powerful showers; some have cast-iron beds. Breakfasts are free-range and organic, with lots of home-baked items and plenty of choice – from the full-on Yorkshire Breakfast to veggie and vegan options and lighter, sweeter alternatives.

There's a funky retro-styled guest lounge, with a classic jukebox, vinyl LPs and board games to play while enjoying homemade cookies, and last but definitely not least, Chris and Phil are friendly, engaging hosts who are a mine of information not only on their beloved Scarborough but also the beautiful surrounding area and the North York Moors. Long may they reign.

Cool Places is a website from the creators of Rough Guides and Cool Camping, suggesting the best places to stay, eat, drink and shop in Britain (coolplaces.co.uk).