I've stayed in hundreds of hotels across Britain as the Mail's undercover expert - these are my favourites... and the ones you should avoid!

By Inspector
Published: 12:02 GMT, February 18, 2024 | Updated: 12:10 GMT, 18 February 2024

Hotels – and B&Bs for that matter – have become outrageously expensive post-pandemic. Some of London's most luxurious charge more than £1,000 per night; elsewhere, £400 becomes normal. And that's before you even head to the bar to buy a pencil sharpener.
But there's still something special about a night away from home, without cooking. , no dishes to wash and a hearty breakfast to keep you going all day.
This selection includes establishments with just a few rooms and larger options requiring a large wallet.
Narberth Grove
Molleston, Pembrokeshire
This fabulous family hotel is located in the hollow of a pond, surrounded by ancient forests and sky-blue hydrangeas. There’s no ugly signage; no awards framed with AA rosettes; no leaflets. Just a beautiful, somewhat quirky house, parts of which date back to the 14th century. The restaurant has a Michelin star.
Doubles from £201 grovenarberth.co.uk
The Lamb Inn
Shipton- under-Wychwood, Oxfordshire
Arriving here amid the chatter of happy diners scattered in various nooks and crannies, with flagstone floors, a creaking bar and five understated pieces make life better. Good value for money too. Two thirty-somethings, Peter and Tom, are in charge and offer a superb menu (don't miss the anchovy toast...

Travel Feb 19, 2024 0 22 Add to Reading List

I've stayed in hundreds of hotels across Britain as the Mail's undercover expert - these are my favourites... and the ones you should avoid!

By Inspector

Published: 12:02 GMT, February 18, 2024 | Updated: 12:10 GMT, 18 February 2024

Hotels – and B&Bs for that matter – have become outrageously expensive post-pandemic. Some of London's most luxurious charge more than £1,000 per night; elsewhere, £400 becomes normal. And that's before you even head to the bar to buy a pencil sharpener.

But there's still something special about a night away from home, without cooking. , no dishes to wash and a hearty breakfast to keep you going all day.

This selection includes establishments with just a few rooms and larger options requiring a large wallet.

Narberth Grove

Molleston, Pembrokeshire

This fabulous family hotel is located in the hollow of a pond, surrounded by ancient forests and sky-blue hydrangeas. There’s no ugly signage; no awards framed with AA rosettes; no leaflets. Just a beautiful, somewhat quirky house, parts of which date back to the 14th century. The restaurant has a Michelin star.

Doubles from £201 grovenarberth.co.uk

The Narberth Grove is a beautiful and somewhat original house, parts of which date back to the 14th century

The Lamb Inn

Shipton- under-Wychwood, Oxfordshire

Arriving here amid the chatter of happy diners scattered in various nooks and crannies, with flagstone floors, a creaking bar and five understated pieces make life better. Good value for money too. Two thirty-somethings, Peter and Tom, are in charge and offer a superb menu (don't miss the anchovy toast...