Hotel Flossie's B&B (Alton, United Kingdom)

There's a lot of cleaning and upgrading going on here by ‘new broom' owners who are also very friendly and accommodating. Bedrooms are on the large and spacious side and the only sound to be heard is from the working farm in the distance. Very relaxing.

In the heart of deepest Hampshire, you can relax in comfortable rooms and particularly comfortable beds. The occasional lack of an en-suite bathroom doesn't matter as the separate bathroom is for your own private use - not shared. It's only seven miles from the Jane Austen Museum

Sometimes, the room has a kitchenette area and this is perfect for those wanting the freedom that only self-catering can offer. It's well equipped with crockery, cutlery and tea and coffee facilities. Not luxurious, but clean, functional and relaxing. If you opt for the breakfast supplied here, it is very good and substantial.

There seems to be almost a reluctance to provide breakfast - and sometimes, it's just not available, full stop! If you have any dietary requirements, they need masses of notice to cope with it. Even if they do serve breakfast, it takes ages to materialise.

The detached accommodation unit is like an outbuilding in the yard. It's also very cold. Currently the B&B is treading a tight-rope between rural appeal and frankly, not very clean. All in all, it is somewhat overpriced for what is on offer.

This is fine if you really want to relax and do nothing … because, locally, there's nothing to do. If here for an extended period, the boredom factor will kick in after the first day or so.