The Harbourmaster is a bright blue boutique hotel that stands proud on the harbour of Aberaeron, a Welsh seaside town. This Grade II-listed building in Cardigan Bay dates from 1811 and was originally used to control harbour traffic. It re-opened in 2002, with a cheeky style that mixes nautical references with clean, contemporary styling.

The facilities

The Harbourmaster's restaurant and bar is at its heart. Food is Modern Welsh, excellently done - try the Welsh Black fillet steak or locally-caught lobster. All vegetables are organic and locally sourced and bread is baked fresh every day.

The rooms

The 13 individually decorated rooms are a real find - all of them modern seaside glamour pads through and through. Rooms have flat screen TVs, DVD players, Wi-Fi and beds made up with Frette linen, as well as gorgeous Molton Brown toiletries in the bathrooms.

Accomodation at this boutique hotel is split across three buildings, with some in the original house and others in a converted warehouse and a cottage. Suites like Aeron Queen in the warehouse and Madonna in the original building give fantastic panoramic views of the bay. Gambia has a lovely view of the town and countryside, as well as good disabled access. Harbourmaster is the ideal place for those who like their accommodation luxe and playful - you get the best of both worlds here.