Captain's Club Hotel

Striking architecture and a holiday atmosphere on the banks of the River Stour in pretty Christchurch

Recently voted "Best Coastal Town", Christchurch is a great destination for a UK holiday, thanks to its beautiful sandy beaches, its proximity to Europe's largest natural harbour at Poole, and the attractions of Bournemouth and the New Forest nearby. However, finding somewhere swanky to stay was always tricky - until the Captain's Club Hotel opened in 2006. The contemporary, purpose-built hotel has 29 rooms (including some large suites ideal for families), all with superb views over the River Stour.

Its location has always been popular: home to a Pontin's Holiday Resort until the early 1990s, you'll now find something altogether more stylish. The modern, nautical building of wood panelling, aquamarine port holes and swathes of glass also houses a luxurious spa plus a lively bar and restaurant serving great seafood. Sipping champagne on the terrace, overlooking a river dotted with sailing boats and swans, it feels like the perfect spot for a short break. And thankfully, there's not a Pontin's blue coat in sight.

Highs

• Fantastic location: picturesque, popular, and perfect for pottering about the park, wandering Christchurch's little streets and taking the ferry to nearby beaches
• Great restaurant and bar that spill onto the riverside terrace. The food is good, and we loved the cocktails when we revisited in 2012
• The very spacious 2- and 3-bedroom suites with their open-plan living-kitchen areas - just right for families or groups of friends
• Luxurious spa with a hydrotherapy pool and specialist treatments for men and women
• There's lots to do in this part of the world: sailing (the hotel even has its own yacht), hiking along the coast, cycling through the New Forest

Lows

• None of the rooms have any outside space, though they do all have a lovely river view
• Noise carries to the rooms from the terrace when people are dining outside in the summer. However, diners must move indoors at 11pm, and, let's face it, you'll probably be down there with them
• The air con unit can be heard from certain rooms
• The spa and restaurant are popular with outsiders so it's advisable to book ahead
• The interior design is cool and calming, but not cutting-edge