First impressions

Two 18th-century Georgian villas, joined to form a hotel and annexe, in a quiet road five minutes’ walk from the 12th-century cathedral. With a nod to its Dutch owners, The Netherlands tricolour hangs outside.

Why it’s special

Just voted the AA’s Accessible Hotel of the Year. It has an adapted stateroom and luxury suite.

Hitting the sack

There are 15 individually decorated rooms in a hotch-potch of classical styles. Wooden floors, overstuffed cushions and animal prints on the wall. The adapted stateroom (ask for The Cavalier) has its own patio in formal gardens overlooking the old castle moat.

Sampling the fare

Elaborate dishes, beautifully presented by Stuart McLeod, interspersed with canapés, amuse-bouches and pre-desserts. Dinner in La Rive restaurant, three courses at £36.95 per person or seven courses of chef creations at £46.95. There is alway a vegetarian option — shallot and thyme tart with grilled goat’s cheese highly recommended — but ask for the separate veggie menu. Vast wine list (between £16.95 and £720 per bottle).

Added attractions

The cathedral with the Mappa Mundi and Chained Library. The Left Bank Village has restaurants and tapas bars.

Star quality

Marco Pierre-White, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Ruth Rogers.

Access all areas

Actually there are more wheelchair-friendly hotels — but few with the style and comfort of the Castle House. External access only from the annexe.

The bottom line

From single rooms at £95 per night to staterooms at £215, including breakfast.

Need to know

Castle House Hotel (01432 356321, www.castlehse.co.uk), Castle Street, Hereford.

Andrew Healey

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