My first sight of Hotel Relish, via its website, left me uncertain whether the establishment had a restaurant, and if first impressions count, the hotel’s failure to respond to an email inquiry was not a good start. It transpired that the Relish is a “Bed and Breakfast hotel” — whatever that is.

A phone call, however, was a different matter: a helpful receptionist, Svenja, happily took my booking, although of the ten rooms only a small double was available.

The hotel is a rather grand Georgian house set back from the sea. The decorations are calm and tasteful, and it retains a sense of being a private house that is immediately welcoming.

Entering the Indigo room, we were surprised at the apparent lack of space. Floor area was limited and the room appeared cluttered. A desk against the wall had a plant, lamp, phone and two hotel guidebooks — one opened to the Hotel Relish — placed on it; a clear surface would have been welcome. While I fetched coats from the car my partner dragged the desk into the corner. “It was the only way I could get into the room with the bags,” he claimed.

The weather in Folkestone was chilly, and after a brisk exploration of the town we headed back to the room to watch the England-Ireland rugby match, taking advantage of the complimentary beer from the open kitchen (wine, beer, juice, tea, coffee and cake were available). The place was so relaxed it was like taking a beer from the fridge at home.

Lying on the bed watching the flat-screen TV, the room seemed more spacious. The bed was extremely comfortable and the bedding luxurious. The en suite bathroom was great with fantastic shower pressure and the Aveda bath products were a nice touch.

A folder offered suggestions of where to eat. Unfortunately, some menus had no address or phone number and could have been anywhere — locations ranged between Canterbury and Ashford (both 17 miles distant). We went for the local option, Paul’s, with the simple description: “Great restaurant; fabulous food”. Kimberley downstairs booked us a table.

Breakfast was wonderful and the service attentive without being overbearing: a full English, choice of style of eggs and selection of cereals, breads and spreads. However, a small table laden with plates, cutlery, cups, glasses and sauces was uncomfortably cluttered.

Hotel Relish may just have the B&B hotel thing right — we felt relaxed and at home, yet without the pressure of being guests of strangers; the services of a hotel without the atmosphere of a business.

Bottom line: £79 for a small double room with breakfast.

Sampling the fare: Breakfast — plentiful English.

What we think: Relaxed and comfortable.

Best thing: “Home away from home” atmosphere.

Worst thing: Cluttered bedroom.

Access all areas: No disabled access.

Need to know: Hotel Relish, 4 Augusta Gardens, Folkestone, Kent (01303 850952; www.hotelrelish.co.uk).

Room: 7 out of 10.

Food: 9 out of 10.

Service: 9 out of 10.

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