Montagu Arms Hotel

The 22-room Montagu Arms Hotel is a 17th-century country house located in the village of Beaulieu. The two-story, red-brick building covered in vines has two large white stone hounds flanking the entrance. Inside, the lobby has herringbone hardwood floors, a red-brick fireplace with a black lion statue on the hearth, and a gorgeous antique grandfather clock in one corner. The lounge is more modern, with contemporary furniture and lighter decor. The backyard is well-maintained, with a grassy lawn and manicured topiary, and there's a stone porch with seating. This hotel is ideal for adult tourists or couples on a romantic weekend, but it's not the best choice for families, as rooms are small and there isn't much to entertain young children.

The hotel is located on a busy road that runs through the town of Beaulieu, in the middle of the New Forest National Park. Unfortunately, there isn't much within walking distance, save for a few shops, and the area is mostly residential. Beaulieu is a sightseeing destination in its own right, however, because of the 13th-century Palace House (a one-minute drive), and The Beaulieu National Motor Museum (a two-minute drive); if the roads leading to these destinations had sidewalks it would be possible to go on foot, but guests without their own car might feel stranded. All the major sights within the park are within easy driving distance: It's a 12-minute drive to the New Forest Wildlife Park; seven-minute drive to Buckler's Hard, an 18th-century village with maritime history; and a seven-minute drive to the famous Exbury Gardens.

The small rooms are done up in a simple yet swank English country decor. Many of the rooms have four-poster beds and views of the hotel's gardens and the Beaulieu River across the street. Unfortunately, the hotel is right on the main road that winds through the town, so expect some traffic noise, especially if the windows are open at night. Rooms have flat-screen TVs, bathrobes, hairdryers, irons, and electric kettles (though there is also a free coffee and tea service brought up to the rooms each morning, if requested). Mattresses are on the thin side.

The hotel has two restaurants on site: the Michelin-starred Terrace Restaurant, which offers afternoon teas and dishes made with herbs from the hotel's own garden, and Monty's Inn, a family-friendly pub serving classic English fare. Room service is also available. There are two meeting rooms for business conferences, free Wi-Fi, and free parking. Guests can also use the swimming pool, sauna, steam room, hot tub, and gym found at the Montagu's sister hotel -- SenSpa at Careys Manor -- a 13-minute drive away, though access isn't free.