Wilton Court Restaurant with Rooms

With its quaint red stone facade adorned with sculpted shrubbery, creeping foliage, and washes of colorful flowers, there is something instantly attractive about the four-pearl Wilton Court Hotel. Once the magistrates court and dating back to 1510, this Elizabethan-era property exudes plenty of historical charm with pretty mullioned windows, medieval-looking wooden doors, and ancient timber beams -- as well as numerous curios from the Far East. Having worked in some of the world's finest hotels, owners Helen and Roger bring an expert level of service and hospitality while the property's peaceful riverfront setting -- complete with passing swans and the occasional otter -- provides the finishing touch of a particularly idyllic scene. While the hotel does host the odd corporate booking, guests are mainly touring and weekending couples, as well as birdwatchers and amateur painters drawn by the wildlife and attractive surrounds.  

The hotel is located down a tiny road in the small Herefordshire village of Wilton overlooking the River Wye. The surrounds are particular serene and picturesque while a 15-minute walk across a stone bridge takes visitors to the attractive market town of Ross-on-Wye -- considered the birthplace of the British tourist industry. There's also plenty of pretty countryside to explore by car such as the Malvern Hills and Brecon Beacons National Park (both around an hour's drive), while easy access to the A40 highway means easy road links throughout the area. Public transport links, however, are limited to nonexistent. 

The hotel has just 11 traditionally styled rooms with plenty of floral-patterned fabrics and wallpaper (William Morris or Sanderson design). The decor is complemented by original period features such as beamed ceiling and original fireplaces (not available in every room; the one we saw in the River View Super King Room had an electric insert in the original hearth). Most of the rooms have king-size beds and all provide pretty views over the gardens or river. Amenities include free (though patchy) Wi-Fi, electric kettles, and flat-screen TVs with DVD players -- free movie loans are available from the library. Clean and fairly modern bathrooms provide heated towel rails and Gilchrist & Soames toiletries while waffle-towel kimono-style robes and extra fluffy towels are also provided. 

There's a real focus on dining at the Wilton Court Hotel, which describes itself as a "restaurant with rooms." The bright and fresh Mulberry Restaurant serves a hearty breakfast with options such as a cooked full English, kippers, and porridge; it's included in the rate and can be enjoyed overlooking the garden. A weekly changing market menu of British cooking is also available for lunch and dinner as well as traditional Sunday lunches in the lovely space with flower-topped tables. There's also a pleasant bar -- though not as snug as it might be -- as well as plenty of outside seating for alfresco drinking and nibbles. A cozy library provides couches, book-lined shelves, and DVDs to borrow and bring back to your room. Wi-Fi is free throughout, but can be patchy at times.