Four hotels given special praise by top tourist guide

Goldstone Hall in Market Drayton, Timberstone in Clee Stanton, near Ludlow, Silverton in Shrewsbury and Pen-y-Dyffryn, at Rhydycroesau, near Oswestry, were all singled out for special mention in the 2017 edition of the Good Hotel Guide.

Goldstone Hall was commended in two categories, the "discoveries" section for hotels which have come to the guide's attention in the past 12 months, and the "gardens" categories.

Timberstone received special praise in the bed-and-breakfast category, while Pen-y-Dyffryn was recommended as ideal for walkers.

A total of 16 hotels in Shropshire and five in Mid Wales made it into this year's guide.

The guide focuses on small, independent hotels, and inclusion is determined by a team of inspectors, as well as readers' recommendations.

Goldstone Hall was praised for its as being "uniformly brilliant" by inspectors in this year's guide.

"Intimate and informal, this characterful, family-run Georgian manor house fits the bill for quiet weekends away," inspectors said.

"In lovely, well-kept grounds, with an extraordinary kitchen garden, the 'uniformly brilliant' hotel was founded by Helen Ward over 30 years ago."

Praise is also given for its inviting lounges, excellent restaurant and delightful views.

Timberstone's owners Tracey Baylis and Alex Read were praised by one contributor to this year's guide, who had returned for their fourth visit.

Reviewer David Bailey said: "Tracey Baylis, who has worked for Michelin-starred chef Shaun Hill, cooks delicious dinners for appreciative visitors."

The Pen-y-Dyffryn was praised for its gorgeous setting, "blending into the hillside" on the Welsh border.

"Miles and Audrey Hunter have run their lovely small hotel for nearly 30 years," said the guide.

"It's the sort of place that attracts and retains loyal returning guests. Visitors praise the charming, helpful, friendly staff and the superb food.

In Shrewsbury, the Silverton in Frankwell was commended in the "value" category.

The guide said: "Just over the Welsh Bridge from the historic town centre, David Cheshire and Donna Miles's excellent-value restaurant-with-rooms is liked for its great, friendly service and modern, almost minimalist rooms."

Over the border in Crickhowell, Powys, Gliffaes is rated as the ideal place for a romantic break.

"Pheasants scatter on the lawn around this Italianate mansion standing proudly by the River Usk, where inspectors found a fine house filled with warm, amiable staff," said the guide.

Eckington Manor in Worcestershire was rated as one of the gourmet's choices, and The Stagg Inn at Titley in Herefordshire was singled out as one of the best gastropubs.

Shropshire hotels listed in the 2017 Good Hotel Guide are: Pen-y-Dyffryn, Oswestry; Castle Hotel, Bishop's Castle; Old Downton Lodge, Ludlow; The Haughmond, Upton Magna; Goldstone Hall, Market Drayton; The Clive, Ludlow; Shropshire Hills, Ludlow; Grove Farm House, Shrewsbury; Lion and Pheasant, Shrewsbury; The Inn at Grinshill, Shrewsbury; The Silverton, Shrewsbury; The Old Rectory, Wheathill; The Library House, Ironbridge; Chatford House, Shrewsbury; Timberstone, Clee Stanton.

Mid Wales hotels listed are: The Bear, Hay-on-Wye; The Lake, Llangammarch Wells; The Coach House, Brecon; The Checkers, Montgomery; The Drawing Room, near Builth Wells, Cwmbach.