The Brudenell

Situated right on the Aldeburgh seafront, and busy throughout the year, The Brudenell is a bit of a local institution, owned by the same people who own the White Lion at the other end of the town, and one or two other Suffolk gems, for example the Crown & Castle in nearby Orford and the famously timbered and ancient Swan at Lavenham. It's perhaps typical of the group's aim to take unloved places with bags of potential and turn them into special, contemporary places to stay, although with the Brudenell they could hardly have failed – its position is a hotelier's dream, and its outside terrace would make even a mediocre restaurant appealing.

As it happens, you don't need to settle for mediocrity:  its 44 guest rooms rooms are plush and comfortable, re-furbished relatively recently, and many not surprisingly have sea views., Spread across three floors, and ranging from standard Doubles to Superior and Deluxe, they all come with tea- and coffee-making facilities, complimentary water, good wifi and Smart TVs; some have a mini fridge and walk-in showers as well as baths. They also have two adapted accessible rooms, and there is a lift for easier access. All of the hotel's room are also dog-friendly, though dogs aren't allowed in the restaurant, .

With a location as good as the Brudenell's it would be hard to fail, right on the seafront on the northern edge of town, but nonetheless its jaunty maritime style is right on-message with the Aldeburgh vibe. And yes, there is a pretty good ground floor restaurant with a well-appointed outside terrace overlooking the sea.