Hotel The Conch House Marina Resort (St. Augustine, USA)

Still in the ownership of the Ponce family; few establishments can match a clientele that's built up over a period of 400 years!

The famous 'lounge' was originally built out in to over 100 yards of water. It created a fascinating appeal locally and much further afield; something that continues to this day.

The accommodation is attractive, staff are welcoming, the restaurant is unusually located and appealing and whilst some areas are not top notch; the overall impression is uniquely attractive and memorable.

The 4-star rating is more than a tad optimistic. Many aspects here are extremely old and in need of an update. Still, after 400 years ...! Plus-+ it's something of a smoking gun!- rooms are, of course, non-smoking, but every room has a smoking area outside! Consequently, neighboring non-smokers suffer considerably.

There's no wardrobe or drawer storage space and there's no willingness on the part of staff to co-operate in finding a solution. The stock response is that there are no alternative rooms available. There's plenty of lunch and dinner choices in the restaurant ... but no breakfast.

The restaurant menu is OK but vastly overpriced. Geared, naturally, to the availability of seafood, it doesn't take long for the guest to peruse the menu, realise that it is very expensive and vow not to return in the foreseeable future.