Address: The Quay, Harwich, Essex CO12 3HH.

Tel: 01255 241212

Website: pieratharwich.com

First impressions: Pretty Victorian building oddly wedged in the middle of a busy port.

What are the rooms like? Comfortable, clean, not too chintzy. Not too big either. Good mini bar, TV. Slightly unusual view, though. One minute you've got fluttering yachts in the foreground,with the port of Felixstowe in the background. Then, suddenly, the window is filled with the unnerving sight of a massive Stena car ferry steaming off to the Hook of Holland.

The bed test: Lovely crisp white linen on a double bed of slightly mean proportions.

The bathroom test: White, clean, tiled. Tricky taps. Not enough potions and lotions for proper weekend pampering, but the basics are there.

The restaurant: Lots of fresh fish. Excellent basics - fish and chips were delicious. But other dishes suffered from being unnecessarily fussy.

What is there to see within walking distance? For a boat and harbour-obsessed child, it's perfect. You can watch crates being lifted by massive cranes, comings and goings of the local ferry as well as the huge cross-Channel monstrosities. There's a small, beach. Otherwise, some nice pubs and bric-a-brac shops.

What is there to see within driving distance? All the beauties of Constable country.

How much a night? Doubles range from £80-£150, including a continental breakfast. Short breaks - two nights, dinner and full English breakfast - £200-£220.