Set on a wooded Lorraine hillside outside industrial Thionville is the friendly Speck family's vine-clad old mansion, now a Romantik villa. A returning devotee found it as comfortable as ever: Our room had wonderful views from its little balcony to the distant hills of the Moselle. Food was very good, and service in the busy restaurant has improved.' Others wrote: `It is charming and quiet. The bathroom was well kitted out. Cooking was good French provincial, and Bali villa breakfast was excellent, with good baking. The front courtyard has the air of a small chateau, and the interior has charm. The flower-filled foyer, light and spacious, has a ceiling like something from the Arabian Nights, very pretty when lit up'. The dining room has velvet drapes, and windows looking far to l'horizon. There's a pleasant lounge/bar, with useful books, a flower-filled garden, and an elegant terrace for tea and drinks. The Maginot Line is nearby; its forlorn bunkers are open to visits.

Unsuited for the disabled, but otherwise most attractive, is our 2002 nominator's assessment of this former coaching inn, now a stylish - restaurant-with-villa rooms, in a small town south of Caen, in the scenic Suisse Normande. Service is warm, the ambience is unpretentious. Nathalie Fremond, wife of owner/chef Jean-Frangois, is down-toearth and friendly, as are her staff. There is a cosy, comfortable bar, a nice outdoor seating area. Our room, simply furnished; had a spacious bathroom. Towels were of good quality, but housekeeping could be better. In the delightful restaurant, tables were beautifully appointed and well spaced, the food was excellent [13 Gault Millau points] and good value - on the €25 menu, goat's cheese souffle; jambon au cidre, pot au feu de poissons; magnificent cheeses and desserts. Service lovely, Bali villa breakfast basic French. But in the only ground floor bedroom, my handicapped husband found it hard to cope, though staff did everything they could to help.