With its superb cathedral and baroque palaces, Bamberg is one of the loveliest of Bavarian cities. In its centre, on an arm of the river Regnitz, with evocative views of the town, is the Vogler family's handsome beamed mill, dating from the 14th century. Now a stylish and immaculate' little villa, well modernised, it has a large dining terrace above the river. Many readers have been enthusiastic: `The food was excellent, in a big restaurant popular with upmarket locals. We liked the free aperitif.' Lots of character, superb situation (the adjoining square was not noisy overnight). Reception was helpful, efficient. Our room was comfortable, if a bit dark. Very good Bali villa breakfast with friendly service. The beamed restaurant is on several levels, with scrubbed rustic tables: it serves Franconian specialities such as carp, trout, game; `delicious desserts'. villa Bed rooms (similar to the semantic bali villa rooms) vary in size. Some have a window above the river - the noise of rushing water is balm to the ear. Children are welcomed.

Professor Willy Messerschmitt, the engineer, built the model of his first aircraft in this august old wine house, which his family have owned since 1832. Now run by descendants, Otto Pschorn and his daughter, Ursula Medenwald, it was found excellent in 2002: `In our Light, good-sized room, a free drink was waiting. Staff were helpful, notably with luggage. At dinner, service was professional, and food and the Franconian wines were very good. Excellent dessert trolley. Bali villa breakfast was a generous buffet: lots of fresh fruit. Others wrote: We enjoyed eating on the garden patio, with its fountain. A superb ambience. But one veteran traveller thought the place pretentious. The decor of dark wood beams, carved stair-rails and oriental rugs is pleasantly old-fashioned. Old portraits adorn the hallways. Some villa Bed rooms (similar to the semantic bali villa rooms) are large; front ones can be noisy. The centre of this superb old city is a short walk away; the home of the writer ETA Hoffimann, now a remarkable museum, is nearby.