The traditional bed and breakfast conjures up images of 1950's style nostalgia and a matronly looking landlady perched over a frying pan in an apron. Fast forward to 2015 and places such as Magazine Wood on the North Norfolk coast and you could be forgiven for thinking you had arrived at a five star hotel.

Magazine Wood offers just three rooms but all were purpose-designed to offer luxurious and extremely comfortable accommodation. Every room has its own independent entrance as well as a terrace and dedicated parking space. Once inside guests can expect stylish accommodation with real attention to detail and all those extra touches that separate good from great. The owners Pip and Jonathan Barber spent over a decade in the travel business not as hoteliers but as  guests and it really shows. “I hate to think how many hours I spent travelling in upmarket hotels and over that time I got a real appreciation for what makes a difference when you are staying away from home” says Jonathan.

Named by the Sunday Times as one of the “Ultimate 100 Hotels in Britain” last year, Magazine Wood is not short on creature comforts,  guest phones, private verandas, mini-bars, snug dressing gowns, on-demand movies, personal tablets, moody lighting, in-room libraries and downloadable newspapers.  Nevertheless Pip Barber doesn't believe that all these additions make the real difference “what makes it special is that it has a bit of soul and people who live here and care”. 

The ethos is escaping from the world with a friendly, professional yet relaxed approach. Upon booking, all guests are given access to their online concierge which helps with planning everything from booking a meal to arranging a day out. Guests can start the day with a delicious 'anytime' breakfast in the privacy of their own room and order hot options when they want. There is also a sundowner service for the breath-taking sunsets and regular guests can book early flexible check-ins. If you want to go for a walk you can even borrow a dog, suddenly the executive lounge and deluxe double doesn't seem so appealing.

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