Hotels in Birmingham, West Midlands, UK, GB.

The Tower Hotel, Harwich

Main Road, Dovercourt, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3PJ

Built in 1885, in the Italian style, as a private residence, the main feature of this imposing building is the attractive tower at its northeast corner. It has a wealth of ornamental ceilings, cornices, beautiful architraves and is crowned by an impressive balustrade. It is not surprising to find this is a classified Grade Two-Listed Building. Set in its own pleasant leafy grounds, it retains an air of bygone elegance. However, in line with its admirable adaptation to its new life as a hotel, it has wide, easy access to the main road at either end of its sweeping drive.

The Hotel Continental, Harwich

28!29 Marine Pde, Dovercourt Bay, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3RG

A small independent hotel overlooking the sea at Dovercourt Bay, minutes by car from Harwich International Port. A modern interior in a Victorian seaside property which is painted bright yellow on the outside, reminiscent of buttercups, sunflowers and oilseed rape. It is very informal, unpretentious and friendly. Open to residents and non-residents alike.

The dining room seats 40 and is non-smoking. The hotel serves food throughout the day and evening. On demand you can choose from bar snacks or a la carte. The hotel buys quality ingredients including organic . The hotel caters very well for vegetarians. There is a public bar, which until summer 2007 allows smoking. After the smoking ban comes into operation there will be a seafront terrace area where smokers can sit. In addition, there is a non-smoking lounge with library.