Fodor's Expert Review Beech Hill Country House Hotel

Journey past a fairy-tale gatehouse amid clumps of beech trees, streams, and a duck pond to reach this grand 1729 country home in 32 acres of woodland. Rooms in the old building are decorated in Georgian style, while the 10 rooms in the extension are larger and contemporary. Ask for an upgrade to a superior room for a king-size bed. Dining options include the stylish Ardmore restaurant or the new Sixteen 22 Bistro where you can see the original walls of the manor house along with the authentic stone floor. Burgers, ribs, fish and lamb, as well as lasagne or cauliflower-based vegetarian dishes are on the menu. A museum celebrates the fact that Beech Hill housed a contingent of U.S. Marines during World War II, when it became part of "Base One Europe." The hotel's museum has been selected for an award by the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation in Quantico, Virginia. Signposted walking trails of the grounds (print and audio guides available) take you past sites where the Marines spent time. It's a 30-minute walk from the hotel to Ebrington Square and the Peace Bridge (which takes you to the other side of the city) and is worth the effort.