A 15-minute walk from the Pier, Mansion House is actually two 20th-century wood-frame mansions in charming Arts and Crafts style. One house is said to have been home to the city's first mayor. The 1st and 2nd floors of each house have inviting, individually decorated rooms; the most appealing might be the Carriage Room, which has a cathedral ceiling and an old-fashioned, custom-made, built-in four-poster bed. Pros: within walking distance of restaurants and shops; lots of charm. Cons: steps to climb; not for families with small kids.
Visit the Travel Talk forums for help on planning your trip