Fodor's Expert Review Grand Mercure Basildene Manor

Each of the rooms in this grand, circa-1912 house has been lovingly refurbished to reflect modern comforts, though history still looms large in the main homestead, and due to its big-name chain ownership (Accor), it has loads of extras on offer. A galleried landing and thick, old jarrah floorboards give feelings of yesteryear. It's rumored that the big acorn tree at the front of the house came from an acorn taken from the grounds of Buckingham Palace. Breakfast is served in the conservatory, where you can look out over the property's 14 beautifully landscaped acres.