Horsted Place Hotel

On a cold January day, it would not be unusual to find such hotels as Horsted very quiet. The atmosphere on this occasion was sepulchral, but we didn’t mind. Afternoon tea was a pleasant distraction from the gloom outdoors and the dining room here is a charming, well-proportioned room with a beautiful vista across the countryside. Less attractive is the modern furniture which doesn’t quite work, but it’s all about personal taste, so this is not a criticism. Staff were friendly and helpful, the afternoon tea itself, was acceptable but not memorable. Our scones were undercooked, there were very few sandwiches, (sacrificed we felt, at the expense of the sweet items, which were plentiful.) However, we are quite sure that we could have ordered more sandwiches. We would have appreciated leaf tea as opposed to tea bags - makes a big difference. In warmer weather afternoon tea on the terrace would be very pleasant. Horsted is very interesting and I might well dine here in the future.

If you’re an opera lover, Glyndebourne will be known to you. What isn’t as well known is that after such sublime art, the idea of getting on an overlay 10pm train back to London - with all the undesirable activity that implies - is extremely unappealing. You want instead to find a local place of peace, tranquility and not a little grandeur to lay your head for the night. After all, Glyndebourne is a formal festival at which most attendees still wear Black Tie. This is why I visited, with clients, Horsted Place Hotel. Somewhere nearby that was only 10-15 mins drive from the opera house. It has a gentility and soft but defiant luxury to it. Like an old, penniless Countess who despite only possessing old jewellery and shoes, can still rustle up a daring, modern outfit. The bones are good. An 1850 Manor House, Tudor Revival, with, in most cases, a sensitively updated interior. Rooms are themed according to the famous visitors of the house and surrounding countryside. Worth noting that Queen Elizabeth II and DoE visited in the 1960s when their friends bought the house. Given the age and social stature of the house, the rooms are very large and comfortable, with views over the countryside surrounding it. As it is down a long driveway, you hear nothing of any major roads around. Reception is a little strange, as it is just a small desk in the hallway as you enter, but it’s difficult to see where else to put it. Aside from check in and check out we had little need for staff help, but it was adequate and friendly. It’s not too chintzy here, which can always be a worry for some people about luxury country house hotels in the UK at this price point. It has been recently redecorated and tastefully so. Yes, it’s a little more outdated than, Beaverbrook or Estelle Manor, but then you’re not paying those prices. No dinner was had, but breakfast was good. The only issue was no Uber driver would come down the driveway. The hotel helped when the Uber driver cancelled, enabling us to get a replacement vehicle from a local taxi company.

This was our third time at Horsted Place and we had a brilliant time. The staff couldn't have been more courteous and helpful and the breakfast and evening meal were exceptional. Our room was spotlessly clean and the bed comfortable. However, since we were last there the hotel had undergone a facelift. Not everyone's tastes are the same and my husband and I felt differently about the new decor. For me, internally the new decorations and furnishings have lost some of its classical charm and class and were too bland- not at all to my taste. I particularly disliked the tables and the missing white tablecloths. Even so, it is a beautiful building and I would still go back.

We had lunch. Made to feel very welcome and everyone was really friendly, drinks by the fire and the food was clearly prepared with skill. The service was attentive and we stayed without pressure to leave for a couple hours after eating. For the value price was good.

Stayed on the 28th December. Wonderful stay ,hotel was very luxurious. Lounge very comfortable, drinks choice amazing. Had lunch in the lounge was brilliant. The bedroom omg, we had a superior suite. It was massive, seperate shower and bath. At dinner was greeted to live piano music. The food was sublime, Recommend the butternut squash starter. Fish was amazing and the banana pudding was exquisite. We will definitely return. 5 stars. Amazing experience

We're local and chose to have our Christmas Day luch here after a positive Sunday lunch in the Autumn. We really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere, the food was well cooked and not over fussy with great wine, however the best point were the staff, excellent service, thank you!