We stayed at this De Vere hotel during the February half term. We chose it because it is about 30 minutes from Brighton and 20 from Drusilla’s Zoo, both of which we intended to visit during our three day stay. The hotel is modern and spacious with two golf courses. It was easy to park and we went into the extensive lobby, with its large modern chandeliers, were greeted immediately in a friendly fashion and given our room keys. Our room was on the same floor as reception (some are below and some above but there is a lift) and had a balcony overlooking the countryside and golf course. The room was a good size with a comfortable bed, free internet and a bathroom with a separate bath and shower. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate and biscuits were provided.
We had drinks in the bar and then went into the restaurant for dinner. This is an attractive room and in daylight would have lovely views from the large windows. The menu was short but interesting. Most courses were served on slate slabs which may look attractive but tends to be rather unpleasant and squeaky with the cutlery. We had the chicken livers and the ham hock pâté, both of which were very good. We both chose the duck for our main course, which was beautifully presented but we each had one tender and one tough slice which we left. The waiter apologised for the tough slices but we were not offered anything else. The desserts were excellent. We noticed that the menu did not change whilst we were there so if we had wanted an evening meal another night we would have eaten from the bar menu as the menu in the dining room was too short to choose from more than once. Perhaps this was why the dining room was almost empty.
Breakfast was very good. We both opted for the buffet each morning but items such as kippers were available to order. This was the only hotel buffet we have encountered where the fried eggs were beautifully fresh rather than dried up under the lights, excellent – it shows what can be done without having to have someone there preparing eggs while you wait.
One thing which we thought was not good was the fact that, although they have family rooms, the swimming pool cannot be used by children during the week and only for about two hours each day at the weekend. This seems very restrictive and we have not had this at other De Vere hotels. I feel this fact should be made clear on their website. It is definitely a hotel for adults and was more expensive than our other stays with De Vere – £100 bed and breakfast. However, it was a lovely hotel with great staff.
