West Sussex
Despite being extensively invaded by the Romans, and more recently Londoners snapping up second homes, West Sussex has thankfully retained plenty of its character. The South Downs are a wooded ripple across the middle of the county, offering good walking and views to the coast, where creeks and harbours hide waterside villages and the odd ice cream van. Classic events like horseracing and the Festival of Speed at Goodwood or the polo at Cowdray Park are tempered by simpler pleasures such as walking in woods carpeted with bluebells or having a beer in a fine country pub. In this varied landscape, places to hang your hat are also a mixed bunch. Left over from days when folk went shrimping in Bognor for their annual escape, there is a sea of no-nonsense coastal guesthouses that do a brisk trade for the bucket-and-spade brigade. At the other end of the scale, five-star country piles abound, where former Lords and Ladies peer from their canvas haunts at corporate types having a pow-wow or girlfriends relaxing into the fluffy robes of a spa package. And, except for Brighton, which deserves a list all to itself, the green, pleasant countryside is where our top ten hotels were discovered; interestingly none are by the sea. The order by which the hotels are listed bears no reflection on our preference.
The best hotels in West Sussex
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Amberley Castle
West Sussex
Historic castle dating back to the 12th century. Atmospheric rooms, moat, and oak portcullis. Behind lie acres of landscaped gardens.
19 rooms from $507Four poster beds - For romantics.Romantic - Good for couples.Recommended by - Mr & Mrs Smith, Frommers, Kiwi Collection, Relais & Chateaux, Travel Intelligence, Michelin Travel -
South Lodge Hotel
West Sussex
Classic luxury country retreat in 93 acres of parkland and woodland. Views over the South Downs, Michelin-starred restaurant, sumptuous rooms.
89 rooms from $507Four poster beds - For romantics.Views - Great views from hotel5* Luxury - Very high service standards.Recommended by - Johansens, Small Luxury Hotels -
Gravetye Manor
East Grinstead, West Sussex
An Elizabethan gem of timeless comforts, an exceptional garden and old fashioned hospitality. Independently owned with Michelin starred cooking.
17 rooms from $387Garden - Former home of garden pioneer William RobinsonRestaurant - Recommended.Restrictions on children - Children welcome from 7 years.Sights nearby - Stay here for Glyndebourne -
Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa
West Sussex
Atmospheric mock medieval house with award winning spa set amid 30 acres of private parkland with direct access to Climping Beach.
39 rooms from $387Spa - Wide range of treatments using Temple Spa productsFour poster beds - For romantics.Great walks - Good for walkers.Swimming Pool - Indoor/outdoorRecommended by - Johansens -
Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa Hotel
Crawley, West Sussex
Long established country house hotel with pool, spa and fine dining close to Gatwick. Extensive parkland and gardens.
38 rooms from $354Garden - 120 acres of parkland.Spa - Award winning spa with wide range of treatments.Swimming Pool - Indoor/outdoorRecommended by - Small Luxury Hotels -
Spread Eagle Hotel And Spa
Midhurst, West Sussex
Historic coaching inn dating back to 1430. Traditional interiors, oak beams, and huge open fires. Antique filled rooms with contemporary comforts. Spa and award-winning restaurant.
39 rooms from $306 -
Crab and Lobster
Sidlesham, West Sussex
Contemporary yet cosy restaurant with rooms in a charming waterside spot on the banks of Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve. Romantic escape, fine seafood, views over the salt marshes.
4 rooms from $225Restaurant - Recommended.Secluded setting - For escaping.Great walks - Good for walkers.Sights nearby - Well located for major sights. -
Park House Hotel
Midhurst, West Sussex
A traditional family hotel with a timeless feel in the heart of the South Downs National Park. Ideal for families - tennis, pool and spa, and lovely walking on the Downs.
21 rooms from $217Exclusive offer - Weekend Indulgence GetawaySights nearby - Roman villas at Fishbourne and Bignor, plus Chichester Cathedral and plenty of stately homes close at hand.Swimming Pool - 15m indoor pool & heated outdoor pool (summer only)SpaGreat walks - Good for walkers. -
The Angel
Midhurst, West Sussex
Venerable Georgian coaching inn at the centre of lovely Midhurst, with inventive cooking and contemporary guest rooms to match. Dripping with history.
15 rooms from $209Exclusive offer - Walking BreakSights nearby - Explore Petworth House, Arundel Castle and Chichester.Birdwatching - Good birding near the hotel.Four poster beds - For romantics.Great walks - Good for walkers. -
Ockenden Manor
West Sussex
Tranquil and historic manor house just an hour from London, boasting oak-panelled cosiness and fine dining. Views across the South Downs, a great escape, full of character.
28 rooms from $195Other Activities - Great for garden lovers: close to Nymans, Borde Hill, High Beeches and more!Restaurant - Michelin starred cuisineViews - To the South DownsFour poster beds - For romantics.Recommended by - Johansens -
Sussex Prairies
Henfield, West Sussex
Luxury farmhouse B&B with stunning six acre gardens. On the edge of South Downs National Park. Chic but simple rooms, delicious breakfasts, award-winning gardens.
3 rooms from $169Garden - Attractive outside space.Great walks - Good for walkers.Recommended by - Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays -
The Old Railway Station
West Sussex
As close as you’ll get, in a b&b, to the romance of the Orient Express. Quirky property for train lovers, just outside Petworth. Book a room on the old station or in a carriage.
10 rooms from $148Sights nearby - Great for Goodwood, Festival of Speed or Cowdray Park.Restrictions on children - No children under 10 years oldRomantic - Good for couples.Quirky - An experience!Recommended by - Good Hotel Guide -
Royal Oak
Chichester, West Sussex
Charming 200 year old village inn turned popular restaurant with rooms in a quiet village close to Goodwood Park and Chichester.
5 rooms from $145Exclusive offerOther Activities - Ideal base for Glorious GoodwoodSpecial OfferRestaurant - Recommended.Sights nearby - Explore Chichester and Arundel -
Burpham Country House
Arundel, West Sussex
Delightful, low-key hotel in a charming downland village in the heart of the South Downs National Park. Tranquil and not boutiquified, a gentle hideaway for lazing around.
9 rooms from $121Birdwatching - At Arundel's Wildlife and Wetlands Trust, Pulborough Brooks and PaghamGreat walks - Close to both the South Downs Way and Monarch's WayFour poster beds - For romantics.
