The best hotels in Chichester

What are the best hotels in Chichester?

Chichester is an attractive cathedral city in West Sussex, with a historic centre of Georgian streets, independent shops and lively cafes, all within easy reach of the South Downs and the coast. The best places to stay range from grand country-house B&Bs to charming village pubs and vineyard lodges. For a city break, Chichester Harbour Hotel is our top pick, thanks to its elegant Georgian interiors, central location and underground spa. For something more peaceful, Tinwood Estate has stylish lodges surrounded by vines and countryside.

Whether you’re admiring Chichester Cathedral’s stained glass, catching a show at its renowned Festival Theatre or exploring the Roman mosaics at Fishbourne Roman Palace, there’s plenty to keep you busy here. Art lovers should make time for Pallant House Gallery, while the gardens at Bishop’s Palace are lovely for a wander. Beyond the city, Goodwood draws motorsport fans and race-goers; the South Downs has miles of walking and cycling trails, and West Wittering’s sandy beach is an easy trip for a day by the sea. Chichester gets particularly busy during festival season and Goodwood events, so make sure to book ahead if you know when you'd like to visit.

Scroll down the page for our full selection of recommended hotels in Chichester or, for a look at properties further afield, read our guide to the best places to stay in West Sussex.

The Best Places to Stay in Chichester

For a Mini-Break

• Chichester Harbour Hotel is a Georgian townhouse conversion in the centre of town, with 37 contemporary rooms and suites, a lively bar, a great restaurant, and an underground spa with a hydrotherapy pool, a gym and steam room. There are plenty of original features which add to the property's appeal (full-height sash windows, magnificent fireplaces and a grand, sweeping central staircase), but the decor is done in contemporary colours with designer furniture, and modern art on the walls.

For a B&B

• West Dean College B&B is a historic country house set within gated parkland and gardens just outside Chichester. The bedrooms have many original features, including elegant murals, and there are wonderful fireplaces, coving, stonework and stained glass. The communal areas are grand, the gardens glorious, and the views and atmosphere are tranquil. Adults only.  

For a pub with rooms

• The Horse and Groom is a characterful 18th century village pub (a couple of miles northwest of Chichester) with ten cosy rooms, some tucked into an oak-beamed flint barn with vaulted ceilings. Inside, flagstone floors and a cosy log fire set the scene, while the art-filled restaurant serves seasonal dishes featuring Sussex produce. There’s also an enclosed garden for summer dining.

For an eco-stay

• Set among the South Downs vineyards, Tinwood Estate's eight countryside lodges take sustainability seriously, with insecticide-free vines, wildflower meadows and hedgerows supporting local wildlife. Inside, expect warm timber, natural tones and jetted tubs, plus private decked terraces. The Vineyard Kitchen serves British tapas, and a tucked-away barrel sauna adds to the appeal.

For Great Value

• Crouchers is a converted farmhouse just outside Chichester, with 26 spacious, comfortable, and affordable rooms and suites. This is simple accommodation at its best, with pleasantly simple design in neutral colours, and good quality, solid furniture. Some rooms have courtyard access and four-poster beds. The hotel restaurant has 2 AA Rosettes, a friendly bar, and a lovely courtyard.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option, then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• The closest airport to Chichester is Southampton Airport, which is about 40 minutes away by road. London’s Gatwick Airport may well be more convenient, and is a similar distance away: 55 minutes by car or taxi. If you’re travelling via London, the quickest route is probably by train out of London Victoria, which can take as little as an hour and a half.
• If you want to hire a car, we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Chichester is busiest during the Festival of Chichester, which runs for four weeks annually, at the end of June and beginning of July. The Chichester calendar of events has interesting things going on throughout the year, so there are always visitors, but if you’re thinking only of the weather, then Chichester’s oceanic climate means you can expect a limited smattering of rainfall year-round, but plenty of sunshine too, and Chichester’s appeals are both indoor and outdoor, so it’s definitely a year-round destination.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in West Sussex,
• Consider nearby Portsmouth or Midhurst,
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.