Hotel Review: Dale Hill Hotel & Golf Club

SBT took the opportunity to visit Dale Hill Hotel & Golf Club in Wadhurst

When I was offered the chance to review Dale Hill Hotel for this month’s edition of SBT, I quickly browsed to the Internet for some more details of what would be in store for my stay. A quick look
 at the Dale Hill Hotel and Golf Club website soon revealed what a treat I would be in for.

Dale Hill Hotel is a AA black rated four star hotel, situated in over 350 acres of fine grounds in the Kent and East Sussex borders and less than 1 mile from the A229 between the villages of Flimwell and Ticehurst. Dale Hill Hotel offers AA Rosette awarded food prepared by the Head Chef and his highly skilled team and, alternatively, guests can play some pool in the clubhouse bar and enjoy a more relaxed meal. As if that wasn’t enough to entice me, Dale Hill Hotel has also had a recent facelift, including a full refurbishment to all of their 35 en-suite bedrooms between March and July on a weekly rolling program, this was a fantastic opportunity for a review.

I arrived on a reasonably sunny Monday evening, around 7:30pm, and headed down the driveway where I am able to admire some of the surrounding golfing greenery – two 18 hole golf courses, including the Ian Woosnam and the Dale Hill course. Just from the exterior alone the hotel already looked beautiful. I walked in through the main entrance with my partner, where the receptionist greeted me warmly. Upon giving some basic details, and being offered the essentials for the stay (I.e. Wi-Fi), we were given the contactless card for our room, which consisted of a generous sized bed, writing table, a TV, patio doors, large wardrobes and, of course, tea and coffee making facilities. The room had its own living space through the next door, which included a sofa, writing table, and once again, large sliding patio doors. It all felt very modern with plenty of space for either single occupants or couples and had a great view of the surrounding 350 acres of land.

With the refurbishments, new carpets have been installed, new electric points, lamps and lighting; bathroom restoration and glazing; new door locks; new beds, chairs and sofas as well as soft furnishings. The rooms have been transformed from what they were to now sleek, modern and above all else comfortable spaces. Overall, the room very pleasant indeed and set us up with high expectations of our one-night stay.

After taking some time to settle in and observe the surroundings, my partner and I headed upstairs to the Wealden View Restaurant, where we were booked in for our evening meal. This too is a wonderful room, with impressive views and a fine-dining yet relaxed atmosphere. We were greeted promptly just outside the dining area, seated, and presented with the dinner menu, which hosts options for two course (£23.00), and three course (£29.00) meals. I opt for the former and choose the soup of the day (tomato soup) for starter. For main, I go for the Corn Fed Chicken Ballotine with Wild Mushroom Farce, Pancetta Wrapped Fine Beans, Sweetcorn Puree, Kohlrabi and Red Wine Jus. My partner opted for the 28 Day Matured Rib Eye Steak, Hand Cut Chips, Peashoot, Creamed Horseradish & Peppercorn Sauce (£7.00 supplement).

Throughout our meal the waiting staff were pleasant and helpful. Although, unfortunately, there was a relatively long wait between courses, I have to say, due to the quality of the food, it was worth the wait. Food wise it was certainly hard to fault; my Corn Fed Chicken Ballotine was delicious, and the different flavours in the dish were very enjoyable. My partner’s rib eye steak was beautifully tender and succulent too. Once I we had finished our meals, I then retired to the hotel room to sample the complimentary beauty products in a relaxing bath, mulling over the day and my surroundings.

After a tremendously comfortable night’s sleep, I indulge in the Dale Hill breakfast buffet – this includes hot beverages, such as tea and coffee, continental breakfast and a hot breakfast, including sausages, bacon, eggs, beans, hash browns, tomatoes and mushrooms – more than enough to start of the day nicely.

Having appeared to be an ideal place for a get-away, I then spent some time focusing on the hotel facilities – which, incidentally ended up being just as impressive. The venue hosts 5 conference/meeting rooms available for hire: Dale Hill Suites 1,2 & 3, the Fairway Room and the Syndicate Room. Very well-priced day delegate rates are available, including morning and afternoon tea/coffee, water, buffet lunch, flipchart with paper and pens, a projector screen and of course the exclusive room hire. You can also invest in packages that include a night’s stay and three course dinner.

Equally, this is a great base for exploring the wider region of Sussex, and even making the most of the team-building activities on offer in the surrounding area. For example, Arena Pursuits no more than a mile or so away, Bedgebury Forest just over 2 miles away and Bewl Water just over 4.

Without a doubt I would recommend Dale Hill Hotel and Golf Club, whether you’re a golfer or not, be it for business or pleasure, Dale Hill has something for everyone. Throughout my stay the staff were kind, considerate and helpful. And if you’re looking for somewhere peaceful, with great leisure and golfing facilities, then Dale Hill Hotel and Golf Club is the place for you. The staff at Dale Hill Hotel and Golf Club are looking forward to welcoming guests to the hotel and its new look bedrooms, and the General Manager, Carl Rundgren passes on his thanks to all the contractors that were used to complete the refurbishment project that has made this hotel and golf club way above par.