Hotel Review: South Lodge

This month I have really lucked out.  I have found our readers what may be the best recommendation by far.  I was asked to cover a review for the South Lodge in Horsham and this is an absolute game-changer. 

I moonlight as a busy solicitor on the side, so attending these reviews is always a treat and a good chance for me to de-stress.  I can honestly say I have not come across a hotel yet which has changed my mood and perspective overnight.  I arrived in the middle of an extremely stressful week with a far reaching hope that South Lodge would deliver on its highly regarded reputation.  It is safe to say that it over delivered.  The equivalent of a week in Spain, the hotel gave me a genuine chance to shut off from the world and left me thoroughly relaxed and re-invigorated. 

I have never yet stayed in a hotel which has had quite so much of an impact on my health and well-being in such a short space of time.

I arrived late on a wet dark Monday, the journey from the station being only 10 minutes in a taxi.  The entire estate is impressive, pulling up to the hotel under the impressive reception carriage area reminds me of Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park and it is immediately obvious that this is a different level of luxury.   

The reception area was huge and noticeably warm and cosy.  I chatted with the friendly receptionist who told me she had just started the fire, making me want to just sink into a chair and read for eternity. 

I was taken to my room, a suite no less, named Rackham Banks.  Many of the rooms and suites are Sussex landmarks and it really contributes to the old style feel of the building.  The hotel itself has literally breath-taking views of the South Downs and there are many activities to enjoy.  There are bikes available to borrow, you could walk in the 93 acres of forest or play a game of croquet, weather depending.  There were so many options I was slightly overwhelmed and opted to head straight to my room to unwind. 

My suite was huge and the most luxurious one I have ever had the pleasure of staying in.  Every single possible need was catered for, and the attention to detail was most impressive.  Clearly the focus is on comfortable opulence.  I chose to have a refreshing waterfall shower and make use of the sumptuous toiletries provided in the bathroom, which I have to say was bigger than my own at home.  I made my choice of the many teas and coffees provided in the room and made myself a fresh espresso from the machine. 

After a quick change I headed to dinner where I was booked into the Camellia Restaurant, one of a number of fantastic rooms which oozed lavishness.  A true 5 star experience, the guests dressed well and the waiters and waitresses provided a perfect service in exceedingly polite terms.  It certainly made me sit up, enjoy the surroundings and soak in the “posh” atmosphere.  This is not casual laid back dining, although the serving staff did have a knack of making me, as a lone diner, feel completely at ease without the usual unnecessary chit-chat which I have grown to hate.  Perhaps they picked up on it, but it certainly was appreciated by me that they left me in peace to enjoy a delicious meal.  

The food was immense.  I had the beef fillet for main course.  To call it just “beef fillet” is a slight insult.  To give it the true credit – a fillet of beef, braised brisket with black garlic, caramelised onion rosti, carrot with bone marrow crumb, served with a cabernet sauvignon jus.  To my delight, though they sought my approval first, it is served medium-rare.  It was fantastic and I had no need to order any additional sides.  I paired this with a small glass of Malbec and the two married together perfectly.  I enjoyed every single mouth-watering bite.  So much so I was unable to manage dessert, though the steamed sponge pudding with strawberry jam, vanilla & almond custard sounded amazing.  Writing this review the following day leaves me the classic feeling of regretting that decision. 

I headed back to the room and could not resist but indulge in the deep bubble bath.  With a built in TV, and adjustable mood lighting the bathroom was a real haven and my stressful day seemed to fade into history.  I spent a little time considering the breakfast menu and then collapsed into the magnificent, massive bed.  The luxury clean sheets were simply heavenly and I drifted off into the best night’s sleep I have had in a very long time.   

I woke late, opened the curtains to what I think might be a view to rival some of the best in Sussex.  I was very lucky to have the sun shining and enjoyed a quick coffee before my breakfast was delivered.  It arrived, along with a very polite waiter, on a perfectly set table and still – and this is unusual for a hotel breakfast – piping hot.  I had Eggs Benedict which was cooked to perfection.  By this time, feeling thoroughly spoilt and unusually having a day off, I gathered myself up and headed to the Spa.   

The website will of course give full details of all the facilities but I can tell you this as a now seasoned hotel reviewer – this is by far the best spa hotel I have ever been to.  As if the hotel facilities were not enough, the Spa far exceeded my expectations and was a true source of relaxation.  There is a state of the art gym which unsurprisingly did not interest me on this occasion, and various swimming pools which are simply divine.  Both set with the backdrop of the South Downs, there is an indoor pool with floor to ceiling windows which is wide and warm, surrounded by huge padded loungers and magazines.  The outdoor hydrotherapy pool was certainly the part I enjoyed most, it being a quiet sunny morning, with a chill in the air, I was able to relax and enjoy this warm, steamy, tranquil endless pool whilst admiring the countryside surroundings. 

There is also a wild swimming pool, a thermal suite and treatment rooms.  The Ridgeview Beauty Bar and Botanica, the Mediterranean inspired restaurant make for an altogether heavenly environment, perfect for a most calming break.  I enjoyed a massage from the lovely magic handed Hina, which was, and I do not say this lightly, by far the best massage I have ever had.  I intend to return for this treat alone.  I got to chill out in the purpose built relaxation rooms which have interesting private colour changing pods. 

I genuinely did not want to leave this hotel and spa.  I would positively encourage any of our readers who can see a busy work week looming in their diary to think ahead and consider booking a night or two to relax in this magnificent hotel. 

Every single experience, from the staff to the room, from the bed to the spa, is designed with luxury in mind.  I have never yet stayed in a hotel which has had quite so much of an impact on my health and well-being in such a short space of time.  I arrived short tempered, tired and hungry.  Less than 24 hours later I left with a complete change of spirit and felt positive and enthusiastic about getting stuck into the week ahead.  I repeat – this hotel is a total game-changer.  I cannot speak more highly of it. 

I would thoroughly recommend it for a trusted, reliable investment in transforming a tired, over-worked brain into a positive, invigorated soul in the quickest time period possible.  I urge you to consider a night’s stay.  My best review yet and thoroughly deserved. 

Find out more about South Lodge by visiting the website here.