The Lodge

A genuinely lovely escape, and one that is surprisingly easy to reach from London. South Lodge has beautiful, well-kept grounds that immediately set a relaxing tone from the moment you arrive — the kind of setting that makes you feel like you've properly got away. One of the real highlights was how thoughtfully the hotel caters to families. The complimentary snacks were a generous and much-appreciated touch, and the approach to children struck exactly the right balance — dedicated splash time hours, activity packs, a kids' library, and a solid kids' menu, all without the hotel feeling overly child-centric. The large lawn on the terrace is perfect for little ones to burn off energy while parents unwind. The spa, meanwhile, is modern and well-appointed — a great option if you're looking to properly switch off with lots of great classes. The one area that did put a dampener on the stay was the inconsistency of service. There were several small but frustrating moments that added up — no milk left out by the cereal at breakfast, requiring multiple requests before it arrived, and a scrambled egg order for three eggs coming out as three full portions. At the bar, we were initially told there was no kids menu, only to find one after pressing the staff further. On the same occasion, cutlery didn't arrive with the food, and basic condiments like salt and ketchup had to be asked for and then waited on for some time. On one occasion the breakfast room itself had an unpleasant smell, and we had to ask to be moved to a different area. Individually these may seem minor, but together they painted a picture of a team that needed better organisation and attention to detail. For a hotel with such beautiful surroundings, it would be wonderful to see the service catch up..

a month ago · via Google

Spa day yesterday as a joint birthday celebration was perfect. The facilities are amazing, swimming in a natural pool and also a large indoor pool. The spa is separate to the hotel, purpose built and a great design. The massage was so good for my aching shoulders and neck.The service from all staff was impeccable. The food was delicious. We had a fab day. Thank you to all at South Lodge for a perfect time.

2 months ago · via Google

My wife and I recently visited South Lodge Hotel for afternoon tea on Saturday. The grounds are lovely, and the food was genuinely excellent. Unfortunately, the service let the experience down significantly. On a day where temperatures reached 31°C, we ordered water for the table and were brought a bottle costing nearly £7. It arrived warm and without any ice. Considering afternoon tea costs over £100 before service charge, I think it’s reasonable to expect a higher standard of service and attention to detail. Throughout our visit, the restaurant staff appeared poorly trained and lacked the level of customer care you would expect from a luxury hotel. There was clearly a VIP guest expected to arrive by helicopter that day, and it felt as though more attention was being given to preparing for their arrival than to looking after paying guests already in the restaurant. To be fair, I did give South Lodge the opportunity to address my concerns after the visit, as this was a special occasion. Their solution was to refund the service charge and the cost of the bottle of water, which felt somewhat underwhelming given the overall disappointment. South Lodge used to be somewhere I would highly recommend, with customer service that matched the quality of the venue. Sadly, that no longer seems to be the case. While the setting and food remain excellent, the standard of service has declined considerably, which is a real shame.

2 months ago · via Google

We enjoyed a romantic one-night stay at South Lodge Hotel and had a wonderful experience. The hotel is a stunning five-star property set in immaculate, peaceful grounds with beautiful views of the South Downs. The staff were welcoming, friendly, and informative throughout our stay. They made my partner’s birthday feel extra special with chocolates and a thoughtful card in the room on arrival. Our room, Charlotte Rothschild, was spacious, comfortable, and beautifully prepared, with excellent amenities, a huge bed, and an amazing shower. The uniquely named rooms add plenty of charm. Just be aware that some low beams on the second floor may be tricky for taller guests. The spa was a real highlight, with access from arrival through to the next day. The facilities are extensive, beautifully designed, and incredibly relaxing, with indoor and outdoor pools, hydrotherapy, and a serene atmosphere. Even with a wedding taking place, the hotel remained peaceful and quiet. Breakfast was good, especially the smoothies, although the Full English was slightly on the lighter side. Overall, South Lodge offers luxury, charm, and excellent service in a superb setting. This was not our first visit and definitely will not be our last. Highly recommended for a romantic getaway or relaxing escape.

3 months ago · via Google