The Hickstead Hotel

We were out early the next morning, despite having paid for two nights. The sewer smell kept coming up through the toilet whenever nearby rooms flushed, and the walls and ceilings were so thin we could hear people moving in bed, TV noise, footsteps, and even bodily sounds. The corridors smelled of sewage too. We were given a room key when we arrived at 3:30pm, with it 8C outside, and found the room cold because the heating wasn't on. Four hours later, after we'd gone to the bar, it was still so cold we went back for our jackets. The restaurant wasn't any warmer. Its wall radiators were off, and a few small portable heaters were being used for a large space. We took a taxi elsewhere for dinner and told staff why. Two other people in the bar also had their coats on, and we didn't see anyone eat at the hotel; they all seemed to go out. We asked reception for help, such as moving rooms, but were told there was nothing they could do, even though the hotel seemed nearly empty. Staff aren't to blame, but the owners or managers should spend a night in one of these caravan-like rooms with the heating off and see what it's like for paying guests. This used to be a 5-star property, now it feels like 3 stars, and I reckon two of those stars were stolen. The rooms and toilets need an environmental health inspection. I'm glad we didn't eat there, since I wonder what other shortcuts are being taken. Please don't send the usual “dear guest, we're sorry to hear that” reply. Fix things for other guests. We were in room 112. You could also refund us for the night we didn't stay.