The Chichester Hotel

The location was handy, with plenty of parking, though you have to pay for it. The room was basic but clean and fine for one night, and there are no facilities on site. Check-in on the computer was difficult. A staff member eventually helped, saying it was because we’d tried before 3pm, but the system still didn’t recognise our booking reference. He wasn’t friendly or keen to help, and completely ignored another guest’s complaints. As we were leaving, a woman at reception was pleasant, friendly, and asked if everything was okay. I wouldn’t book here again.

The grounds were pleasant, and there’s an Indian restaurant at the hotel. They don’t serve alcohol, though that was fine for us, and there’s a pub down the road if you want a drink. The staff were pleasant and handled both check-in and check-out efficiently. After reading the reviews I’d been a bit unsure about booking, so I was surprised by them after staying yesterday. Our room and the hotel were clean and tidy, with what we needed for the night. We had a nice stay and would book again.

The damp smell hit me as I entered the room. The carpet by the door was very wet, there was damp on the walls, and the room never really warmed up. The bed was comfortable enough and the TV worked well, but there were only two thin pillows. I last stayed here more than ten times, but this was my first visit in over ten years, and the place has fallen a long way. It used to be a lovely couples’ retreat and an upmarket wedding venue. Now it feels like a shadow of that, almost an abandoned farm. The once popular bar is closed, the restaurant has a very limited schedule, and there was no breakfast, which was especially disappointing given the location. They offered a takeaway toastie, pastry, and juice instead. The old silver-service dining and atmosphere are gone, and the hotel has lost its glamour. Check-in was closed when I arrived, so I used the automated system without trouble, though older guests might find it difficult. Housekeeping knocked near checkout, and the man was polite, but we only spoke briefly. The next time I spoke to staff, someone talked to me through the closed grill while I waited in reception for my pickup. It was a very disappointing stay. I’ll probably come back because there are few other options nearby, but that’s out of necessity, not choice.

The bed was comfortable, but the recent refurbishment still left a lot to be desired. The toilet and shower screen needed cleaning, and opening the door meant giving it a shoulder barge.