Jolly Good Time It's…read morebeen a while since our memorable visit, but I'm writing this review of GRAVETYE MANOR in the memory of my mother who passed away just three months ago. Having her own colorful English-style gardens in suburban America for most of her life---on a much MUCH smaller scale, of course---and being an exceptional cook--- Gravetye was one of the particularly wonderful highlights of our road trip. That, and seeing the Queen. (Later, below.) It was while looking through my photos of England and Scotland, that I came across those that I'd taken of our visit to Gravetye. Wondering if there might be reviews of this country estate from anyone on Yelp, I found not even one. The "press" link on their site showed several accolades from a number of publications, so I decided to write one, too. I'm sure that this magnificent manor is well-known throughout the U.K., but by probably only a handful of visitors from across the pond. Gravetye deserved a least a single Yelp mention from a smitten Yankee. Our schedule that day was to arrive before nightfall at a destination further south, but heading down the M23 I spotted a highway sign reading that the East Grinstead exit was just ahead. That name rang a bell. Quickly scanning my notes, sure enough, it was where Gravetye Manor was located. "Anyone ready to eat?" My husband and my parents were all enthusiastically in favor. "Well, be prepared for one heck of a meal. Turn off here." (I wasn't driving. Yikes, no !) Traveling plans included 4 to 8 points of interest to visit each day on a leisurely, un-rushed day-time road tour. I also noted little side-trips, and only if it might fit into our schedule, would we detour. Gravetye Manor was one of those. (Per Gourmet magazine it was one of the finest country inns/restaurants in Great Britain and Europe. This would be one unforgettable experience. It was.) Taking country roads, we arrived at the entry. Like driving through a park, with lawns, trees and shrubs lining the winding drive, after half of a mile the circa 1598 manor comes into full view. This is one old house. Already decently attired---but for comfortable road touring---we hoped we'd pass inspection. Greeted with approving smiles--whew---we were graciously welcomed and led into a spacious wood-paneled, vaulted-ceiling dining room. Every course was perfectly prepared and perfectly delectable---starters, salads, and entrees of two beef, one chicken, and one rabbit. (Not me. I'll never eat bunnies.) And desserts? Almost too beautiful to eat. But, of course, we did. And the wines were excellent recommendations. Something that we'd never experienced before, however, but one that left a delightfully lasting impression, was the line of probably eight white-shirted and black-slacked or skirted servers standing along the wall near our table. Quiet as church mice, facing straight ahead and about a foot apart with hands behind their backs, at-the-ready and providing anything needed for luncheon guests at the seven or eight white linen-covered tables. I couldn't help but imagine that this is what it must feel like to be an aristocrat or a royal, famished---and ready to dig in---after a morning of polo matches (ah, yes), or a hunt (uh, never). The manor, the food, the gardens, the lush inviting grounds---all spectacular and highly recommended. To stay here is a bit pricey, however, so having had previously arranged and paid for accomodations elsewhere, we saved ourselves a quid or two. (tee-hee) Now, on to the Queen. (And Queen Mum, too.) There we were---like typical tourists doing what typical tourists are obliged to do---waiting to observe the "changing of the guard" at Buckingham Palace. ...wait... Is this part of it? Two 1940-ish shiny tone-on-tone gray luxury motorcars---each one nearly as long as a schoolbus---pulled into the courtyard and drove slowly along the wrought iron fencing, past the crowd of us commoners. Crikey! HRH waving from the window. Mum, too, from the car just behind. Unprepared, I quickly snapped a few pictures. But because this ceremony "bonus" was a total surprise---and I hadn't set my camera for closer shots---I could only hope they'd turn out. Not. All out-of-focus. WE know who these obscured images are, but to anyone else looking at these photos, they could be just two blurry-faced British ladies in big fancy hats. Oh, well . . .

Had a great lunch here in the restaurant today. The gardens are looking beautiful as the spring…read moreweather has finally turned up. I think the quality of the food is getting better and the new owner continues to put his heart into the business.

The Copthorne Hotel is not exactly by London Gatwick Airport but I'm glad it's off the beaten path…read moreand provides momentary seclusion from the outside world. Those of you who travel often know there's only one side of the picture being displayed as many are so quick to share their envy or "wow your so lucky, "....not really. What makes this hotel unique for me is the seclusion, private patio deck and beautiful view providing a few hours of serenity. Another bright spot about this hotel is they provide shuttle service to and from Gatwick Airport for 4 Pounds.

From the owner: Copthorne Hotel Effingham Gatwick is a 4-star hotel located in a picturesque parkland estate that…read moredates back to 1841 just 10 minutes dive away from Gatwick International Airport.

We stayed at this hotel for a wedding last Saturday and it was nothing short of amazing. The hotel…read moreis luxurious and inviting and set in 312 Acres of stunning grounds in Ashdown Forest. The food was excellent at both the wedding reception and breakfast in the morning. I would recommend this hotel to anyone wanting a luxury romantic getaway or for people who would love to picnic and stroll around the grounds losing themselves from the daily grind! For brides looking for a venue, if you want to wow your guests this is definately the place to go. Everything would be perfect for your day.

An amazing driveway sweeps you down to this striking Georgian mansion. If you want to impress, this…read morewill impress !!! Don't feel disappointed as you pull into the car park the best is all at the back ! Built in 1722 it stands in 312 acres of lovely parkland & lakes, on the River Uck. There is a beautiful 13th centuary church, St Margaret the Queen, in the grounds as well as the local cricket club. Take time to look inside the church there are some lovely stained glass windows. Some of the rooms are not as large as you would imagine but are airy & comfortable some with a balcony. Looking at the brochure some of the suites are large & luxurious. It really doesn't matter when you are sweeping up the amazing staircases. The staff are welcoming, helpful & friendly. In the refurbished Orangery or fine Dining Room you can enjoy really excellent food with amazing wines and wonderful puddings. Then Breakfast is buffet style with a good selection to suit all tastes. There is a small gym, sauna & spa. The relaxed atmosphere of a by gone age, leisurely walks, good food, all in magnificent surroundings makes for a special break. It is a great place for Dining, Afternoon Tea, Short breaks and Weddings and is well positioned for other local attractions. Look out for offers as there are some good deals if you want to stay here. The menu & wines are well priced but we have found the cocktails & bar drinks sometimes a little expensive.

Housed in a lovely 16th century townhouse, this large hotel and restaurant is unsurprisingly…read morepopular as a venue for weddings and conferences, as well as with regular guests. We had Sunday lunch in the panelled room, whose walls are lined with stunning period carved oak wood panels, featuring various classical figures and contemporary Jacobean motifs. The menu is very swish, featuring dishes such as seared scallops, petit sale, smoked roe and salmon blini, with horseradish cream and gressingham duck breast, caramelised red chicory, with hazelnut dressing, but considering how good it is, it is extremely reasonably priced - only £15.50 for two courses, £19.50 for three. I had hamhock and pickled walnut terrine to start, followed by guineafowl and dumplings, and finished with a salt caramel chocolate pudding which was damn good. The service was attentive, and the presentation of the food was great, my terrine came attractively arranged on a slate platter. I didn't see any of the rooms, but if you are looking for a place to go for a special meal I would strongly recommend Pelham House. The garden has a slightly Mediterranean feel with lots of sculptures and some palms, and a dovecot adds charm to the courtyard car park, although it seems to house a rather lonely solitary dove.

Stayed here on Friday night for my husband's 40th birthday. A lovely hotel, lots of character and…read morelovely garden. Staff were really helpful, prior to the stay and also whilst there - even wished husband happy birthday a few times and gave us complementary coffee after dinner. Our room (no. 40) was beautifully decorated - recently too and was very clean (no view though, overlooked the roof). Comfy bed. Dinner was excellent and great value at £25 for 3 courses. Bar staff attentive and friendly. Would stay again for sure. Only 2 niggles which are small - first being they could use frosted lower windows in the room we stayed in - no net curtains, therefore people in corridor opposite could see straight in, also, no breakfast menu in room even though they gladly provide breakfast in room - resulted in amusing 10 minute phone call to reception re what we could order. I would definitely stay again, short walk from station too.

Wickwoods is a beautiful country club just outside of Brighton. It's location is fantastic -…read morenestled in beautiful countryside just the other side of the Downs, yet less than 15 minutes from my house by car. The gym facilities are great. Admittedly, it's not the biggest gym in the world, but it has plenty of equipment to get a great workout including all the usual cardiac machines, weights machines, free weights (this area is very lady friendly, unlike other gyms I have experienced in the past), and TRX. They also have limited membership so the gym is never really crowded and I've certainly never had to wait for any of the machines. That said, my gym inductions weren't that successful, and for this Wickwoods loses a star. The first induction I had was good but the instructor was leaving the next day, and forgot to write down the program she had developed for me. The second time, the girl was incredibly moody as she had been booked by her colleague and didn't really have time. One very quick, abrupt tour of the gym later I had a program written down but a slightly sour taste in my mouth from the way I was treated. It's a shame as everyone else I have come across at the club has been really pleasant. As well as the gym, they have a studio room where they run numerous classes. The classes run by the gym instructors are better in my experience, the others can be a little 80's in style!! There is a beautiful pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room area that is just perfect to use after a hard workout in the gym. They also have inside and outside tennis courts, tennis coaching and tournaments - I may pick up my tennis racket again when the weather cheers up! I am yet to try the restaurant, although the carvery looks and smells fantastic on a Sunday - book in advance though, they never have room for us when we turn up after the gym. The bar area is a great place to stop for a coffee or something stronger - you have earned it by this stage of course! There are also treatment rooms which I plan to use in the very near future - there has to be some reward for all this hard work!

Great location, in the terminal with a few minutes walk to check in. Service was friendly and…read moreefficient. The chap on reception advised go check in your bag then come back for breakfast. Room was quiet and spacious, bed was comfy. Nothing here to complain about.

What a GREAT find!! Highly recommend!…read more Hampton By Hilton Gatwick Airport Located in the North Terminal of Gatwick Airport Ideal for arriving late at night in Gatwick. Check-in was fast and efficient very helpful staff, and room was comfortable and spacious. Bathroom was very clean and shower was nice a hot. Complimentary breakfast was included and the cooked options were good with plenty of other things available. FREE wifi... Fantastic customer service! The entire staff that I have encountered here at Hampton Inn has been was VERY courteous with OUTSTANDING customer service.

Before I left for my trip, I was talking with my wife about how I wish I had a place to crash while…read moreon my 12 hour layover. Lo and behold, I found this on my search! I pre booked ahead of time for a 5 hour window. Was money well spent. I fell asleep almost immediately after my long flight. Bed was comfy, there was enough storage space for what I had brought, and everything was clean. I wish the bathroom space could have been bigger, but it was good to not be in the airport waiting and to get some private sleep time.

This is a great place to catch a nap if you have a longer layover…read more We caught the redeye across the Atlantic, but our connecting flight to Spain was over 5 hours later. Thankfully, Yotel rents by the hour (minimum 4 hours). You can reserve ahead or pop up on the day of and see if they have any available rooms. Max capacity of the rooms is only 2 people. Kids over 5 count as a guest, so if you are traveling with a kid or more, you'll probably need 2 rooms. To my knowledge, they do not have connecting rooms. We got two queen rooms. The beds are comfortable, and there's a decent rain shower in the bathroom. The rooms are not completely noise proof, but we were certainly more comfortable there than in the lounges or restaurants for so many hours. That was a good use of money, in my opinion. I'll happily use their services again if I find myself in a similar situation.

Has a large circular drive with water fountain as you arrive. Very friendly check in when you…read morearrive. Rooms are interior facing or exterior. The pluses: Very nice and very modern set up. Two on site restaurants. A pub to watch the games and a fancier place. Has a nice clean gym. Rooms have stand up shower and a bathtub. A couple minor drawbacks: Limited outlets in the room and none usable at the bed headboard. Sauna hours posted in the room are incorrect.

Friend booked this hotel to escape London and relax for the night. Beautiful contemporary setting…read morewith little touches to make your stay nicer. The spacious room we booked had an iron and it's table, tea & coffee and a fridge. The shower room has both a bath and a shower. What was lacking are sockets by the bed. Small detail you'd say but very useful. The gym is open 24h and spa area was ok but way way too cold. I apologise for the lack of pictures