5 /5 Kyle Rowntree: Tucked away in the Sussex countryside like a well-kept secret that someone has accidentally left the door open to, Cottesmore turned out to be one of those stays that gently reminds you why you bothered leaving the house in the first place.
My accommodation for the evening was Room 25, perched on the first floor and occupying a rather smug corner position overlooking the golf course. From various angles of the room you could gaze out over the rolling greens and watch golfers wandering about like philosophers pondering life’s great questions… or where their ball disappeared to.
The room itself was exceptional. Not “hotel exceptional,” where that usually means the kettle works and the carpet doesn’t look traumatised. Proper exceptional.
The bathroom alone could comfortably host a modest dinner party. It featured a large shower, a generous bath, and double sinks. A short hallway leads into the bedroom, which feels thoughtfully laid out rather than crammed in as an afterthought. There’s a comfortable sofa, a desk for those who pretend they’ll do work, and a wonderfully large bed tucked neatly into a cove that makes it feel almost theatrical—like it’s waiting for a dramatic curtain reveal.
Particularly pleasing was the abundance of well-placed power sockets, which suggests someone involved in designing the room has actually used a phone in the last twenty years. A small detail, but one that seasoned travellers will appreciate with quiet gratitude.
If I were to be gently critical—and in the spirit of fairness, one must—the only thing missing was a proper coffee machine. The instant sachets were perfectly serviceable, but when the rest of the room feels so indulgent, one does find oneself yearning for a small espresso machine to complete the performance.
Access to the rooms is through a beautiful courtyard, which immediately sets the tone. At its centre stands a rather impressive fountain that seems to take great pride in its role as the courtyard’s main character. It’s the sort of setting where you half expect someone to stroll through with a glass of champagne and a Labrador.
The spa facilities were another highlight. A well-equipped gym, a pool, sauna and steam room all make an appearance, forming a very respectable little wellness retreat. The only slight drawback during my visit was that it was extremely busy—bordering on crowded. That said, I strongly suspect this was simply a matter of timing. Had I ventured down earlier in the day, I imagine I’d be writing a very different chapter of the story.
Dinner was taken in the bar, and it was excellent. The food was well priced, satisfying, and delivered without unnecessary theatrics—exactly what you want after a long day. I also enjoyed a few Sharp’s Atlantic IPAs, which were poured with the sort of reliability that encourages you to order another. It’s the kind of beer I now wish my local back home stocked, though perhaps my liver is grateful they don’t.
The staff, broadly speaking, were fantastic—pleasant, professional and genuinely helpful throughout the stay. There was, however, one slight outlier: the lady on reception during my check-in. Let’s just say she may not have been having the best day, and first impressions are a delicate thing. Fortunately, she proved to be the exception rather than the rule, and every other member of staff I encountered was excellent.
In terms of value for money, the stay was superb. It genuinely felt like you were getting far more than you paid for, which is increasingly rare these days.
One small operational quirk worth noting is that the bar closes at 22:30, and reception itself also shuts up shop and locks up for the night. This means there’s no residents’ bar or late-night service if you find yourself in the mood for a midnight nightcap. Not a major issue, but something to be aware of if you’re a late-evening wanderer.
Would I return? Absolutely.
Cottesmore is one of those places that manages to feel comfortable, charming, just indulgent enough without becoming pretentious.
And Room 25? I’ll happily take that corner again.
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