September
02
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ESCAPE LONDON – Dine and Relax at Felbridge Hotel and Spa
With my family coming from Sussex I know the area quite well, but I was not familiar with the Felbridge Hotel and Spa. I do though love to get out of London for country visits once and a while, so it was an added bonus that I was taking a trip to a familiar area. The drive through the M25 is not often fun and true to form the traffic was back to back, but as we left on a Saturday and were not in a rush that did not spoilt the start of our trip. Arriving early we headed for lunch at a cute little pub nearby and it was beautiful, built in the 1500’s with warped ceilings and rounded glass windows. This was not our final destination, but it is always good to see what the area has to offer.
On arrival we were not quite sure if we were in the right place, as the exterior of the hotel did not match the class of the interior. However, stepping into the reception we quickly knew we had arrived at the Felbridge Hotel and Spa. The foyer was lightly decorated, with tall ceilings and staff ready to greet us. There was no waiting to check in and the efficient staff got us off to our room in no time. However, a nice touch might of been to offer to take our bags to our room.
The bedroom and certainly the bathroom were one of my favourite things about this Sussex Spa. We booked a junior suite and this generously sized room was very modern and decorated in warm brown tones, there was ample closet space, a fridge, a lovely big mirror, a welcome seating area and a beautiful bathroom. The latter was really well thought out, with a lovely big shower and a 
separate bath with pipping hot water. This room was perfect for two girls sharing a twin, as we could use the bath and the shower at the same time. The mirror was crystal clear and plenty big enough for a couple of people to use at the same time. Small mirrors are where so many hotel rooms go wrong, but not the Felbridge Hotel and a special added touch were the Elemis bath and body products provided in the room. The beds were comfortable, with fresh white linen sheets and the kind of perfect pillow that you always look forward to in a hotel bedroom. Our room looked on to the pretty courtyard, with stunning rattan furniture and gushing bride standing outside taking family photos. I always wonder what makes a hotel a 4 star instead of a 5, but no difference to me could be found in our hotel room as it felt 5 star all the way.
A special added touch were the Elemis bath and body products provided in the room.
As we headed off to the spa in our complimentary robes and slippers, the receptionist gently joked that “it was alright for some”, I think he may of had a point there. As we checked in to the spa reception the staff gave us towels and we headed to the changing room. While the space was clean and well decorated, we were surprised to see that we needed change for the lockers. As hotel guests perhaps we could have been provided with a key or given advance notice that we needed to bring coins. The pool was pretty, with cast iron detailing encompassing it, the jacuzzi looked out to a pretty garden and the guests were very friendly. The hotel also provides a steam room and a sauna, but the steam room was a little too small and it would have been a lovely touch to add some essential oils into the room.
We were greeted at the pool to go on to our treatments and the spa was beautiful, at the entrance was a stunning ceiling to floor length dangling crystal chandelier and the rooms were calming, with soft music playing, flickering wall candles and lights lowered to induce pure relaxation. My guest did not have quite the same experience with her massage, it seemed a little too light for her, but that could just be down to taste.
Heading to the Bay Tree Restaurant for dinner we were immediately greeted by a friendly manager and seated at a lovely big table for 4, despite the fact their were only two of us dining for the evening. Our waitress Grace can only be described as excellent, nothing was too much for her and she was the right mix of friendly and helpful. The restaurant is sectioned off into areas, which gives it a private feel and the background music was the perfect level to hold a conversation, while still providing ambience. The food was absolutely delicious, for stater I ordered a goats cheese and caramelised onion bruschetta, something I have never had before, and taste of the onions with the perfectly cooked goats cheese was divine. My guest ordered the ham hock terrine and although she found it tasty, she would perhaps of liked a slightly bigger portion. Throughout Grace made sure we were looked after and drinks were poured as needed. The main course was swordfish, with an usual but very welcome mix of sweet potato and olives. The fish delicately slipped onto the fork and it was clear to see that The Felbridge Hotel must be known for it’s excellent food and service.
Our waitress Grace can only be described as excellent, nothing was too much for her and she was the right mix of friendly and helpful.
After a good nights sleep we headed off to breakfast, which was an ample display or English and continental choices. Again the service was impeccable and the food delicious. I took the chance to take a walk around the gardens which were pretty, the hotel is a wedding favourite and I can definitely see why.
If you fancy a quick trip out of London to a cute little hotel, with excellent service, mouth watering food and relaxing treatments then The Felbridge Hotel and Spa is for you.
Felbridge Hotel and Spa, London Rd, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 2BH, 01342 337700
http://www.felbridgehotel.co.uk/
Heart London Magazine 5 * Rating
Service 5
Rooms 5
Decor 4
Treatments 4.5
Facilities 4
Ambience 4.5
Cat, Heart London Magazine
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