The Felbridge Hotel and Spa

Reviewed by Natalie Lamb

London Road
East Grinstead
West Sussex
RH19 2BH
Phone: 01342 337700
Fax: 01342 337715

The Felbridge Hotel and Spa is located on the A22 near East Grinstead, 10 minutes drive from Gatwick Airport. It has a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Each time I had anything to do with reception they were not only efficacious, but frequently had me laughing with their humour and engagement. The energy and mood of the staff often reveal the nature of the heart of a hotel, here they are helpful, healthy, and happy.

I noticed staff seem trained on affirmation not criticism, and generally worked well as a team. The culture they created rippled into me, making me feel like a wanted friend that they were happy to see and serve. The porter shared with me that they have a very low staff turnover. Many staff had been there much longer than his 2 years, even up to 3 decades. We had a long time to talk to the room at the far end of the hotel, and I truly received what a positive environment this was.

The Junior Suite was gorgeous: spacious, comfortable, and stylish. The cost is £159 a night, or £135.15 with the 15% discount for booking 14 days in advance. Definitely worth a stay, if only to enjoy the ‘special touch’ in all they do. It comes with a little something added beyond the usual that leaves you with a satisfying smile at their “extra thought” into small details. For example, with the tea were scrumptious homemade chocolate biscuits. In the roomy bathroom with double sinks and a power shower large enough to dance in, came a collection of luxury Elemis products (including facial cleanser). Our dinner was no exception – it exceeded my expectations and then some.

We dined in the fine dining Anise Restaurant. I can fully understand why it won the Fine Dining Experience of 2009/2010. The review of the meal can be found here

After my dining companion went home, I meandered through the hotel finding the Qube Bar. On Friday evenings they have a DJ playing Funky House music. Even though I was shattered I stayed awake for another drink just to enjoy the music longer it was so good. DJess shared that some Friday’s the room is packed, and others it is rather quiet. If I lived in the area it would definitely be a voguish place to rendezvous with friends or business colleagues. It hosts an atmosphere that is upbeat and cool, though with music that doesn’t drown out connection. It has class, buzz and hospitality. The menu included pub meals (ranging from £5.75 for a sandwich to £20 for sirloin), to afternoon teas and a full selection of cocktails. Like with most things in the Hotel they go beyond the call of duty. The Qube Bar also had a fine touch to what they do: after sitting down, the barman brought a flickering candle and a bowl of cashews to my table. Nice! It wasn’t done with the energy to impress, rather the delivery was like this was the natural free flow of heartiness and reception to all guests.

After my drinks, I made my way back to the room – gathering up the peppermint tea and honey the reception staff secured for me.

The Super King Sized bed was glorious to stretch into, and extremely comfortable. Sadly I didn’t sleep well as the air-conditioning was dripping. It was not like counting sheep where you know when the next number is coming – it was like Chinese torture where you don’t know how soon until the next drop so you wait poised in that pregnant pause unable to relax. This lead me to the very well laid out and professional Hotel Guide to find out how to turn it off. Sometimes Hotel guides are so confusing you come away wondering what your own name is! Not this one: very clear, indexed, and thorough. It even made me excited reading about the spa waiting for me in the morning.

The very charming staff told me the Spa Pool was closed for cleaning, and as there was a child in the pool I didn’t fancy swimming. On the weekend the pool is open to adults only from 10-4, had I not needed to leave the Hotel, I would have spent the day enjoying the health club. I took the opportunity to look around. It has a lovely ambiance, maintains a clean and fresh feel to it, and all together has really good facilities. The amenities I saw were the tennis courts, fully equipped gym, 10 person Spa pool, a steam room, a sauna and a kidney shaped pool. Also available is the Chakra Spa with a variety of treatments for maintenance, relaxation, enhancement and beauty. The prices are good for single treatments, through to full packaged pamper parties (check their website for details).

Feeling a tad disappointed, I went on to breakfast. A feast awoke my eyes! The buffet had a delicious spread of mini pastries, cold meats, fruit, yogurts, as well as a fresh toast maker. I opted for a cooked vegetarian breakfast as shout out to the vegetarians given one option in the restaurant. It was large – eggs, sausage, beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, and hash browns. I had some frustration getting exactly what I wanted for breakfast (eggs cooked the way I requested) – but the staff got there in the end.

Had it not been for the frustration at breakfast, the dripping air conditioning and the Spa Pool being closed for cleaning, the experience would have been perfect. The accommodation is amazing and the facilities are fabulous.

Overall the attitude and approachability of the staff create a great atmosphere – leaving me with a positive imprint each time I pass the hotel.

http://www.felbridgehotel.co.uk