South Lodge, Horsham, West Sussex

Set in 93 explorable acres of grounds in the picturesque Sussex countryside, the gloriously inviting South Downs are visible from some of the rooms. There's a pub within walking distance just outside the hotel's grounds on the main road, but otherwise, a car is advisable. The smart market town of Horsham is a ten minute taxi ride away, its cosy pubs offering plenty of alternative drinking and dining options, should you exhaust the menu of South Lodge's three excellent restaurants.

By car: a 40 minute drive from Brighton, 2 hours' drive from London and one hour from Guildford. Free parking.

By train: Horsham station is a 13-minute drive away with trains to London Victoria (51 minutes), Peterborough (2 hours 40 mins), Southampton Central (1 hour 35 mins) and Bognor Regis (45 mins). Book trains to Horsham.

With a history that can be traced back to the start of the nineteenth century, cutting-edge design would seem out of place in a grand old country house such as this, but some of the décor (both in the hallways and bedrooms) could do with updating and brightening up a touch to avoid looking quite so glum. Anyone wanting to spend the weekend pretending to be a member of the British aristocracy, however, will love the grand fireplaces and traditional wood panelling of the dark corridors and palatial halls, combined with the butler-like service of the courteously attentive staff.

Staff are professional, courteous and attentive in that classically elegant British style without being too stuffy. Stately-home aesthetics disguise the fact that this is a five-star hotel with every expected amenity available to guests. Food is available 24 hours a day (including room service) and there's a concierge service that can help you with other requests.

• Three restaurants
• Billiard Bar
• Spa
• Swimming pools
• Hydrotherapy pool
• Fitness studio
• Dog and family friendly

The rooms and suites are each designed to appear unique but all look like they belong in the quintessential British grand country house with decorations straight out of a Laura Ashley catalogue. They're spacious and well-appointed, with upmarket TV, Nespresso machine and a cavernous bathroom with a huge walk-in rainforest shower.

Room types: Smart and Cosy Rooms, Dog-friendly rooms, Junior Suites, Master Suites, Family Suites, and the Bothay Cottage

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, seating area, handmade mattress, TV, pillow menu

The food in South Lodge's three restaurants is simply outstanding. From healthy breakfasts in Botanica, lunches fresh from the hotel's kitchen garden at Camellia or dinner at the Chef's Table with Tom Kemble at The Pass, nothing disappoints. Book ahead, as the latter two are extremely popular with hotel residents and Sussex locals alike.

Tom Kemble at The Pass: fresh, seasonal ingredients. Dinner Wed-Sun. Six courses from £70.

Camellia: fine dining, two AA Rosettes. Dinner Monday-Saturday. Three courses from £45.