I have stayed repeatedly at the South Lodge Hotel on conferences over the last three years. My recommendation is that it's a great hotel to soak up the atmosphere of a country house on the South Downs - for one night. After that, the hotel is a bit tiresome. Showers do not hold a constant temperature, leaving you at the mercy of the toilet flushing habits of your neighbors. That is, if you get a room that has a shower at all. Walls are paper thin. Watch out for the room over the bar. While in bed, you'll feel like the bar patrons are in your room with you. The last time there was a downpour (not that uncommon in the UK), water came through the roof and soaked my bed, forcing a change in rooms. Don't plan on eating breakfast in under an hour, and that may not be enough for the slow service.

My advice? Unless you enjoy playing "country gentleman," give this hotel a pass.

South Lodge is an old country house with much history (carefully explained in the hotel literature), located in a small village quiet a few miles away from the A23. There is a large hall like reception area, the staff are very friendly, explaining the fluffy dog is the hotel's do not disturb sign. We booked a junor suite with views over the south downs, this was in the new section, complete with large bathroom, kingsize bed, sitting area and an outside terrace!

We didnt try the resturant, but the room service food and breakfasts are excellent. Popular with weddings, we didnt find it disturbing us, ymmv.

Pros
- Very clean
- Great location, gardens, lakes
- Quiet
- Great staff, excellent service

Cons
Kingsize bed made of two mattresses
Can be pricey

R and G

Having stayed in fantastic hotels on business around the world, I am usually very critical of hotels and restaurants in the UK. However, I was charmed by South Lodge and had a thoroughly relaxing weekend.

The staff made us feel genuinely welcome from the moment we checked in -- and a complimentary upgrade was a lovely surprise. Throughout our stay, staff went the extra mile in a down-to-earth and friendly way -- neither snooty nor obsequious. Late check-out - no problem; booking a local massage therapist - sure.

The hotel is well kept and the rooms are comfortable and cosy (even a menu of pillows to choose from!). The log fire in the foyer is welcoming too. Dinner was very nice, with generous amuse bouches although one or two dishes slightly let down by small details (e.g. delicious butterscotch torte and delicate poached pears a bit overpowered by a digestive biscuit base) -- but overall a lovely meal in with an enchanting view from the restaurant windows over the grounds and on to the South Downs.

The only grumbles I would have is the lack of coffee/tea facilities in the room -- £8 for tea for two and biscuits and flapjacks is all a bit much when you just want a quick cuppa. Also, it's a shame that the cosiest lounge is the smokers' lounge -- the non-smokers' lounge feels dingy in the evenings, unwelcoming and at the far end of the hall. But those minor details aside, a hearty recommendation for a chilled out weekend.

Just go back from South Lodge in Lower Bedding what a wonderful hotel and I am normally very critical. I dislocated my Knee 2 months ago and on check in we were offered a groun floor room but we decided I could manage the stairs so Simon the Duty Manager offered my a piggy back up the three flights. When we got to the room it was beautiful but Simon called abd asked if we wanted one with a South Downs View. It was excellent just as beautiful ast the first with wonderful views of the downs and hot air ballons. We went to the outdoor Champange bar for drinks which on a warm evening was like being abroad the had a scrumsious dinner in the restaurant. We could not fault this break at all from the heated floor in the bathroom, to the pillow menu to the dvd and popcorn menu. The staff were unpretensious and down to earth. It wont be long before we are back they have great dbb rates for mid-week breaks so if you need a relaxing break its perfect.