Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa

With its rows of turreted chimneys atop a picture-perfect redbrick English manor house, the Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa certainly cuts a striking first impression. While it opened as a hotel in 2002, the oldest part of the house dates back to the 17th century and has been home to many famous families, including the Romantic poet Shelley. Entry through a grand columned portico leads to an oak-paneled lobby, often warmed by a cracking log fire with carved stone surrounds, which in turn opens up to the chic and more contemporary styling of the bar, lounge, and dining areas. The vibe is modern-luxury, with contemporary styling that blends with the property's many original features and well-placed antiques including gilt-framed artworks and portraiture. 

A spectacular spa (which opened in 2006) has Roman-bath-style pools, a grand vaulted ceiling, and stone columns. A sweeping, stone staircase leads outside to the hot tub and barrel sauna. Outdoor eating areas, tennis courts, a giant chess set, and even a helipad are found amongst the manicured lawns and 120 acres of landscaped gardens. The hotel tends to attract those seeking a luxury spa break or romantic weekend away, but the beautiful grounds and elegant function rooms also make it a popular choice for weddings. There are several polished meeting rooms that will be attractive to business travelers. 

This hotel is located at the end of a tree-lined driveway off a quiet road surrounded by picturesque Sussex countryside. The property is made up of 120 acres of landscaped gardens. The nearest train station at Kingscote is just five minutes away by car, and Gatwick Airport is a 20-minute drive. The lively seaside town of Brighton and the southern coast are also around 40 minutes by car, while it is just over an hour from London. 

The hotel has 57 rooms and suites, all of which are individually designed and contemporary, with modern wallpaper, luxurious fabrics, and bold splashes of color. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and iPod docks, while suites add Nespresso machines. Huge, modern bathrooms are a highlight of these rooms; all come with large tubs and separate showers, plus designer toiletries. Junior Suites and some Luxury Rooms also have twin vanity units and under-floor heating, while Suites feature roll-top or tubs for two and walk-in showers (Master Suites even add an additional bathroom TV). Many have views over the gardens, while Cedar Lodge rooms and suites are not in the original manor house but in a new-build annex just off the car park -- and most have private terraces with seating areas and loungers. Rooms with views over the outdoor hot tub can be a bit noisy.

The extra upscale Gatehouse is a two-bedroom property with full kitchen, dining and lounge areas, under-floor heating throughout, and a private garden with seasonal barbecue. Sole use of a golf cart and the hotel's helipad also come with this accommodation.

A buffet or cooked-to-order breakfast is not generally included in the rate and there are mixed reports regarding the quality.  The Reflections Restaurant also serves a la carte lunch and dinner menus, while more formal dinner and Sunday lunch are available in the more polished (and expensive) AG restaurant. Afternoon tea is served in any of the plush, inviting lounges -- including the particularly lavish Drawing Room -- or in the garden. 

The hotel's standout feature, however, is its ancient-Greek inspired Utopia Spa with an excellent, spacious fitness center plus a serene indoor pool, hot tubs in the spa garden, sauna, and steam bath, plus extensive spa treatments. There's also outdoor tennis courts and extensive trails for biking or hiking throughout the hotel's grounds. Temporary (and basic) access to the spa is given with all rooms, while some suites have full usage; some spa facilities can get busy at peak times. There is ample free parking on-site plus a helipad which is free to use for those in high-end accommodation. Wi-Fi is free throughout.