Ockenden Manor Hotel & Spa

This is a lovely hotel with a good restaurant and an engaging Spa. The only issue is that they want to add 12.5% service charge on anything that moves: Drinks in the garden pretty expensive but plus 12.5% Service charge Peanuts £4 + 12.5% Service Charge Dinner which was part of the weekend package + 12.5% on the nominal value of the dinner. Breakfast which was part of the weekend package +12.5% on a nominal £25 per person nominal value. Daily Paper + 12.5% Service Charge. What a shame that such a lovely hotel should seek to get 12.5% on anything that MOVES!!

Okandean Manor Hotel presents a delightful setting, nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes, with a spa that promises tranquility and beauty. However, my recent experience highlighted some discrepancies in service that fell short of the hotel's own high standards. The spa, while visually appealing, was staffed by a notably young and seemingly untrained team. The massage therapist, though earnest, lacked the experience needed to deliver an effective massage, which detracted from the overall relaxation promised. This theme of inexperience extended to the hotel's restaurant. Despite an impressive selection of wines, the youthful staff struggled to advise on choices, specifically regarding wines with lower sulfates—a disappointment for those with sensitivities. Service lapses were evident: we found ourselves self-seating at the restaurant, retrieving our own wine from the bar, and, in a particularly notable lapse, we had to approach the hotel reception to request that our order be taken. This level of self-service did not align with the premium positioning of Okandean Manor. On a positive note, the food itself was fantastic, a testament to the kitchen's prowess. It's clear that Okandean Manor has potential, underscored by its setting and facilities. However, the service component urgently requires attention. Employing young staff is commendable for fostering growth and opportunity, but without adequate oversight from experienced personnel, the service fails to meet the high standards the hotel prides itself on. It is essential for the management to balance youthful enthusiasm with skilled guidance to ensure the luxury experience guests expect.

Me and my partner stayed here one night for a short spa break as we found a good deal with *******. It is a lovely heritage hotel with very authentic Tudor style features. The staff were very friendly and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. I had a very lovely facial at the spa and we both enjoyed the facilities. There are plenty of places to relax and get free water, tea and coffee in the spa. The staff were also cleaning regularly which was good to see. The pool was on the cold side; would be nice if this was heated but there are lovely outdoor and indoor hot tubs which are great to relax in. The spa is also a bit of walk from the actual hotel which isn’t great if it’s raining but there are free umbrellas provided at the hotel entrance. We had breakfast included in our stay which was really tasty and great views from the restaurant overlooking the rolling hills. We stayed in a cosy room which was lovely and had nice touches such as handmade biscuits. The only mistake we made was not requesting a shower room at the time of booking which is what let this stay down slightly so this is something to be mindful of if you prefer this.

Visited yesterday for a ‘spafternoon tea’. The afternoon started with a lovely massage, then use of the spa all afternoon. It was very clean, quiet, with lots of quiet space to relax and enjoy complimentary drinks. We then finished the day with an afternoon tea at the hotel which was delicious and they were able to meet our dietary requirements (veggie/vegan) the room was very atmospheric: old and dark and warm. The staff both in the spa and in the restaurant were absolutely fantastic, so helpful and made us feel very well looked after. The young gentleman in the restaurant was particularly welcoming. Overall we felt it was good value although we were charged nearly £9 for some nachos (!!) and there did appear to be people working on laptops in the reception of the spa which was off putting.

This was our second visit to the Ockenden for a couple of years. It is without doubt a beautiful place to relax, in a stunning setting and the rooms have great character. The service provided by all the staff was exceptional and on par with any 5 star hotel we have visited around the world. Especially the care, friendly approachable nature of the managers (Sarah and Flavi) who made our stay truly wonderful - the owners should be proud to have such a great team maintaining the quality and reputation of the hotel. We cannot wait for our next visit!

Beautiful hotel and wonderful service. We stayed in spa junior suite really spacious with gorgeous bathroom and lovely views. The spa is glorious lovely indoor/outdoor pool and the treatment (massage) was divine. Really relaxing stay. Service was fantastic throughout hotel.

Ockenden Manor is a delightful hotel. We stayed for 4 nights in a spa room. The room was beautifully appointed and well maintained. The complementary drinks and biscuits were a nice touch although the lack of a bottle opener meant I had to be dexterous with a teaspoon to open the bottle of lemonade. The spa was a joy. Despite being open to non residents it was never overcrowded and swimming outdoors is great. Probably one of the best spa hotels I have stayed at. All the staff were friendly and happy to help giving the place a home like feel. A particular call out for the restaurant duty managers who looked after us so well. The food was excellent and of high standard. My only criticism would be the lack of variation of the menu. There are 5 starters and 5 mains, which for a four night stay meant duplication some nights. Even the soup was the same every night. Surely it is not beyond a clearly excellent chef to do something different each night in addition to a set menu. We left feeling full recharged and would recommend it as a place to stay if visiting Sussex.

Stayed in this beautiful hotel for a 2 night spa break with a friend. We choose the spa suite as recommended by other reviews as we wanted to be close to the spa amenities. From first enquiring & booking the hotel and the spa treatments the staff couldn’t have been more helpful. I was sent confirmation emails of room bookings, spa treatment times and dinner reservations. When we arrived we had a lovely warm welcome from the ladies at the front desk and were shown to our suite by one of the spa staff. Our suite was beautiful, extremely clean with a beautiful bathroom and free standing bath. We requested two twin beds which had been arranged. There is a complimentary mini fridge with soft drinks & water & coffee making facilities. There is a terrace outside with lovely views & sun loungers. The spa area was very clean with a lovely pool, sauna and steam room. The relaxation rooms were beautiful too. Our spa treatments were all of a very high standard and the beauticians were very knowledgeable & professional & made sure you were relaxed and comfortable. Dinner was fantastic the staff couldn’t be more polite and helpful. We were looked after by Russell (if I remember correctly) he was so attentive & nothing was too much trouble for him & his team. The dining room is beautiful small & intimate. Breakfast was fabulous, plenty of fresh pastries, fruit & juices. The cooked breakfast was delicious, plenty of choices on the menu including a very good vegan option. The hotel itself is beautiful & charming but I think what makes it stand out is the warmth & friendliness of all the staff. Absolutely loved our stay & will certainly be returning in the near future.

We’ve been fortunate enough to stay at some of the best hotels, and this is one of them. The room and facilities are excellent, the staff friendly, the Spa is fantastic, the food is good, we cannot praise this hotel enough. We have stayed here a few times, and we love it!