Sussex hotels named among the best places to stay in the UK

The Times has compiled its annual list of the 100 best places to stay in the country with five from the county included.

Experts making the list judge establishments on a range of criteria including personality, facilities and accessibility.

“We celebrate places that make an effort to be sustainable and support their local communities,” the news outlet said.

“It is also important to us that everyone feels welcome, so we like to shine a light on places that demonstrate a thoughtful approach to inclusivity. Our checklist includes having well-lit entrances with ramps and accessible toilets near reception as well as under-pillow vibrating fire alarms for the hearing impaired and clear signage for those who are partially sighted.”

The Gallivant in Rye placed 19th with The Times praising the adults-only hotel’s décor, “unfussy” food and “elegant” bar.

“Having made the hotel adult-only in 2019, the Gallivant’s once restrained decor now pulls off the neat trick of bringing a sense of fun to the glamour (love the framed vintage swimsuits),” The Times said.  

“The mid-century-styled lounge is now a sophisticated space with cosy corners for books and backgammon.”

The Port Hotel in Eastbourne came 22nd and was commended for its “design-led” approach.

“It’s not like the other old-fashioned Victorian townhouses and hotels it neighbours, because inside it’s a Scandi dream with a muted colour scheme, pale wood furniture and lots of natural light,” The Times said.

“A rotating collection of framed prints (sometimes local artists, sometimes tied to a nearby exhibition) give a real sense of place. Stylish rooms are split between sea and town views — bar the few family-friendly and dog-friendly options on the lower-ground floor.”

The George in Rye placed 57th and was lauded for its “phoenix-like” comeback following a fire in 2019 closed the historic inn for two years.

“It’s not just bolder but bigger now too, with another seven rooms tucked around the grade II listed building’s courtyard garden,” The Times said.

“A treasure trove of eclectic finds and designer quirks, from the reception desk and its former life as a church altar to the scallop shell-lined grotto of the women’s loos, the whole place exudes boutique hotel crossed with pub-with-rooms warmth.”

In 66th place came Gravetye Manor in East Grisntead whose gardener Tom Coward was heralded for being central to the 16th-century hotel’s “magic”.

“The 17 rooms and suites here are a mix of olde-worlde charm (wood panelling, open fires) and thoughtful treats, such as plum cordial on the table and humbugs by the bed,” The Times said.

“All in all, an epicurean delight.”

Tillingham in Rye ranked 72nd with The Times judges complimenting the décor at the former hop barn.

“Eleven modern rooms are not so much decorated as curated: art and a Corbusier chair here, thrift-shop chic and a sheepskin rug on a rough milking bench there,” they said.

“A warehouse-style bar is more Hackney hipster than High Weald, while restaurant menus — homegrown and hyper-local ingredients, zero waste — are revelatory. Food is probably why you are here, but it’s only by staying overnight that you grasp Tillingham’s ethic: relaxed sophistication, wholesome fecundity.”