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.