The White Horse - A Heartwood Inn

Hotels
9 (1097 reviews)
High Street , Dorking , gb

Free
Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Heating
Terrace
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Clean rooms
Good location
Comfortable beds
Cons:
Noise disturbances
Inconsistent food quality
Parking challenges

Categories

Cleanliness
8.89
Many reviews praised the cleanliness and comfort of the rooms.
Service
9.36
Multiple reviews highlighted friendly and professional staff.
Location
9.4
Positive mentions of central location and accessibility.
Room Quality
8.85
Rooms were described as comfortable, but some faced noise issues.
Amenities
8.88
Standard amenities for this hotel tier.
Value for Money
8.84
Good value was mentioned, particularly for the location.
Food and Beverage
8.39
Food received mixed reviews; some mentioned great options, but others noted quality issues.
Overall Experience
9.36
Overall very positive with specific highlights on atmosphere and service.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-10 17:36

Property Description

Charming Grade II-Listed Pub nestled in the heart of Dorking, The White Horse offers a unique blend of history and modern comfort.

Award-Winning Dining Experience: Indulge in a fresh and seasonal menu in atmospheric dining areas, or unwind in the cosy oak beamed bar by the fireplace.

Family and Pet-Friendly Accommodation: With 56 characterful bedrooms, this hotel caters to families and even welcomes furry friends, ensuring a comfortable stay for all.

Experience the allure of Dorking and the convenience of its surroundings at The White Horse. Book now for an unforgettable stay!

Important information:

Minors under 18 must be accompanied by parents or legal representatives. Third person named by parents must present their written authorization (certified signature).

Please note that the credit card used to book must be presented on arrival.

Dogs can be accommodated at the property for additional fees as follows:
Dogs that are 25 kg and below, £15 per dog per stay.
Dogs that are over 25 kg, £20 per dog per stay.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: LGW

Location

Guest Reviews

9
Based on 1097 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.89
Service: 9.36
Location: 9.4
Room Quality: 8.85
Amenities: 8.88
Value for Money: 8.84
Food and Beverage: 8.39
Overall Experience: 9.36
5
588nigelg Couples Wendover, Aylesbury, Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire, England
8
One Night Stay
Pros:

We stayed one night in this grade 2 listed hotel as we were attending a wedding

Very nice hotel with parking at the rear on a first come first serve basis - there is insufficient spaces available if the hotel is fully booked

We enjoyed a good breakfast in the morning, found the room very comfortable - we only had a shower in our room with no bath

There was a mobile air conditioning in the room which you need to turn off at night as this machine was very noisy

For a short stay we would recommend this hotel located on the main high street

The staff were very helpful from reception to the bar and restaurant

2026-08-08 via Tripadvisor
8
804davey Business
2
Disappointed
Pros:

We are in the area for business and me and my business partner walked in for refreshments to be greeted by this horrible ill managed lady at the bar. We only went to pay with cash to be told in a way that half the staff looked. IT CARD ONLY OK, well I said we have only got cash. She said sorry leave, the other customers looked at her and we where in shock. Im sorry but this lady needs help and to talk down to a customer That way is wrong, im fuming. My family and friends who are local will never use this place again, a sign at the entrance and a polite person would of just been great, but her, I hope you loose your job.

2026-08-06 via Tripadvisor
S
Sarah couple gb
9
2026-08-06 via Nuitee
A
Andrea family_with_children au
6
Pros:

We stayed for five nights as a family, booking four rooms in total. The three Snug rooms were very good and our adult children were generally pleased with the rooms themselves. The hotel is an attractive property with a nice atmosphere and good communal areas. When we eventually raised our concerns with senior management on our fourth night, they listened, apologised sincerely and offered us a complimentary round of drinks, which was appreciated.

Cons:

Unfortunately, the service was very inconsistent and at times surprisingly rude. On our first day we found the bar staff quite unfriendly, and experienced similar behaviour from restaurant staff the following day. One example was simply asking for a coffee and being told this wasn’t possible unless we were eating in the restaurant.

Housekeeping was also disappointing. My wife specifically asked for our room to be cleaned, yet bins were left, and tea, milk and water were not replenished. After she complained, someone came to the room and left just two tea bags. Our daughter experienced similar issues with her room.

We had booked a Comfy room for ourselves, but it didn’t really feel noticeably larger or more comfortable than some of the less expensive Snug rooms. The portable air conditioning was extremely noisy and, more importantly, struggled to cool the room properly at night. The Snug rooms also had portable units, although otherwise we thought those rooms were excellent.

For a five-night stay involving four rooms, we expected a considerably better and more welcoming level of service. Things improved after we spoke to senior management on the fourth night, but ideally guests shouldn’t have to make a formal complaint before receiving friendly and attentive service.

2026-08-06 via Nuitee
F
Francesca couple gb
10
Great and comfy
Pros:

The location, the room and the food at the pub.

Cons:

It was all great, but the service during breakfast and dinner was a bit slow.

2026-08-05 via Nuitee
T
Tracey couple za
8
2026-08-04 via Nuitee
J
Jennifer solo_traveller uz
7
Cons:

Uncomfortably soft mattress and pillows.

2026-08-04 via Nuitee
J
J couple gb
10
2026-08-03 via Nuitee
A
Anna couple se
8
Mycket trevligt hotell, med omsorg om sina gäster.
Pros:

Väldigt välkomnande! Välstädat, trevligt, skön säng. Lite varmt på rummet, men de hade satt in en ac åt oss, vilket uppskattades! Fint och rymligt badrum. Tyvärr kom vi för sent för att kunna äta på puben, den såg väldigt trevlig ut också.

2026-08-03 via Nuitee
L
Luisa couple gb
10
Pros:

Rooms and amenities were stylish and of good quality. The staff were lovely and helpful for any queries, we had such a good stay and will definitely come again. Even portable AC!

2026-08-02 via Nuitee
E
Emily couple au
9
Lots of charm
Pros:

Our room was lovely, had lots of charm and we appreciated the personal touch of a welcome note and some sweet treats. The room had character and ample space. It was clean and we were grateful for the air conditioning unit due to the heat. The pub downstairs had great food and drinks. All staff we met were great. The rooms are upstairs, no elevator (something to be mindful off if travelling with a large suitcase) we just decanted what we required into our hand luggage bags which was no issue rather than trying to navigate the stairs. The hotel is located in the main high street, so very easy walk to shops and restaurants.

Cons:

Not a big issue but the two staff managing breakfast were a bit all over the place. Mixed up our order twice, items missing. It wasn’t particularly busy, they just seemed disorganised.

2026-07-25 via Nuitee
D
David solo_traveller gb
3
Pros:

Staff were good.

Cons:

Bed was uncomfortable room was dark and dungeon like and right next to where they emptied the bins at 5am

2026-07-24 via Nuitee
C
Catherine couple gb
10
Pros:

This is an excellent place with excellent staff. Very nicely decorated, excellent food and overall a great place to stay

Cons:

Nothing

2026-07-22 via Nuitee
E
Emily couple gb
10
Gorgeous comfy hotel
Pros:

A lovely modern hotel in a perfect location for our trip. Great sized portions of delicious food, attentive kind staff.

Cons:

Did not effect us but unfortunately water from one of the rooms was flooding through the ceiling into the bar

2026-07-21 via Nuitee
U
U2723JMjp Solo travel
2
White Horse 'hotel', Dorking, taking money for nothing
Pros:

Room barely bigger than bed. Mobile AC unit improperly installed meant ground floor window open. So, noisy and insecure. 'Cosy room' is in fact a poorly converted outhouse. No phone and no reception to complain at the time. Post-visit complaint dismissed. Dreadful for £178/night and asking £17 extra for breakfast.

2026-07-20 via Tripadvisor
N
Nibbs007 Friends getaway Dorking, Surrey, England
10
Highly recommended
Pros:

Went for dinner and pre-dinner cocktails. Superb margaritas! Food is fantastic too. Very friendly staff. Great atmosphere. Highly recommended.

2026-07-20 via Tripadvisor
P
Petong couple de
9
Es hat uns sehr gut gefallen und wir würden es auch mit gutem Gewissen weiterempfehlen!
Pros:

Wir hatten kein Frühstück gebucht, da wir bei einer Freundin, die in Dorking lebt, überwiegend waren.
Die Betten waren einwandfrei und sehr angenehm. Das ganze Zimmer gefiel uns.

Cons:

Es gibt nichts zu beanstanden!

2026-07-20 via Nuitee
S
Susanne family_with_children nl
10
Pros:

Accessible room was large and had an interconnecting door with the room next to it. Great place and the restaurant is also lovely

2026-07-20 via Nuitee
T
Timothy solo_traveller gb
8
White horse Dorking
Pros:

Nice hotel with a lovelyrelaxed atmosphere with good quality food!
Lovely touch with the completely goodies on arrival.

Cons:

Nothing

2026-07-20 via Nuitee
M
Melinda solo_traveller au
10
What a gem
Pros:

Great room. Really comfortable. Good food, good atmosphere. We loved the vibe and would have been happy to stay longer. Staff went out of their way to chat and be helpful. The little treats in our room on arrival... it all made for a lovely stay.

Cons:

Parking on-site is very limited. We had to park on the street as the carpark was already full.

2026-07-19 via Nuitee