The Hickstead Hotel

Hotels
Independent
8 (204 reviews)
Jobs Lane, Bolney, Hickstead, Haywards Heath, England, RH17 5NZ , Haywards Heath , GB

Pets allowed

Facilities

Meeting rooms
Express check-out
Long-term parking
Free WiFi
24-hour front desk
Garden
Luggage storage
Express check-in/check-out
Concierge service
Wheelchair accessible
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Comfortable rooms
Good location
Cons:
Cleanliness issues
Overpriced food
Dated facilities

Categories

Cleanliness
7.33
Guests mentioned cobwebs in dining areas and issues with room servicing.
Service
9.3
Staff are consistently described as friendly, helpful, and welcoming.
Location
8.34
Good location noted; however, it is somewhat isolated.
Room Quality
8.29
Rooms were generally comfortable but some guests found them dated.
Amenities
8.32
The hotel offers adequate amenities, but some improvements are suggested.
Value for Money
7.78
Breakfast and other services perceived as overpriced by some guests.
Food and Beverage
6.33
Breakfast quality was reported as poor with several complaints.
Overall Experience
8.3
Overall positive experience with friendliness of staff being a highlight.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-08 19:54

Property Description

Discover your perfect getaway at The Hickstead Hotel, a charming Edwardian retreat nestled in the heart of Haywards Heath.

Relaxation and Comfort: Experience unparalleled comfort in our 52 well-appointed guestrooms, complete with flat-screen televisions and complimentary wireless internet. Enjoy the convenience of private bathrooms stocked with complimentary toiletries, ensuring a restful stay.

Gourmet Dining: Savor exquisite dining at our Oak Tree Bistro, or indulge in room service during limited hours. Don't miss our complimentary daily reception, where you can socialize over a drink at the bar/lounge.

Event Planning Made Easy: With 700 square feet of flexible meeting space and expert concierge services, we cater to all your event needs – from weddings to corporate functions. Plus, enjoy the ease of free self-parking during your stay.

Book your escape today and experience the magic of The Hickstead Hotel!

Important information:

  • This property's policy is to refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, including pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties.
  • The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation.

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

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Service animals are exempt from fees/restrictions

  • Accessibility

    No elevators

  • Pets

    Pets allowed

  • General

    Professional property host/manager

  • Pets

    Only dogs are allowed

See all policies

Location

Guest Reviews

8
Based on 204 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.33
Service: 9.3
Location: 8.34
Room Quality: 8.29
Amenities: 8.32
Value for Money: 7.78
Food and Beverage: 6.33
Overall Experience: 8.3
D
David family_with_children gb
4
Very uncomfortable beds and cold breakfast
Pros:

Reception staff very friendly

Cons:

I booked this hotel for my 94 year old mum, i assumed this would be a nice country hotel for her to stay at as she travelled from London rather than a chain of hotels, the room was a good size with a nice bathroom, bath not shower which she couldnt get into, they did put her on the ground floor which we asked for, the bed was so uncomfortable and when she mentioned this to the staff they just said that they have had lots of complaints and could only put a duvet underneath.
she paid £13 a night for breakfast which was cold, obviously been sitting out for some time, very disappointed in this hotel, i will never recommend to anyone or book again.

2026-06-12 via Nuitee
L
Lorraine extended_group gb
6
It was pleasant . Good location for the Bolney estate
Pros:

We only had breakfast on the last day good value for money, but as a tour had just left it took a while to replenish the buffet . The one member of staff in the restaurant was very pleasant & helpful

Cons:

The bathroom looked tired & our friends in room 125 had an issue with the hot water on both days we stayed .

2026-06-12 via Nuitee
L
L solo_traveller gb
5
Pros:

Room was spacious

Cons:

The postcode does not take you to the hotel, use the road signs once at the services or you'll end up 2 miles in the wrong direction

Upon check-in I was told I had to leave my key at reception when I left the property, this went from being 'hotel policy' to 'its so you don't lose it, as we charge a fee for lost keys' when I asked for a manager to question this. I didn't like this and it made me feel unsafe!

2026-06-12 via Nuitee
K
Katrina solo_traveller gb
9
Pros:

Great location, very friendly and attentive staff

2026-06-12 via Nuitee
H
Helen couple au
8
2026-06-11 via Nuitee
N
nick solo_traveller gb
9
2026-06-11 via Nuitee
K
Kirsty solo_traveller gb
8
2026-06-10 via Nuitee
H
Harald Zmolnig solo_traveller at
4
Pros:

Das Bad ist eine Zumutung,die Zimmerteppiche stinken muffig
Alles ist zimmlich abgewohnt und kaputt

Cons:

Siehe oben
Personal war nett

2026-06-10 via Nuitee
M
Michael couple gb
8
Moderately good but room for improvement as things were frequently running short.
Pros:

Comfortable room and bed. Courteous staff

Cons:

We had a two day stay - biscuits only proved for first day. Breakfast was fair but nearly cold. No pastries or fruit on second day and very short-staffed on Monday morning. We felt that only the bare minimum was provided. No saucers in room and no spare knives at breakfast for toast and no marmalade.

2026-06-09 via Nuitee
K
Keith-0958 couple gb
10
Pros:

A good location for visiting both Brighton and family in the local area. Now like the buffet breakfast. Comfortable room, clean and quiet.

Cons:

NA

2026-06-09 via Nuitee
C
Carole solo_traveller gb
7
Cons:

Meal wasn't very impressive for the price.Only bottled beer, even though there was a small wedding reception . Breakfast was good, but could be replenished quicker

2026-06-08 via Nuitee
S
Sue couple gb
7
Adequate
Pros:

Convenient

Cons:

Not enough staff

2026-06-07 via Nuitee
T
Trevor solo_traveller gb
10
onernight stay
Pros:

The friendy atmosphere

Cons:

nothing to say

2026-06-03 via Nuitee
L
Lyerg solo_traveller it
7
Pros:

The room was large but without air conditioning. We did, however, find a fan in the room. The bed was large and comfortable. The bathroom has a tub with shower, but there is no hand shower. Free parking.

Cons:

None

2026-06-03 via Nuitee
L
lynda extended_group gb
9
Good location, good parking.
Pros:

suited o ur needs - we have stayed here before

Cons:

no - all OK

2026-06-01 via Nuitee
F
Frank couple gb
2
Disappointed and Tired.
Pros:

The beds are uncomfortable and creaked. The walls between each of the rooms are too thin and we could hear other guests conversations. No fridge in the rooms.
No maid came to our room to clean or restock towels and coffee facilities. Infact coffee was the cheapest kind.
Definitely over priced. The grounds outside are unkept. I think the place has been left to run itself.

Cons:

Everything, as I said before; The beds are uncomfortable and creaked. The walls between each of the rooms are too thin and we could hear other guests conversations. No fridge in the rooms. Seriously out dated decor.
No maid came to our room to clean or restock towels and coffee facilities. Infact coffee was the cheapest kind.
Definitely over priced. The grounds outside are unkept. I think the place has been left to run itself.

2026-05-31 via Nuitee
S
Suzanne solo_traveller ie
8
2026-05-29 via Nuitee
S
Siobhán solo_traveller gb
10
Staff at their best
Pros:

The staff member who checked us in was amazing ... he also served me breakfast in the morning (which i only booked for the 4 of us 10 minutes before) a breath of fresh air for real attentive customer service.
Lovely large rooms with fans provided in each which is amazing in a heat wave.

Cons:

Nothing really ... the decor was slightly dated but nothing that took away from the place.

2026-05-29 via Nuitee
R
Raffel couple gb
10
Fantastic
Pros:

Friendly staff and clean rooms

Cons:

Nothing

2026-05-27 via Nuitee
M
Michael couple gb
9
VFM
Pros:

It was convenient for visiting family in the local area.

Cons:

Nothing

2026-05-27 via Nuitee