The Downs Hotel

I stayed for 4 nights Fri-Mon and had breakfast and evening meals there. I went into Brighton and to Sleaford by bus on 2, 22 and 12 and the frequency and connections were brilliant. Sadie greeted me on my arrival and showed me to my room which was modern and with a very comfy bed and a superb bathroom. Turns out she's a team leader and it's clear to see she's a natural at all aspects of hospitality. Passing on a need for an early breakfast on Saturday and Sunday to Shane in order to get to the conference for 0900 happened and so I was well fed despite the kitchen being 'closed' until 8am. Meals were good, and quite substantial too, plus they had no alcohol cold Guinness too. I'll be back when the conference is back in Brighton.

We arrived 30 minutes before check in so spoke to a lady behind the bar to explain we were checking in after a long drive so, as we were early, could we get some coffee. When my husband paid for the coffee at the bar (£5.75) the lady asked him if he wanted to add a gratuity which seemed bizarre as we’d been there less than a minute. We were shown to a table in a very loud and busy bar and the coffee was brought over to us. At 3pm my husband went to the bar again to check in, the lady who checked us in was most interested in making sure he signed the disclaimer saying he had read the emergency and fire procedure, which he did. We later discovered this was because the Hotel is unmanned when the pub is closed. We were not given any check out procedure either at this time, via email or later. My husband was shown to our room and given the key. The room itself was very clean and well presented. There was a note from Sara the cleaner asking for feedback in the form of a review and I kept the card hoping to give positive feedback. We looked for information on the wifi code, check, etc but there was none? My husband went down to the bar to try to find out the password but it was very noisy and he came away none the wiser. He tried again later and was given the correct information on accessing the wifi. In the morning we went down for breakfast which was good, no complaints. We returned to our room and my husband went down to enquire about checking out. He was told “that’s it you just leave, the cost of the room will be debited from your card!” He came back up, we finished packing our belonging and we both checked all cupboards and drawer etc including the bathroom to make sure that nothing was left behind. As we didn’t know what to do with the key and the cleaner was upstairs, we had spoken to her previously, we left the key in the door. Went downstairs and said goodbye and thank you on our way out. Imagine how shocked we were to then receive an email from David the Manager, saying that we had left a tap running which was overflowing onto the bathroom floor. He said that whether this was an accident or not we were liable to pay £50 for damages and not following the check out procedure. The photo he attached showed the bathmat on the floor with evidence of water but not flooding. We are very confident we did not leave a tap running and even if that was the case, I should not have been charged for it without my permission. Such a shame as the stay and the food was lovely, however I’m left very disappointed.

Fantastic stay! Cannot fault this hotel. I stayed here with my young daughter. The room was lovely & cosy with double & sofa bed. We were warmly welcomed & had a lovely dinner in evening. The atmosphere was relaxed and also stayed for breakfast in the morning. Really enjoyed our stay. Hotel so convenient for bus into Brighton right outside & plenty of parking! We will return

I stayed here for 2 nights with my mum, we were visiting from Liverpool travelling for my cousins wedding. It was a perfect location, close to other shops and about 15 minute drive from Brighton pier. On arrival to the room we got a thank you for booking card from the hotel. The room was absolutely gorgeous, very spacious and clean! The bed was comfy too- in our bedside draws we got eye masks and earbuds too. The view from the pub as well is lovely. The staff are so lovely too, especially the gentleman who was talking to us about living in Liverpool for a short while- so chatty and kind! Overall such a lovely place to stay, the food and drinks in the pub are nice too, highly highly recommended and we would definitely stay again. Thank you for having us :)

Great stay,excellent service & beautiful decor,vert impressed. Cleanliness was excellent & special thanks you for making us feel welcome. Wanted to ensure we leave review as per kind card left in our room,it was spotless & smelt fresh. Would love to come back!

We stayed here for the on the beach festival as was nice to not be right in town was easy to get bus to town and taxi home. Everyone lovley there the manager the bar staff even the cleaner who sorted us some water late at night the housekeeper Angela the room was cosy and spotless the bed so comfy we slept really well was like home from home we didn't have chance to have drink in the bar but looked nice we had breakfast which was fry up was very nice we would defiantly stay again thank you.

Very clean, tidy room. Check in was quick and simple, Sarah was friendly and more than happy to answer any questions. Nice atmosphere inside the bar and restaurant. Good location, plenty of nice walks through the hills nearby. All around good experience.

Gorgeous hotel above a pub. Beautiful views across the downs with the sea on the horizon. What a treat of a view. The room was lovely. Big but cosy with tasteful, calming decor. A nespresso coffee machine, premium biscuits, big comfy bed with lots of pillows, and all the essentials included - iron, toiletries, hairdryer, a huge bathroom with two different showers. The room was immaculate and so clean. Breakfast was included and there was plenty of choice with both continental and cooked breakfasts offered. I also ate in the pub in the evening and the food was delicious. Hearty and fresh. Exceptional value. All positive!