Two boutique hotels in Sussex are among the best in the UK.

The much anticipated Top 50 Boutique Hotels list, which is curated and voted on by leading industry experts, hoteliers, travel writers and influencers, was unveiled this week.

Gravetye Manor, in East Grinstead, placed 44th and won the best service award.

The 17-bed hotel, which has been welcoming guests since 1958, was described as a “place of timeless tranquillity” by the judges, and was praised for its culinary offerings.

“The Michelin Star restaurant allows guests to reap the benefits of the relationships that have been built with local suppliers,” said the judges.

“The passion and commitment to animal welfare and top-quality produce are crucial to the high standards that they strive for. The dining experience is said to be outstanding my guests and food fans alike.

“Staff are on hand to help with any and all requests, with guests describing them as “warm and welcoming”. Service across the hotel and restaurant lives up to the highest of standards. The immaculate grounds are lovingly cared for all year round.

“The food, the spa, the bedrooms and of course, the gardens, as well as attentive and polite staff make this hotel worthy of winning the service award in 2022.

The Gallivant, in Rye, placed 29th.

Judges branded the hotel a “truly special place” and commended its array of classes and experiences.

“Earthy and natural, and in tune with beautiful surroundings, the Gallivant is a truly special place where even the most stressed out, uptight and tense person would find it impossible to not relax,” said the judges.

“The rooms are calm and cool, decorated with natural materials, yet oozing with luxury and comfort.

“Eating and drinking in the venue is always a celebration, even if it’s just a simple meal in the middle of the day or a casual dinner in the evening.

“The freshest and finest ingredients have been gathered and sourced from the local land and sea to ensure you have the best meal possible.

“In the mini spa, you’ll achieve a whole new level of relaxation when you allow the expert therapists to work their magic on you through a range of special treatments.

“And should you wish to leave this magical venue to explore further afield, there’s plenty of nature waiting just outside for you to immerse yourself in.

“From inspirational classes and experiences such as daily yoga to mindful beach walks and coastal garden tours, there’s something for every taste and need.”

The results

  1. Lime Wood Hotel, Hampshire 
  2. The Newt, Somerset  
  3. Heckfield Place, Hampshire 
  4. The Pig at Bridge Place, Kent 
  5. Lympstone Manor, Devon 
  6. Grantley Hall, Yorkshire 
  7. Artist Residence London, London 
  8. Idle Rocks, Cornwall 
  9. Thyme, Cotswolds 
  10. Padstow Townhouse, Cornwall 
  11. Yorebridge House, Yorkshire 
  12. Hambleton Hall, Rutland 
  13. Beaverbrook, Surrey  
  14. Gilpin Hotel and Lake House, Cumbria 
  15. The Fife Arms, Scotland 
  16. The Queensberry, Somerset  
  17. Foyers Lodge, Scotland  
  18. Another Place, Cumbria 
  19. The Mandrake, London  
  20. Moor Hall Restaurant with Rooms, Lancashire 
  21. Scarlet Hotel, Cornwall 
  22. Hotel Tresanton, Cornwall 
  23. Titchwell Manor Hotel, Norfolk 
  24. Watergate Bay, Cornwall 
  25. Wild Thyme and Honey, Gloucestershire 
  26. 26 
  27. L'oscar London, London  
  28. Middleton Lodge, Yorkshire 
  29. Rothay Manor, Cumbria 
  30. The Gallivant, Sussex 
  31. The Tawny Hotel, Staffordshire 
  32. The Wild Rabbit, Oxfordshire 
  33. Calcot Manor Hotel, Cotswolds 
  34. Grays Court Hotel & Restaurant, Yorkshire 
  35. Number One Bruton, Somerset 
  36. Hampton Manor, West Midlands 
  37. The Rectory Hotel, Wiltshire 
  38. The Zetter Townhouse Clerkenwell, London  
  39. Hipping Hall, Cumbria 
  40. Cliveden House, Berkshire 
  41. Links House at Royal Dornoch, Scotland 
  42. Great Fosters, Surrey 
  43. Dormy House Hotel, Cotswolds 
  44. Henrietta Hotel, London 
  45. Gravetye Manor, Sussex 
  46. House of Gods, Scotland 
  47. The Samling Hotel, Cumbria 
  48. Seaham Hall, Durham  
  49. Linthwaite House, Cumbria  
  50. Grove of Narberth, Pembrokeshire 
  51. Number 38 Clifton, Somerset