Editor Alex Fisher spends a Christmassy weekend at Bailiffscourt Hotel and Spa in West Sussex

WHAT’S THE BUZZ?
This hotel is the perfect setting for Christmas by the sea. Candlelight carol services will take place at their enchanting onsite 13th-century chapel throughout the day on 13, 18 and 21 December. The Eton Place Christmas Quartet will perform three times during these days, starting with a morning session, which is followed by lunch, then an afternoon performance accompanied by mulled wine and afternoon tea. Finally, in the evening, guests will be welcomed at a sparkling drinks reception and served a festive dinner with all the trimmings. Booking is advised for all performances.

ANY LUXURIOUS TOUCHES?
The hotel has an extensive spa housed in an elegant wooden building within the grounds. The outdoor pool, set among trees and surrounded by grass, is heavenly. They also have an indoor pool, sauna, steam room and treatment rooms with an excellent array of therapists.

WHAT ARE THE ROOMS LIKE?
There are 39 traditionally decorated bedrooms. Many have four-poster beds, log fires and oak beamed ceilings. The bathrooms are stylish, offering complimentary toiletries and snowy soft towelling gowns which you can wear to the spa.

BEST SEA VIEW?
You can’t see the sea from the hotel, but Climping Beach is just five minutes’ walk through the woods.

HOW ABOUT THE FOOD?
Food and wine at the hotel is excellent. The hotel is supportive of local food producers, and seeks out Sussex suppliers for sparkling wine, beer, game, vegetables, organic fruit, shellfish, meat, bread, dairy produce and fish. Starters include cep mushroom risotto with parmesan and pea shoots or home-smoked molasses-cured salmon with blini pancake, horseradish cream and quail egg. Mains range from beetroot and ricotta ravioli to brill with dill-buttered squid and shrimp. A three-course dinner is £52.50 per person.

WHAT WILL IT COST?
Prices for these days only start at £130 per room, per night. To book call 01903 723511 or see prideofbritainhotels.com.

For more hotel and B&B reviews, browse our Places to Stay section or keep up to date with Hot Hotels in the magazine.

For more hotel and B&B reviews, browse our Places to Stay section or keep up to date with Hot Hotels in the magazine.