Hi, my name is Ray. I'm originally from Ashford, Kent but am currently working as an economist in ...
Hi, my name is Ray. I'm originally from Ashford, Kent but am currently working as an economist in Malaysia. I enjoy travelling, good food,non-league soocer and Formula 1 motor-racing and love writing about these passions. Hope you enjoy reading my ...
Member since:21.06.2000
Reviews:581
Members who trust:151
Several years ago I obtained a free accommodation Breakaway Package through renting a hire car for one month. I chose to stay for the two nights package at the Winston Manor Hotel, which is located at Beacon Road, Crowborough in East Sussex. The town,a small one,is very pleasant and is located in the heart of the delightful Ashdown Forest. The surrounding countryside is delightful and attractive towns such as Royal Tunbridge Wells and East Grinstead are both just a short drive away.
Crowborough is,I should add,a rather small town and perhaps at first glance dosent seem to have a great deal to offer the short-stay visitor,However, first impressions can be misleading. There is a lot of greenery in and aroud the place,a number of interesting little shops,good pubs,coffee houses and cafes and some nice areas for leisurely walks. Just nearby are some charming Sussex villages and all the delights of the Ashdown Forest to explore-this is probably the finest natural forest left in South East England and has a great charm all of its own.
The hotel itself is a spacous one with 54 well equipped bedrooms. My room was en suite,had a queen size bed, spare pillows and blankets, IDD facilities, remote control satellite TV, an elegant arm chair ,writing table and chair, and there was a welcoming basket of fruit,a nice little touch I thought. As is more or less standard these days there were tea and coffee making facilities and Scottish oatmeal biscuits on the tray. Although I didn't use I noticed there was also a modern hair dryer in the room and a trouser press.
The public rooms in the Winston Manor are large and comfortably furnished. Reception were helpful and answered all my questions about attractions in the area with good grace. Breakfasts in the elegant Winston Restaurant were whole hearted affairs and there was a wide choice of healthy fruit drinks, yogurts, cereals, fruit and figs, as well as the delights of a traditional English breakfast.
As I travelled around a lot during the day by the time I got back to the hotel at evening time I had worked-up quite an appetite. Both of my dinners were gourmet affairs-the Executive Chef did us proud. There were some great starters including hearty home made soups and a good selection of entrees such as pan fried salmon and dill and braised lamb shank. The desserts were delicious,in particular, I remember the Black Forest Cheesecake and Cream was yummy,yummy, and yummy. The hotel had a good selection of wines and I ordered wine by the glass. Both dinners were finished off by especially fine coffee and mints.
There is a well patronized bar at the hotel with a good selection of real ales,lagers,wines and spiriits. I noticed there were a lot of non-residents in the bar and service was more than a bit slow. Other facilities at the Winston Manor include a well equipped Fitness Centre, a small reading room and a stylish,well furnished lounge. Other plus points about the hotel were its very handy location-only a short walk from the main shopping area of Crowborough.
Overall I enjoyed my short stay in Crowborough. The town is not the most beautiful in East Sussex but is pleasant enough and a nice relaxed sort of place to unwind in. It is also strategically placed for short trips to the likes of Forest Roww, East Grinstead, and Royal Tunbridge Wells and was the home for a number of years of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle !
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
I hope that you dont want to go back to the Winston Manor Hotel as a few weeks ago it went up in flames and now there is nothing left of it, good opp though.
ashford 28.02.2001 00:32
Thanks for the kind comments. At the moment Lianna I am living and working in Subang Jaya and formerly stayed in Petaling Jaya when I taught at the University of Malaya. Paradoxically I think like Mike living and working outside of UK makes me more appreciative of places in Britain when I have my annual holiday.
Morgenhund 27.02.2001 17:03
I have been reading your travel ops for seven months now, and would have to say that the British Tourist Authortiy ought to reward you, for showing that Britain is certainly worth the visit. As I am now domiciled in Austria, I will think about holidays in Britain if I stay here longer. Keep it up! Mike
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
Venere.com Hotel Booking<br>
Instantly book your Hotel, B&B or Appartment with Venere.com. Huge European selection with photos, reviews, maps and rates. Booking Direct means Lower Prices. Book now, pay on Check out.
very helpful by (100%):
