THE HOTEL: The 93-bed hotel is located in the heart of a 12,000-acre estate off the A27 near Chichester. It’s busy putting its own hallmark on the property since being bought from Marriott two years ago by Lord March. Normal bedrooms begin their refurb this autumn and all will be complete by spring 2012.
The Check-in: Having ‘lost’ the hotel entrance among the multiple entrances accessible from the cavernous car park, it was a pleasure to find an intimate space for reception more akin to a sitting room.
The Room: I stayed in Suite 155 in the old building, one of the spanking new suites that is the blueprint for the new look for the entire hotel. Sleek, contemporary and classy best sum up the effortless feel of luxury that oozes from every corner, from the vast flatscreen TV in the sitting room with table and chairs, iPod docking station, motoring memorabilia on walls and surfaces, to the free-standing bath tub, TV with floating remote and white, chrome and black décor in the bathroom.
The Business: Within the hotel is an extensive Conference Centre comprising the Cedar Suite with terrace and garden accommodating 120 for dinner or 200 theatre style, and three syndicate rooms each taking a maximum of 16, all with natural daylight.
The Facilities: An extensive Health Club has six treatment rooms, pool, gym, sauna and steam rooms, and somewhere to eat healthy food. Within the wider estate are the racecourse, aerodrome, flying school, the famous motor racing circuit, and two PGA championship golf courses with fabulous clubhouse inside the grandest former kennel building I’ve ever seen!
The Restaurant: The Bar & Grill, overlooking the 18th hole, offers lighter food such as sandwiches and salads, while The Richmond Arms restaurant and bar has a good selection of hearty fare using local produce. There is a three-course menu for £30.
The verdict: No-one could fail to be impressed with the set up of Goodwood and the plans for the hotel over the next 18 months will really bring it up to par with the rest of the estate. The new suites are a fantastic start.
The details: Goodwood Hotel, Goodwood, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 OQB. Tel: 01243 775537; www.goodwood.com/hotel. Rooms are from £90; suites from £175. Both rates include VAT and breakfast. GILLIAN UPTON
