amberley castle

I always try and be as constructive and as fair as possible when writing a review, and of course honest, after all if I look at a review then I want to know as much as I can about where I am about to spend my money.On arriving you will not fail to gasp as you approach the gates that open up automatically to reveal the most stunning picture possible of a beautiful castle. It has been a long term wish to stay at a castle and as I managed to get this deal through Secret Escapes my dream was about to become a reality! Now the negative - as we travelled two hours to get to Arundel we looked forward to checking in, possibly having afternoon tea and then have a good explore around the grounds. We were greeted by a smiley receptionist who's first words unfortunately was "hello, we have a birthday party going on" to which I replied, we want to check in please! It was almost as if we should not have arrived at that time due to it being so busy? We arrived at 1.30 and were told that we could not check in until 3pm, our room was not ready? We were disappointed but the receptionist took our mobile number and we decided to go and have lunch in Arundel, she said she would call us one the room was ready. Why they could not have offered us lunch or tea/coffee rather than, as it seemed, to usher us almost out of the building amazed us, we would have been happy to have stayed rather than have to go out again but we went.Having not received a call we arrived back at Amberley at 2.30pm to be told that the room still was not ready, with only 19 rooms and the fact that you have to check out at 11 when you leave why could rooms not be ready? We were only there one night and it was for our anniversary so it was disappointing to have to wait even more time. Whilst waiting two couples arrived before 3pm and were shown to their rooms? We sat and were not offered tea or coffee until 3 minutes to 3 when our room was ready did one of the receptionists think to offer us a drink, we declined and were shown to our room. Now on a positive - I had emailed in advance to request the Luffe Suite, and they very kindly met our request. The suite is amazing, although I was disappointed that it was in the Manor House annex and not in the main castle house, however it was still lovely. It had a lovely lounge area, through to a bedroom with a huge four poster bed and bathroom with a jacuzzi bath, all beautifully decorated and spotlessly clean! The advertised "fluffy robes" and slippers were nowhere to be seen so I asked if we could have some sent over as we wanted to have baths and relax. The robes arrived within a very short space of time and were brought to us by Yvonne the Head Housekeeper who could not have apologised enough for us not being able to check in earlier and for the robes missing! What that lady does not know about Amberley Castle is not worth knowing! She has been there four years but has the knowledge of someone I though had been there for twenty years! Amazing facts about all sorts of history associated with the castle, such a credit and asset to Amberley! We met her again as she took us to a view point to take some pictures via another room, again going beyond her job requirements. You can tell that she takes immense pride in her work and enjoys her job and meeting guests, each room has her seal of approval it seems as she seemed very proud of her team, who obviously work very hard to ensure guests rooms are perfect. We have stayed in hotels all over, four and five star and this lady certainly deserves an employee award just for being such an advocate for such a fine hotel.Now this is constructive criticism - the robes seemed to have seen better days, very thread bare and not "fluffy" more sandpaper! Think new ones are in order. The towels are quite hard, not really five star standard, again possibly seen better days. Rather than put two apples on a plate why not provide a selection of fruit or not bother at all? A bottle of water was on the sideboard with a lovely personal message from the manager, surely a bottle of wine would be more welcoming or again not bother, just seemed a little halfhearted? On arrival why not offer a seat in the lounge area with either a complimentary tea/coffee or glass of fiz? Small touches have maximum impact! These are just suggestions and by no means a complaint. Most people will have travelled and would appreciate the gesture.All in all we had a wonderful stay, just feel that as this hotel is part of the Relais & Chateaux unique hotels it is missing out on simple things to improve a guests stay.Would we go back - definitely, not sure we would pay £595 for a night!!!

This was our second stay at Amberley Castle and once again it doesn't disappoint; we loved the location, the feeling of being tucked away from the rest of the modern world. As a relatively small hotel the staff are very attentive and we must make special mention of the outstanding, young sommelier Alexander whose extensive knowledge and wine selection added to our dining experience. For a special occasion Amberley Castle is highly recommended.

For a special Sunday lunch Amberley Castle is a must. Attention to detail is superb, all the staff are friendly, efficient and on top of their game. Surroundings are luxurious but comfortable. Descriptions of the food are no indication of the great presentation. When we visited my three companions and I enjoyed every mouthful of our three course meal and couldn't fault it. Great to relax with a coffee in one of the cosy lounges after the meal.

The old building styles of this perfectly preserved village under the massive walls of a ruined castle, co-exist with sheep trimming the grassland and the wetlands support a rich diversity of flora and fauna. The Norman church of St Michael presses up against the towering ruins of the castle, while behind the church, a 13th-century manor house has a curtain-like wall, a perfect setting for the village's delightful old houses and cottages. Set among water meadows, farms and cider apple orchards and close for fishing, Amberley is a true picture-book village, boasting 3 pubs plus stores.

Stunning gardens stunning location beautiful restaurant and not over priced, lovely staff just a delight to have been there

We were staying locally and had been told there was a castle here. We accessed it via a rear/side footpath from the village and were amazed at the beautiful gardens, the castle remains and the outstanding hotel in the grounds with what appeared to also be outside self-contained rooms/apartments. It was a haven for wild birds and they even have a pea-hen in the grounds. What a stunning place to see! It also has a restaurant with tables oustide as too-well worth a visit.

This is definitely the place for a special occasion. It just oozes atmosphere with ruined walls, port cullis, mullioned windows, suits of armour, flagstone floors and tastefully decorated rooms. The gardens are lovely and it is so relaxing to sit with a drink there. The staff are very efficient and attentive. The food is excellent.

From the moment as you arrive at the gates to the castle open automatically. The long driveway to the castle is spectacular. The hotel gardens are full of flowers, white pigeons and two white peacocks. Drinks are served in the garden when possible or in one of the comfortable lounges. The food is of the highest standard and the service is very professional. We booked late and got the last available room which was quite small but very comfortable with crisp bed linen and white dressing gowns. If you wanted to relax somewhere quiet and restful this is the place.

Liked everything. Nothing to dislike only having to come home from it. Food is amazing, staff are attentive but not intrusive

Nothing to dislike in any way. The service was excellent, discrete, intelligent and friendly. The setting was beautiful from the peacocks screeching on the roof tiles to the vaulted ceilings and leaded windows.The food excelled itself and the chocolate cherry tree was worth every penny.

Absolutely excellent surroundings and facilities. We had afternoon tea on a warm sunny day, it was idyllic and very good value.

We recently stayed at Amberley Castle as a treat for my Husband's Birthday. I admit I had another reason because when I was at High School, my House Team was Amberley Castle. Being interested in history, I was disappointed at that time because it wasn't open to Visitors. Did I feel let down when I got there? Certainly not. It went beyond my expectations. The accommodation was excellent and the Staff were so friendly and helpful, you were actually made to feel at home. Nothing was too much trouble. Some of the bedrooms are being refurnished and I was a little disappointed that the bathrooms were being modernised. It somehow didn't seem to fit the 900 year old history. However I can understand that there are some who like their modern day features and at least the bedrooms are keeping the tradition going and definitely don't look tired. I have to admit even I enjoyed the whirlpool bath. The furnishings are well within keeping the character and the bed was so comfortable we had a really good nights sleep! It is well worth walking around the gardens, which are beautifully kept and looking at other parts of the castle even though some are just ruins.The only slight disappointment was the cost of Dinner, it was very expensive although the menu looked inviting. I think this would put a lot of people off which is a shame because the Dining areas are beautiful. All in all, though it was one of the best places I've stayed at.

The castle is now a hotel, so only saw the grounds and outside of the castle. It is very pretty. I would love to spend the night there but it is very expensive.

There's only one word to describe the lunch I had here with a friend from the US - Exquisite! This is one of the best meals I have EVER had, and excellent value for money.

Had a great dinner last Saturday evening: Did choose the 8 course menu with wine menu. Great food, great wine, good service, great ambiance.