The Tollgate Hotel
Location: The Street, Bramber, Steyning, gb
Star Rating: 9 Stars
Property Type: Hotels
About this Property
Charming Village Location
Nestled in the picturesque village of Bramber, The Tollgate Hotel & Restaurant offers a serene escape at the base of the South Downs.
Comfortable Accommodation
Indulge in spacious bedrooms equipped with modern amenities including flat-screen TVs, tea/coffee facilities, and complimentary Wi-Fi, ensuring a cozy stay.
Scenic Surroundings
Explore the stunning West Sussex countryside with ease, as the hotel's prime location allows for easy access to popular walking trails and cycling routes.
To experience the tranquility and comfort of The Tollgate Hotel & Restaurant, book your stay now.
Important Information
This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.
It's recommended to bring your own vehicle since this property is not serviced by public transportation.
Policies
Check-in: 03:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Amenities & Facilities
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Family rooms
- Lift / Elevator
- Express check-in/check-out
- Safety deposit box
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Non-smoking throughout
- Wheelchair accessible
- Outdoor furniture
- Staff adhere to local safety protocols
- Guest rooms disinfected between stays
- Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
- Physical distancing rules followed
- Cashless payment available
- Fire extinguishers
- First aid kit available
- Sanitized tableware & silverware
- Guests can opt-out any cleaning services during stay
- Smoke alarms
- Shared stationery like menus, pens are removed
- Guest room sealed after cleaning
- Property cleaned by professional cleaning companies
- Key card access
- Express check-in
- Free wired internet
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Internet access
- Housekeeping on request
- Private picnics
- Japanese garden
- Secured parking
- Bulk dispenser for toiletries
Rooms Available
-
Standard Double Room
The double room features air conditioning and a safe deposit box, as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower. The unit has 1 bed.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Seating Area
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Linen
- Toilet paper
- Shower chair
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Smoke alarm
- Window
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation
-
Deluxe Double Room
A seating area with a flat-screen TV, a desk and a private bathroom are provided in this spacious double room. The unit offers 1 bed.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- TV
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Seating Area
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Sofa
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Toilet paper
- Sofa bed
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Smoke alarm
-
Double Room
Featuring free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The double room has carpeted floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV, a wardrobe, an electric kettle, as well as heating. The unit has 1 bed.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- TV
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Seating Area
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Smoke alarm
-
Executive Double Room
The spacious double room features air conditioning, heating, as well as a private bathroom boasting a bath and a shower. The unit has 1 bed.
Max Occupancy: 3 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- TV
- Telephone
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Seating Area
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Sofa
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Linen
- Toilet paper
- Sofa bed
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Smoke alarm
- Key card access
- Window
- Carbon monoxide detector
-
Classic Double Room
Featuring free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The double room has carpeted floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV, a wardrobe, an electric kettle, as well as heating. The unit has 1 bed.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- TV
- Telephone
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Seating Area
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Smoke alarm
- Key card access
-
Classic Twin Room
The spacious twin/double room offers air conditioning, a safe deposit box, as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower. The twin/double room features heating.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- TV
- Telephone
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Seating Area
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Linen
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Smoke alarm
- Key card access
- Window
- Carbon monoxide detector
-
Superior Double Room
The spacious double room provides air conditioning, heating, as well as a private bathroom featuring a bath or a shower and a hairdryer. The unit offers 1 bed.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- TV
- Telephone
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Seating Area
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Linen
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Cots
- Shampoo
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Smoke alarm
- Key card access
- Window
- Carbon monoxide detector
Guest Reviews
- Chris (9/5): - Great room, friendly staff, lovely food.
- Dave (1/5): Worse place every stayed in. Do not go near it. Avoid!!!! - Nothing. I have contacted Tollgate so have Booking.com and no one has replied. I have a full report sent to Tollgate Hotel but this is summarised below. I have photographic evidence of all mentioned below.
Room smelt of split milk. Windows had to be kept open all the time.
Staff are not on sight 24 hours or at book in. Could not speak to anyone face to face about issues.
No TV as it would not connect to Wi-Fi or normal ariel.
Room not serviced after first night even though sign taken off door and put back on tray in the room with dirty mugs.
The sofas where dusty and dirty.
Cob webs and spiders in the room.
Lights bulbs out of action, 4 in total. This includes a cracked light in the bathroom.
The shower had a screw as the lever for the temperature adjuster. Also when filling the bath the water squirted upwards against the tiles when filling the bath.
The mattress topper was too small for the bed.
I had to plug in the fridge on arrival but was loath to touch the plug afterwards as the outer shell was broken for fear of electrocution.
The Wi-Fi kept dropping in and out depending what part of the room you were stood in. As 3G was then the signal stretch it was difficult to use our mobile phones.
Bath mat provided as a hand towel.
Bath tap squirted up at the tiles not in the bath.
Room advertised for supplies also shown as locked so could not get replacement coffees and room not serviced.
The whole stay was not what I paid. What was advertised was not provided for. The room was well below was was expected. I have requested a full refund of £227.29 but Booking.com and myself and had no reply from The Tollgate Hotel.
- Sykes (8/5): -
- Christopher (8/5): -
- Gillian (1/5): Unable to stay as rooms not habitable - Unable to stay - nothing The rooms were booked for my husband and his elderly father. On arrival they were dirty and not usable, beds not changed, towels not changed, no toilet roll, no facilities to make a drink, TV not working, no staff on site to assist (remote check in). They left and found alternative accommodation in Horsham but my father in law was very tired by the time they were able to get settled. We had found out the day before that the hotel was due to close for good on the day of planned check out, and had we known this prior to payment would have cancelled. The hotel were aware that an elderly person was staying so disappointed that they didn't inform of us of the issues they were obviously having. We have been refunded but very poor experience.
- Peter (8/5): Good stay, I would stay again. - Good value, quiet and comfortable with ample free parking. Nicely cooked breakfast. Lack of staff for check-in at night. Minor issue
- Igor (9/5): Absoluut een aanrader! - Mooi gelegen aan de jachthaven, ruime parkeergelegenheid, riante kamer met comfortabel bed en modern sanitair met ligbad. Het restaurant biedt een heerlijk ontbijt, evenals een uitgebreid menu voor het diner. Op loopafstand van The Historic Dockyard. n.v.t.
- Chris4koi (10/5): - We had a lovely time
- Gary (8/5): Good Value and a comfortable stay. - Room was large and very comfortable although my wife said that it was slightly dust and could have been cleaned more intensively.
Bed was excellent and the bathroom was very good. Cleanliness of the room could have been improved however, it was acceptable for our stay.
- Reed (5/5): Very comfortable, apart from the rocky start! - The breakfast, and a long and interesting conversation with the proprietor. When we arrived in the village, we found it very difficult to find the hotel. We stopped in the centre of the village, but with no sign of the hotel. We rang the phone no given, but spoke to a woman who did not appear to know here the hotel was, or how we could find it. Meanwhile, my wife drove about half a mile along the road, and finally found the hotel. But it was only when she turned round and started to return , that she saw the Tollgate Hotel sign, which faces east. But we were approaching from the west! So we were delayed at least 30 minutes in arriving at the Hotel, and when we rang, the woman we spoke to was quite unable to tell us how to find the hotel!
- Martyn (7/5): A perfectly good place to stay as part of our walking holiday. - The staff were very friendly and helpful. The room was a decent size and comfortable. The place was rather empty and there was nowhere to eat in the hotel in the evening which was a problem as Bramber is a small place.
Parts of the hotel looked a little tired.
- Louise (1/5): - Filthy.
- 23031961 (2/5): Avoid - Avoid. I booked two single occupancy rooms for one night via Booking.com for my husband and his 93 year old father, to allow them to stay an extra day near family following a family wedding. They arrived to find rooms not cleaned, dirty towels, bedding not changed, no toilet roll, no drink making facilties, no reception (automated check in). They had to find somewhere else to stay in Horsham which was less convenient. The reviews on Booking.com were reasonable, but having seen the more recent reviews on Tripadvisor we would have cancelled. I have reported to Booking.com and credit card company to obtain reimbursement. Friends local to the area told us on the day before the stay that this place was closing for good on 06/10/25, but by that time advance payment had been made.
- supriya (10/5): -
- Kim (8/5): -
- Jill (1/5): Terrible - The breakfast was good It was dirty, cold and no staff on desk
- Karen (7/5): A mixed experience - The hotel itself was comfortable and clean. Parking was easy and the breakfast was very pleasant. We also liked the concept of the online check in and sharing of codes. Our arrival was a bit of a disaster. We'd been sent to wrong room information and so when we let ourselves in the rooms were not clean, in fact they were in part of the hotel that is supposed to be closed. We had to call someone to help us but there was a further error even after they moved us to the correct part of the hotel as an hour after settling someone else let them into our son's room. Very little by way of an apology was offered which was frustrating given the situation.
- DaveyWavey (4/5): -
- Melanie (4/5): - Large room. No hot water, unsafe as the doors were left open (I couldn’t close them), light bulbs not working, bathroom not clean.
- vic (8/5): -
- Martin (8/5): Good value place to stay. Lovely village to visit - Good breakfast. Comfortable room with pleasant view of the village No staff available when I arrived. Problem with bathroom sink.
Also needs some car charging spaces.
- Marshall (7/5): Strange at first with no person to check in at the desk. It was on line but very simple on a phone - Room was good and was clean, spacious and comfortable Breakfast was OK but the cooked breakfast could have bee better, The waitress found it hard to communicate in English. It was edible, therefore not complaining
- Meulman (6/5): Naar omstandigheden redelijk - Goed ontbijt Hotel staat op het punt gesloten te worden. Niet schoon, te weinig personeel etc.
- Steven (6/5): -
- Peter (1/5): Never again . Would not recommend. - No contacts for problems or emergencies.
Poor entrance lighting , dark passages and trying to operate room pass key pad in the dark.
Hot water was not available, so unable to shower. Plug in sink did not hold the tepid water.
Tea, coffee tray never restocked.
No TV Reception. When a way from the accommodation rang hotel and was told signal is poor because of location.
No internet connection.
Mobile phone signal very very week and would not be of help in an emergency as no land line available
NO STAFF for advice and no hotel information or instructions in room.
Where are Health and safety?
This hotel is an accident waiting to happen
- carly (9/5): Delightful - The room was a big size, the bathroom had been recently been refurbished and had a very big spa bath and walk in shower which were both lovely, especially after a day spent standing in the cold. Most doors had the key code, so we only saw one member of staff at breakfast, but the breakfast was well cooked and very tasty and quick. Parking was plenty and we walked to Bramber castle int he morning which is over the road. The rest of the hotel is a little tired, but I would book again if in the area.
- Rosie (8/5): It’s a beautiful place to stay but they need to get tv and WiFi sorted - Comfortable quiet good breakfast TV did not work
Problems with WiFi
- Kim (1/5): Don’t stay here. - The location It was all dark, no lights on in the entrance when we arrived, no staff, no bar open, the rooms were dated and basic and not how shown on marketing photos with no hand soap or shower gel. It was clean for most of it but dirty sheets from a previous guest were left in my room along with cleaning products. One of our friends rooms was very poor and basic and quite frankly none were worth the price. Breakfast wasn’t good either. Hard poached eggs, watery scrambled eggs, rude staff who were very abrupt.
- Dawn (10/5): -
- Debbie (9/5): Very comfortable. Would return. - Quiet. Easy parking. Digital Checking in went smoothly despite being unmanned. Good access to coast and Arundle Castle. Comfy wide double bed. Clean walk-in shower. Unmanned but easy access advice by manned phone. Shower waste was blocked so water in tray rose and lapped over. It seemed casual if front door was left open or not if you returned late.
- John (1/5): Average.. will book onto castle hotel next time - Good location No one on reception
Awful greasy and time expired breakfast
No room cleaning service
Awful bathroom arrangement. Modern but not user friendly
With no bath
- Mary (6/5): Convenient for visiting family, has gone down hill - Convenient Front door was stuck permanently unlocked
- Chaline (8/5): -
- Peter (4/5): Poor attention to detail. Could be good, but misses out - Nice modern room, with comfortable bed.
Breakfast was good.
Inexpensive
Good car parking Unstaffed, other than breakfast.
TV didn't work
Complementary WIFI but nowhere was password given or displayed. Couldn't log in.
Zero mobile phone reception
Toilet was not clean
No hand soap in bathroom, just shower gell and shampoo in shower.
E-mail sent to check out, but couldn't recieve it due to no mobile connection and no WiFi.
Difficult to locate at night. Hotel sign not illuminated from road. Drove past it once.
- Benedetta (7/5): - Camera ampia e in ordine
- RAW (1/5): Dirty, disgusting -
- plantsmanZ (2/5): Don't Stay at this Hotel - After multiple stays at this hotel over the past 7 years, we were very disappointed with our 4 night September stay in an Executive Room and we will never return. Over the years we have seen a steady decline, however, as we always found the place welcoming, friendly staff, with good food and clean rooms plus great location and good prices we continued to book. This stay, however, was a catalogue of problems that started on arrival.
1. We booked and paid for an early check in but the keypad wouldn't allow us access. As there is no longer a staffed reception (very bad idea) we managed to find a cleaner to let us in and she did say this was a problem with early check ins.
2. Once in the room we entered the bathroom to find NO towels had been provided. Plus no bin liner. Fortunately we were able to find the cleaner who did go and get us some towels.
3. The safe was already closed so we couldn't use it and despite informing the cleaner when she brought the towels nothing was done for the entire stay.
4. I decided to have a quick shower before going out but found loads of hair stuck to the wall and a very low pressure shower. The non stick mat that was provided was dirty and frayed at the edges so not pleasant to use.
5. When we returned in the evening we found the entrance very dark and uninviting.
6. We couldn't access the complimentary WiFi as didn't have the code and neither of us had good mobile reception to be able to search for it online. We did look at the notice boards in reception but couldn't see it and it didn't appear on any emailed booking communications. I later found it the following day when away from the hotel grounds where we has mobile reception.
7. Breakfast. It was like 'Fawlty Towers' on the first day. Even though we arrived very early, there were already lots of guests in the breakfast room and the only member of staff didn't welcome us nor explain where things were. The buffet selection was poor and most had run out, the coffee jug was empty, the water urn for tea was empty too. Obviously we asked for these to be refilled as did other guests multiple times but it took ages and when I repeatedly asked for a clean cup it eventually was slammed down on the table with no apology. The member of staff didn't look like he knew what he was doing and kept dropping cutlery on the floor and left it there. Everything was very chaotic. On previous visits I have really enjoyed the breakfasts especially the omelets but this time mine arrived badly presented and much smaller and not nearly as tasty. My husband's Full English which has always been really good was very poor too. Subsequent breakfasts were better, probably as there were less guests and a different member of staff.
8. TV in room - couldn't watch it as reception was so poor it constantly buffered and froze.
9. Price - the prices have increased significantly.
Summary. We are very disappointed as the hotel is in a lovely location near to beautiful countryside and river and perfect as a base for us to visit family along the south coast. We were heartened to read on the website that the restaurant and bar are soon to be refurbished but there are no signs of any work.
Sadly, we cannot see this hotel surviving unless some drastic measures are taken urgently. Although run down the main problems are no welcome, no reception staff and poor cleaning. (examples - on entering the main door there is a large plant pot with a lot of cigarette butts chucked in but his wasn't emptied during our stay, reception was dark and uninviting and the first impression on arriving at the hotel was very disappointing with untidy planting and unkempt appearance.
I would not recommend staying at this hotel
- Muhammad Yusuf (7/5): -
- Steven (4/5): Bed for the night. Breakfast pretty average - Location Our room was not prepared. No phone signal, nobody on site, took over an a hour to get sorted after numerous phone calls. Finally moved to a spare room. Dread to think if we had arrived late at night
- Richard (2/5): Depressing. - Hot water, spacious, good location Very run down and tired. Almost empty. Very dirty shower door seal. TV did not work. Breakfast was awful. Really cheap cash and carry ingredients. We did not risk a cooked breakfast having seen a recent review of the meat being off.
Discovered the hotel is about to close down as it’s up for sale on Right Move.
- Greg (1/5): Awful hotel - more of a hostel. This hotel should not be on Booking.com - Nothing went well so there's nothing to say here. This hotel should not be on Booking.com. It is awful and frankly unsafe as no-one is there and no-one answers the emergency call telephone.
Firstly the online check-in was not working so we couldn’t check-in in advance. We were informed that the hotel knows their system is temperamental and that someone would be at reception to check us in. When we arrived, no one was at reception. The night porter didn't answer the phone. The emergency number was unanswered. We therefore could not access our room.
There's also very poor mobile phone signal at the hotel so it's difficult to try again to online check-in.
We had booked a twin room, but were given a double - certainly not great when travelling with a colleague.
We were on a cycling trip and had been told the hotel would provide secure bike storage - this was not the case and was not provided.
Awful hotel - more of a hostel. No-one is there so no-one to help you, or to complain to. This hotel should not be on Booking.com
- David (1/5): -
- Dencfc (2/5): Don't stay here. - Nothing. Shower was blocked so couldn't use it. Internet didn't work. Room not cleaned properly, dirty cups and spoon. Stains on mattress.
No coffee at breakfast couldn't find any staff.
Whole place is run down.
- Callum (1/5): They gave me the double booked me in a room with some else staying in there and I walked in on them half naked. -
- Paul (2/5): Very disappointing - Position
Helpful friendly staff Digital booking in
Whole place felt tired and run down
Initial room offered was unprepared and dirty and replacement one had no lights
Poor breakfast
Appeared to be run on a shoestring
- Graham (4/5): Basic but functional - It was functional No staff, shower was very poor
- Richard (1/5): - The room was comfortable
The guy who served breakfast was nice A post apocalyptic nightmare. The check in is online using possibly the most unfriendly form ever. You're given a door code but when you arrive all the outside doors are unsecured. You wander the reception using your torch because what lights there are, are incredibly dim. Reception has been abandoned, the coffee shop, restaurant and bar are all ready for guests but are empty and dark. You expect a zombie to leap out any moment but all you have to defend yourself is your phone. Instructions are on a laminated card on the reception desk. Crossing to the separate block where your room is, the door hangs ominously open. You wander the hallway looking for your room in the half light. When you find it you punch in your code and enter. The room looks ok , to be fair, but when you put the TV on there is no signal.
Seriously, this is the most unwelcoming hotel ever. I phoned about the TV but the duty manager couldn't be bothered to come out. Reception in the morning was staffed but my request for a fix on the TV was pretty much ignored. Breakfast was...ok. my room was serviced but the contents of the bathroom bin was dumped outside my door (see picture). No supplies were topped up.
This place is about making as much money as possible by providing as little service and cutting as many corners as possible. Avoid
- Gary (8/5): Great location but needs bar and restaurant opening - Great comfortable bed and lovely village Tv reception was non existent
- Andrea (7/5): - Comfortable room, quiet, near location i wanted to be. No staff, no bar or facilities
- Sally (7/5): Mediocre - Good bathroom, clearly refurbished No staff around, don't like online check in. The TV in the room was not connected, could turn it on but nothing to view. Dated furniture.
- Elliott (7/5): -
- Bill (5/5): -
- Tim (8/5): - Good size room and nice breakfast No real complaints
- Alan (9/5): - Quiet location, quality room, loads of parking. Good breakfast. Didn't pay until check out. Advised no bar and evening meals available in advance lovely village setting and local castle to explore communal top up store for items you may have used up in your room. Long self checking form, lots of non relevant questions. Limited walking options to eat etc.
- Paul (3/5): Disappointing since with a little more attention it could have been ok. - Location.
Car park near room.
Comfortable bed
Spacious room. No reception
3 attempts to locate room and get lights to work.
No restaurant.
Shower plug loose
No hot water in the morning.
Bathroom light nowhere near bathroom door.
Stain on carpet.
- Jonathan (7/5): Comfortable and good breakfast - Cool in a hot summer spell, clean and quiet room. Great breakfast. Good location for a stopover when walking the South Downs Way. Dogs permitted. Bramber is an interesting village with nice pubs and restaurants nearby. This hotel has an automated check in system, you get a keycode emailed to you which opens the outer and bedroom door. Our code didn't work because we were a few minutes before the 3.00 pm check in time. There was no one at the reception desk but luckily I found a very helpful cleaner who let us in.
Our room had a large Jacuzzi which was a surprise but it meant that no toiletries were provided except one bar of soap, presumably to stop people over foaming the Jacuzzi.
No biscuits!
- Beal (1/5): Shocking. A rip off. Worst ever. - Nothing. worst hotel experience ever. No staff at check/in. no staff at all in the hotel after lunchtime! No restaurant. no bar (both closed). Breakfast buffet ran out of yoghurt, fruit. Shameful! How dare you charge the prices you charge! Everything.
- Godley (8/5): Comfortable, with good facilities & lovely location. - The location is great. The ground floor room was spacious & comfortable, with a good size shower in the bathroom. Comfortably furnished, with drink making facilities & fridge. We couldn't watch TV on any channel as the signal was dreadful. Some areas of the room hadn't been cleaned. I went to switch the bedside lamp off at the plug & the area behind the bedside table was covered with dust & cobwebs. Some areas around the shower floor looked dirty.
- Phyllis (5/5): Needs Updating!! (Underway) - Pleasant location. Self check-in. Absence of staff.
Ill-fitting doors banging all night.
Hotel under refurbishment, no bar or kitchen in the evening.
- iwona (9/5): -
- Chris (4/5): Disappointed with the hotel. - The bathroom was clean and the towels were very good. The room we were allocated was very tired, room number 222. Upon entering the room there was a strong, very unpleasant smell. We brought this to the attention of the night receptionist via the number provided. We then chased this again 30 minutes later at 10pm at night. The response was she had no access to room availability to allocate another room, however she would leave a message for a manager to contact us. We stayed up til 11pm waiting for a call. No response was received, we had no choice to stay in this room. It was an unpleasant stay, we regularly visit Sussex but we will not be staying at the Tollgate again despite its good location and good reputation in the past. Very dissatisfied.
- 422cathb (2/5): Terrible place NOT recommended - 1. Could no access to the room on early check in
2. No receptionist only a phone number
3. Television not working
4. No phone in room but states on information provided
5. Sausages on breakfast were not good they were off. When asked waitress to speak to chef. The chef wasn’t interested
6. No staff around to ask questions
Definitely NOT recommended felt like I wasted my money. It looks beautiful but looks can be deceiving
- Yvonne (8/5): Hotel was satisfactory very nice bathroom - Location in main building
All seemed fine but second day shortage of breakfast tea and no yoghurts Lighting in the room quite dark
Tea and coffee room supplies not topped up and none visible in reception area
- Walters (3/5): Couldn't wait to come home - Location, parking. I visit Steyning twice a year, and decided to try The Tollgate this time. My room was basically OK in terms of furnishings and bathroom, but so, so dark [lights needed at 4pm on a sunny July afternoon] that I phoned the remote reception to ask for another room. Told not possible as all rooms now occupied, but noted and they'd see what could be done for the rest of my stay. Phoned again at 9 am the following morning to be told that the manager was not yet in but again noted, and he/she would phone me. Asked how I should leave my room...no clear answer given so I said that I would pack up and put my bags in the car and await news of room swap. Eventually I got a phone call at around 4pm saying there'd been a missed call [no?] situation explained again, and again told that all rooms were now allocated and no swap possible. I re-iterated what I'd been told earlier, to be asked, 'Who told you that?' 'Whoever was on the phone at 4pm yesterday!' 'Well I'm the manager here! All of the rooms are now occupied, I don't know what you expect me to do about it!'
I didn't bother to report the slow draining sink and shower.
I really dislike the non resident reception, which suggests, 'Actually, no-one cares anyway'. Breakfast was OK-ish, not brilliantly cooked and there was a feeling of low morale amongst those serving it. Other residents who had stayed there before were lamenting the current regime and for somewhere which was apparently fully booked, the breakfast room was sparsely occupied [perhaps the others had been and gone?] A card in the room really sells the Tollgate in this new generation and the copy is good, but is highly aspirational and way short of the reality. You can't create ethos in absentia. It has a long way to go to get anywhere near 'hospitality' and I definitely won't choose The Tollgate again. My three night stay felt a really long stint and left a bad taste in the mouth.
- Stephen (4/5): Disappointing. I expected better for the price paid. I would not recommend the Tollgate to anyone. - Over priced compared to other locations such as Premier Inn. Breakfast was small and the sausage I was given was off. I spoke to the waitress who apologised and took it to the cook. She returned saying the cook did not know what had happened and offered to replace it. Given the one I was served was off I politely declined. No reception staff only a phone despite saying Reception was staffed. No phone in room despite card saying there was one. The television was faulty and unwatchable. Staff attempted to fix the issue by replacing the set and aerial cable. Fault persisted - obvious aerial fault.
- Laura (5/5): A tired hotel and lack of staff - No staff there the entire time, we had to call a number to check in.
- Olivier (10/5): Endroit reposant - calme, grande chambre, équipements et petit-déjeuner les conditions d'accès (numéro de chambre et code) étaient bien communiquées par interne, mais finalement on ne voit personne ! la seule personne rencontrée est au petit-déjeuner.
- Douglas (7/5): Overnight Stay - Convenient for our weekend Nothing really- shower a little weak and spray needed cleaning .
Thats it
- Diane (10/5): Enjoyable. Staff all helpful and polite. Just a shame the evening meal was not available - Location excellent. Parking super easy. Breakfast was enough but could have been slightly better Have experienced the evening meals in the past. Wish there was still a possibility of their return.
- Paola (10/5): -
- Guest (9/5): We were comfortable and well situated for our planss - The hotel and garden were lovely, there were plenty of parking spaces, the village location and the appeal of the village. The bus to Shoreham was regular and direct. The breakfast was well cooked and appetising
- Frank (7/5): - Ruhige Lage Kein Personal vor Ort, check in/out nur online
- Graham (9/5): A lovely hotel - Very large comfortable, clean room in annexe building opposite the main hotel. Automatic check-in via email in advance provides room number and door code. A bit Marie Celeste like on arrival as no one on reception. There is a telephone provided for any enquiries though. We were on a cycling holiday so I had previously enquired about secure storage for the bikes. I was told this was available, but when we arrived I had no idea where it was. I made a quick call on the phone provided and was immediately given the location and lock combination code, so no real problem. Breakfast was very nice and plentiful. The member of staff was very pleasant and efficient.
The restaurant and bar are currently not open but there is an excellent pub three minutes walk away in the beautiful village of Bramber. Nothing of note
- Susannah (5/5): Adequate accommodation in pretty village. We've had so much better nearby for a similar price point - Good location, pretty village, public transport links to Brighton. We moved rooms because of a problem with the window and this was sorted via a phonecall (nobody on site as it was an automated check-in) and was straightforward except there were no bath towels in the new room. It was a very hot day, and a fan would have been helpful. The room was swapped out because of a problem with a non-opening window, and the decor was tired, and clean enough but not spotless. I really missed there being any member of staff around until the next morning - it felt weirdly soul-less and very transactional.
- Geoff (9/5): -
- Jonathan (7/5): -
- Christopher (6/5): -
- Moira (3/5): Very disappointing. Stayed here a number of times over a 10-year period; deterioration continues - Convenient location, Cooked breakfast good. Staff member who served breakfast and dealt with our complaint about the sheets was very pleasant and professional. Change to automated check-in, difficult to report problems when no-one there. Damp sheets on one side of bed on first night, mouldy berries at breakfast buffet on first morning, very poor cleaning of bathroom (not clear if this was supposed to be included with making up the room?). Dusty and cobwebby bedroom. Security - outside door open the whole time (should have gained access with entry code) plus strange cars in car park at 2.30 in the morning???
- Rachel (3/5): Would not return - Location Not clean. Cobwebs even on the bed as well as all windows
- Catherine (8/5): -
- Yat (4/5): An OK hotel with no personality - The room was clean. I didn't like not seeing anyone. Check in was online and you are sent a room number with entry code of the door. That was it, I did not see anyone until breakfast in the morning. Check out was also online. There is no people interaction with this hotel.
The TV signal was bad. I could not see any TV or listen to radio.
The bed was very soft and not that comfortable for me.
- Sarai (5/5): Telarañas everywhere - El desayuno está bastante bien.
Las habitaciones amplias, aunque con mobiliario anticuado. Había muchísimas telarañas (y arañas) por las paredes del pasillo, además, en las habitaciones también había telarañas, se notaba que limpian solo lo que se ve.
- Westart Apiaries (5/5): Unsafe & Unmanned - Not alot. Whilst this venue was quite I wish it was made clearer in the description that it was an unmanned establishment. Poor phone signal ment I had to travel back out the area to retrieve codes required to get in to the apartment. Was also not particularly happy about the door to the building we stayed in having to be left open through the night (As in propped open). This did not give me any confidence of a safe environment.
- ILAFLR (9/5): - Un'antica dimora ben tenuta con una ampio parcheggio
La stanza era grande con un tavolino e 2 poltrone, uno mini frigo ed un letto enorme.
La colazione era solo all'inglese ma cucinata sul momento
Il ristorante ed il bar erano chiusi, peccato perché erano davvero belli Check-in per telefono e scopeto una volta arrivati
Bastava inviare i dettagli via mail come fanno tutti senza dover leggere tutti i cartelli esposti.
Poca insonorizzazione fra le stanze.
- Bernard (9/5): Quiet restful and welcoming. - The breakfast was freshly cooked and well prepared with a good selection It will be superb when the family implement their fantastic plan for repurposing the hotel. We can't wait to see the result
- Dorothy (8/5): Very convenient for a short overnight stay. - Check in / check out was done online. No visible staff, but there was a mobile number if we needed to make contact.
It suited us very well, as stayed one night and had an early departure.
- Tanja (6/5): Für Ausflüge mit dem Auto ist das Hotel sehr gut gelegen. - Reichhaltiges, gutes englisches Frühstück. Das Hotel ist etwas in die Jahre gekommen, das Zimmer im Erdgeschoss war gemütlich und sehr geräumig. Das Hotel befindet sich in einem mahlerischen englischen Dorf mitten im Grünen. Unqualifiziertes Personal, besonderes an der Reception.
- Beal (1/5): The Marie Celeste of hotels - no one there, appalling service (non-existent). Don't stay here. - Nothing. Virtual check in. Not one person in the hotel! Check in staff were only reachable by phone. It was difficult to get access codes that worked. Bookings were confused - some lost. (we were in a group). Worst hotel expereince ever - and at 200 pounds per night. Shameful. No bar nor restaurant either. Two people in change of breakfast - yoghurt and fruit ran out - no replacements available. Shocking!!!!!
- Numbere (10/5): -
- Samuel (10/5): -
- Guest (7/5): - Personally prefer human receptionist.
A Fully functioning Restaurent would be better.
- Marit (4/5): Teleurstellend hotel - Lekker gegeten bij het Indiase restaurant dichtbij het hotel Niemand was aanwezig bij check-in. Deur stond gewoon open. Iedereen kan naar binnen. Met een cijfercode je hotelkamer openmaken die je krijgt na online check-in. Als je de mail niet ontvangen hebt/niet gezien hebt moet je naar een telefoonnummer bellen. Erg onpersoonlijk en vreemd.
Muffe geur in kamer en badkamer
Douchegordijn met haren eraan en aan de muur ook haren.
Foto's vd badkamers komen niet overeen met werkelijkheid (op geen enkele staat een douchegordijn)
Geen fruit bij ontbijt
Twee Engelse stellen excuseerden zich voor dit hotel. Was niet de Engelse standaard. Schaamden zich.
- Hayley (2/5): Extremely poor and would not recommend unless there was a major change - The location was handy for the event we were at but the whole experience of the stay was shocking. My husband had to unblock the sink in the bathroom as the water wasn’t going down.
It is extremely over priced for what it is.
The room is basic and didn’t feel clean.
We were staying for 3 nights and we had no change of towels or bedding after I had requested it to be changed because my baby had been stuck on it.
Our bins were overflowing and we had no toilet roll and not responded too when requested for toilet roll.
If this was a hostel I’d paid a pittance for I wouldn’t mind but we paid nearly £500 ! Disgusted by the price for what we experienced.
There was no one in reception and the staff at breakfast didn’t interact with you at all. The breakfast which is included was awful so we didn’t bother going for it after the first morning.
I think it’s disgraceful to charge such an expensive price for such a poor service.
And just to add I never really write a negative review but I’m so unhappy with this that I couldn’t not share my thoughts.
- Sarah (4/5): Not value for money and not great - Breakfast staff and booking in staff (via telephone). I was really disappointed with this Hotel, the price did not match the room or stay. Its a beautiful location and the breakfast staff are lovely, but here is why I was so disappointed. .
The self check in and out was creepy due to no staff meeting you and all lights off in entrance, cant imagine in the winter how safe this would be. (When you call the number for the room door key, it goes to a polite ladies who helps. But one client said they could hear kids in the back ground on check in). The main entrance door is open 24/7 and not locked , as a solo traveler I was trying to move hotels on first night. In the room it was basic and for £200 plus , i paid this was really not great. The breakfast was basic and once they ran out it wasn't re filled. First breakfast , one customer was complaining that there wasn't any fruit and she was advised with there is no more and they cant get anymore from local shops due to no staff. My room was ok, the side of the bed was damaged and left a dip in bed when you slept. No Hair dyer and the kettle had that must lime scale , I never had a drink in the room. I am so disappointed , except for the breakfast staff , I saw briefly only two staff in the office who was gossiping about the night before. I travel a lot and honestly I was shocked this place looks so nice on the out side , but inside its dated , and really creepy. I am so sorry to leave this feed back but I HAVE TO BE HONEST, if I could have changed hotels I would have on the first night. And most of the hotel is no entry ??? and dark at night. Breakfast wasn't great and take some drinks/food for the evening as there is no bar or snack machine at this hotel.
- Peter (4/5): Less service minded staff and lots of things went wrong. - Good and helpful breakfast staff between 18-20 july. Our rooms was big. Less good service at breakfast from Monday 21/7. When my son pointed out that the yogurt was out of stock, the person continued to place cups and wipe the table. No change of towels in our room until after 4 nights. We went home after five nights. We had to go and find toilet paper ourselves. On Monday 21/7 we were asked for support but asked the person to come back in five minutes. They came back after a day.
Only hot breakfast with toast and jam. No cheese, fruit or granola. Yogurt in portion packs that ran out on 21/7.
Have had to wait several times for coffee and juice.
- fidelma (4/5): Disappointing with some safety concerns - Very friendly and helpful waitress in the morning who was the first staff I had seen in our entire visit.
Omlette was nice. Room was not as advertised, Tired and outdated. Unclean with cobwebs, seeds all over the window sill very dusty furniture, grubby carpet.
On arrival it's self check in. No staff seen until the next morning. Lounge room in the main reception had rubbish left on tables which was still there the next morning.
Access to the accommodation and main reception was left wide open all night with notices on the doors not to close. I know this to be true as a guest knocked on our room door at 3am disorientated and after calling the general number to find out where she was meant to be staying all main entrances were still open. Felt vulnerable.
Breakfast was limited, meant to be continental plus hot food however both the yoghurt and fruit were unavailable during our stay.
- Steve (5/5): Ok ish - Location We were not told before hand that No bar or restaurant tv did did not work properly
Dirty Towels outside of room when we arrived
No toiletries in room
- Ian (6/5): - Nice location, and fantastically large room. It felt a little unloved. There were a few things in the room not working, and the staff weren't easy to find at breakfast so you could order.
- Rick (3/5): Previous good experience but this was pretty poor and I will not stay again. Focus on cost reduction at the expense of - Location. Breakfast was ok Totally soulless - no staff on reception, everything remote, keypad access only. Bed & pillows uncomfortable, no soap/toiletries provided, toilet not cleaned and no loo brush provided. Restaurant was not open.
- Suzanne (3/5): This is a B&B not a hotel environment. - Location Restaurant and bar closed.No receptionist available. Phone use details in room but no phone. No soap in bathroom. Doors cannot be closed quietly banging disturbing nights sleep. Breakfast room coffee refilling poor.Poor hotel atmosphere.
Photos