Langshott Manor

Chain hotels can often be soulless places sometimes with no distinctive style or character. Alexander Hotels however are different, priding themselves on being distinctive, unique hotels situated just outside London that give guests a taste of luxury in Sussex, Kent and Surrey. Each of their hotels offers something different from indulgent spas to superb dinning and all set in beautiful grounds.

For valentines we often go away but with a little one in tow this year we really weren't sure if the desire to go away was a little ambitious. But I'm a great believer if you don't give something a go you'll never know, so with that attitude in mind I took to the Internet to see what hotels appealed.

Langshott Manor in Horley Surrey caught my eye, a 16th century house, fifty minutes outside London (the perfect driving distance with a small child) and recommended by Condé Nast and Small Luxury Hotels. The hotel is also conveniently located for Gatwick Airport. 

Driving along the gravel drive the hotel makes quite the first impression it is breathtakingly beautiful and would fit perfectly into any fairytale adventure.

As you know we love our afternoon teas, so as check in for the hotel wasn't till three and we arrived early, we made our way for afternoon tea. Afternoon tea at Langshott Manor is incredibly reasonable at £21 and consisted of sandwiches, scones and patisserie. 

The sandwiches were the usual suspects of salmon and cream cheese, egg and cress and cucumber. The scones were wonderfully lite, large in size and filled with lots of tasty raisins. Although the sandwiches were nice there needed to be a few more. 

We happily sat relaxing and eating looking out over the beautiful gardens whilst enjoying our tea. Fortunately little Noah granted my wish and allowed us to enjoy our afternoon, by looking cute and sleeping throughout. 

Once finished we checked into our "Windsor" room aptly named after the castle. 

The original details of the wooden beams and leaded windows made for a wonderful change. 

The comfortable robes and L'occitane toiletries were also the perfect way to relax. 

Noah gave the big seal of approval for the room and how comfortable the bed was, unfortunately the same cannot be said for his travel cot which he outright refused to sleep in. 

We had a wonderful relaxing stay for our first family break. The atmosphere is homely and you just cant beat sitting by a roaring log fire on a sofa chatting away whilst sipping on your favourite aperitif. 

The hotel effortlessly pulls off a blend of modern luxury merged with historic beauty. 

The hotel is also perfectly located for some great days out. 

1. Denbies wine estate 

2. Wakehurst Place - sixteenth century house 

3. Brighton 

We really look forward as a family to visiting the other Alexander hotels for a relaxing weekend getaway. 

www.alexanderhotels.co.uk