All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
This hotel is very quirky which we loved as gave it personality and a non-corporate feel. It’s in the process of refurbishment and once this has been completed will be lovely - needs tlc in some areas but have no doubt that they will get there and it will be great. Our room was big and nicely decorated (despite cracks in the ceiling) although the bathroom layout wasn’t the best but it had a lovely big walk in shower and all worked. The grounds are stunning and the quirkiness continues outside with the large animal statues dotted around and Oscar the Ostrich and his pals out the back which was unexpected but a fun touch. All of the staff were really welcoming and friendly and couldn’t do enough for you. The only negative we found was the lack of attention to the condiments offered in the room as we had to keep asking for this to be restocked but am sure this was probably due to the current staffing problems in the hospitality sector and was just a slight niggle in an overall good 3 night stay as this lovely hotel.
If you are expecting perfection then this isn’t for you but if you want friendly and quirky (and like gold) this is just the place and I could imagine some great functions taking place here 😊
Family garden room doesnt have curtains, so we woke when the sun rose. Room was dusty, cobweb above the wardrobe and there was no ability to turn on heating in the room. Room got cold overnight and no blanket. Shower cubicle leaked and didnt drain at all well
Would have been perfect is the restaurant would have been open
Janet
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022
Response from Stuart on Sep 2, 2022
Hi Janet,Thank you very much for your feedback!No one is more disappointed than myself that we are unable to have our restaurant open 7 days a week for Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Teas & Dinner. Sadly like many other hotels & restaurants we have had to limit our offering due to the country wide recruitment crisis. We have ensured that this is on our website, facebook page as well as automatic messages sent to all new bookings to ensure our guests are kept informed.We also have a list of local restaurants and take aways that we hand out on check in.We hope that we will be back to full strength soon.Many thanks Stuart ReedGeneral Manager
4/10 Poor
Libby jo
Traveled with family
Sep 1, 2022
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
I felt so unsafe being a guest at this hotel with one window and the exit being 3 hallways then down the stairs . I could not escape if I needed too .
Fantasic property with amazing decor. Went with 6 year old Grandaughter and she loved the big golden lion in reception and enjoyed running around the vast grounds. There are ostrich and ducks to see. Lovely water displays and fish to see. The breakfast was plentiful, continental and freshly cooked full English , you order exactly what you wish. We were so full up that we didn’t need to eat again till the afternoon. Will definetly come again, value for money. And must not forget to mention the great friendly staff. Nothing was too much trouble.
Thank you
Very helpful staff and Hotel is maintained to a very good condition with amazing outdoor areas with beautiful garden water features. Kids loved the outdoor environment unfortunately pool and restaurant was closed due to staffing and maintenance which was informed to us in advanced.
I would definitely book again if we’re visiting the area.
Very dated. Equipment in the room was very old and not PAT tested. The wifi dropped out multiple times. The walls were thin enough that I could hear another resident snoring. The wholes place lacked investment and modernisation. The bathrooms have been updated.
Annoyingly it wasn't until after booking that they highlighted the swimming pool being closed, the restaurant not serving evening food and only a continental breakfast.
Kevin
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022
4/10 Poor
Verified traveler
Business traveler
Aug 19, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
The staff were really helpful and friendly but there was just not enough of them. The kitchen was closed so no evening meal available and breakfast didn't open until late so no chance of getting breakfast before leaving in a morning and no alternative offered.
Verified traveler
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022
10/10 Excellent
Matthew
Aug 18, 2022
Matthew
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022
8/10 Good
George
Jul 17, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Quite and peaceful.
George
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
8/10 Good
Robert
Jul 9, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Quirky Hotel
We had a two night stay recently in this very quirky hotel.
Unfortunately the hotel had been shut for a few days prior to our arrival, and was having issues with staff shortages.
All the staff were very pleasant and helpful, and we were pleased to see that you employed people with learning difficulties. The room had recently been refurbished, and was large as was the kingsize bed. However the bathroom was beautiful but tiny. The shower was tricky to use. Food was good but with limited choice of evening meals. Breakfast was good.The hotel grounds were massive and beautifully kept. Do go and see Oscar the Ostrich !!
Very interesting decor - a golden horse in the entrance! Incredibly friendly staff. I stayed with my two children and they had an amazing time playing tennis and looking at the lama's and emu's.
We stayed as 2 adults and 2 children. We all had a lovely time. The room was clean and tidy, the hotel is large with lots of unique things to see in the grounds, including fish, a friendly ostrich called Oscar and some other large birds too. Staff could not do enough for us and went above and brleyobd to keep the kids entertained. It really was a lovely visit. We will be coming back once the pool opens in a month or so. We also drove to the seafront in Eastbourne one day and headed to Eastbourne to the Aquarium another day - there are lots of local things to do too.
The TV in my room didn't work, and the carpet had clearly not been hoovered and had brown hair all over it...
Chloe
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2020
Response from Stuart - General Manager on Apr 6, 2020
Dear Chloe,
Thank you for your feedback. I am sorry we didn't get it right on your stay. Can I ask which room you stayed in so I can investigate?
Many thanks
8/10 Good
Verified traveler
Traveled with group, Business traveler
Mar 13, 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
no draught beer. not much choice on menu but a nice breakfast
Verified traveler
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2020
Response from Stuart - General Manager on Apr 6, 2020
Thank you for your feedback. I have recently taken over the hotel and when the hotel is quiet such as Jan, Feb & some of March I have to make the difficult choice to not offer draught because of the shelf life of the product and not being able to sell it all. I anticipate after I have settled in that moving forward we will always have enough business in to justify having all products available. I have also taken on a new head chef who is reviewing all of the food offerings within the hotel.
I do hope we get the chance to welcome you back to the Boship!
Many thanks
Great value , Excellent facilities , Superb grounds ample free parking ,lovely staff, good menu , quaint bar area , close to lovely coast line and picturesque villages and historic towns
My partner and I had a great stay ! The Room was clean and staff were friendly. We spent the evening in the lounge / bar area here the member of staff (Scott) was a great host .
We liked all of the place. We always stay in the court yard which is lovely. Nice warm feel about the lion hotel. It’s our 3rd year in a row now . We always come for my Husbands birthday 23 Jan. will be back next year. X❤️X❤️
Very good value stay in new room with generous breakfast.
Only minor problem was lack of hairdryer and tired towels.
Far preferable stay than travel lodge opposite.
Warm welcome , good atmosphere and full of charm. Room allocated was lovely & very comfortable. Breakfast choice very good. Receptionist Hannah very friendly & helpful good asset.
Verified traveler
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2019
6/10 Okay
Laura
Dec 2, 2019
Disliked: Room comfort
Disappointing
The blind in the bedroom was so thin and cheap it let in so much light and so was difficult to get to sleep, didn't help with an outside light shining through the window as well!. The shower did not stay on its cradle so had to hold it when showering. Breakfast nothing special - not much choice
This is my 2nd stay at this hotel. Would definitely recommend it. Rooms good and clean. Breakfast more than adequate. Fair price for accommodation. Will continue to use it.
Only downfall is they are unable to take dogs - understandable with the wildlife on site but perhaps a restricted area set aside for visitors with pets could be considered.
Kath
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019
6/10 Okay
Verified traveler
Traveled with partner
Nov 2, 2019
Liked: Staff & service
We have stayed here before and the rooms are being updated, although they are not all finished. The surrounding grounds are fantastic but need more upkeep. This has the potential to be a really great hotel with a bit more care. The staff are excellent, very helpful and attentive but they’re run off their feet so definitely more staff are needed.
we enjoyed breakfast with a view and a walk on the grounds around the hotel.We had a heating problem: from very cold to boiling hot! Very nice lady at check in, very helpful.
Breakfast was chaos. Sadly 2nd large family event in 18months with same issue, lack of food, totally disorganised, insufficient staff for numbers booked in for breakfast.
I need more space to tell you just how bad this was over the four nights that we were there. In that time we had to change rooms and had our room serviced only once. If you send me an address I will send you the letter of complaint I have sent to the Manager at the Boship.
I love the decor but i get how it might not be for everyone. I also love the animals right behind the room. The grounds are pretty great so what a fun place this would be to stay in the summer! Bed was comfy, everything was clean. Breakfast was just fine ( fair amount of veggie options for once).
Only complaint is the walls/ceiling is a bit thin. So I could hear people walking above the room and could hear people arguing at night. But that’s down to people being rude, not the hotel’s problem. The lady on reception at check in was so friendly and helpful. The lady at check out was fine, but not nearly as lovely. Would stay again happily!