The hype
A beautiful, character-filled manor house with lovely grounds and incredibly convenient airport access.
Stanhill Court
$100-150/ night
Book this if You want a historic, quiet country manor vibe before a Gatwick flight, but don't want to sleep directly on the tarmac.
Why People Love It
- 1881 Victorian architecture with stained glass and wood paneling
- Set on 35 acres of peaceful woodland
- Only 10 minutes from Gatwick Airport but free from flight path noise
Quick Take: It's a gorgeous historic property, but the £10 nightly parking fee for hotel guests and spotty restaurant quality leave a sour taste for some.
Reviewed by @Ashleighksinger: My stay at Stanhill Court was the ultimate romantic escape. Waking up in that grand four-poster bed and soaking in the freestanding tub right in the room felt incredibly luxurious. The peaceful countryside views were just the cherry on top. Worth every penny for a quiet getaway.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The mandatory £10 parking fee feels like a hidden tax, and the on-site restaurant food is often described as overpriced pub grub.
- You appreciate historic Scottish Baronial architecture and antique furnishings
- You are traveling with a dog (pet-friendly rooms available)
- You want to wake up to views of the Surrey Downs instead of an airport runway
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8
- Housekeeping: Generally thorough, but some guests report missed spots like dust behind radiators or slow service during busy times.
- Bathroom hygiene: Mostly clean, though a few isolated reports mention peeling paint, loose taps, or minor mold specks in older showers.
- Maintenance: It's an 1881 building, so expect some quirks like creaky floorboards, awkward shower controls, and occasional heating system noises.
- Linens & towels: Beds feature premium pillowtop mattresses and crisp linens, though some guests wish for more than one hand towel.
- Odors & scents: Usually fresh and airy thanks to the countryside setting, but a few ground-floor rooms have had complaints of musty smells.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Kitchen extractor fan (in rooms above the kitchen)
- Heating and hot water system noises
- Corridor noise and heavy doors
Before you book
Good to know
- Parking is £10 per day, monitored by an ANPR camera system
- Breakfast is not included and costs £15 per person
- The hotel is pet-friendly but charges £35 per pet, per night plus a £100 deposit
What to pack
- Earplugs (just in case you get a room near the plumbing or kitchen)
- Walking shoes to explore the 35 acres of woodland and nearby trails
Room Genie
Best picks
- Four-poster rooms for the full royal Victorian experience
- Executive rooms facing the back for uninterrupted views of the South Downs
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms directly over the kitchen due to late-night extractor fan noise
- Junior Suites if you specifically want a bathtub (they often only have showers)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Could I please request a quiet room at the back of the hotel, away from the kitchen extractor fan and heating systems, ideally with a view of the South Downs?”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a free shuttle to Gatwick Airport?
No, the hotel can arrange a taxi or shuttle, but it costs around £17.50 to £35 depending on the vehicle.
Do I have to pay for parking if I'm a guest?
Yes, there is a strict £10 per day parking fee for all guests, enforced by camera.
Is breakfast included in the room rate?
Usually no. The English breakfast costs £15 per person if not booked in a specific package.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, dogs are welcome in designated rooms for £35 per night, plus a £100 deposit.
Does the hotel have a pool or gym?
No, there is no pool, hot tub, or fitness center on the property.
Can I walk to restaurants from the hotel?
Not easily. It's a rural setting, so you'll need to drive or take a taxi to nearby Charlwood or Horley for dining.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Skip the £15 hotel breakfast and drive 5 minutes to 52 The Street Cafe in Charlwood for a fantastic local morning meal.
- ✨
If you're flying out, ask about their 'Stay and Fly' packages which bundle room rates with extended holiday parking.
- ✨
Take time to admire the original stained glass window in the lobby depicting the coat of arms of William Young, the original 1881 owner.
5 things to know before you go
💡The hotel is built in a Scottish Baronial style, complete with a minstrel's gallery and barrel roof.
💡Despite being 10 minutes from Gatwick, the property is completely outside the aircraft flight paths.
💡The grounds are home to roaming wildlife, including deer that you might spot from your window.
💡Restaurant 1881 has a wine list boasting over 200 different wines.
💡The car park is notorious for flooding and turning into a 'lake' during heavy rain.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Stanhill Court is located and what's nearby.