Having recently visited Buxted for a surprise birthday party I would like to recommend the hotel to other travellers. The venue is beautiful and the grounds are stunningly steeped in history and wildlife. We had a delicious lunch and the staff were attentive and friendly. We plan to go back and spend a few days there to really enjoy the peaceful surrounds and amiable service on offer.

We decided to stay at Buxted Park for a tranquil country house experience as advertised on their website. Instead, the experience was far from tranquil.

We arrived to be greeted by a dilapidated facade in need of a good repaint. The reception was less than impressive being a desk and a computer in a rather dinghy room. We were greeted by a lady who was complaining about her room having been given away to another couple by mistake and due to lack of space had to be relocated to another hotel.

The hotel was hosting a wedding reception at the time which impinged on our country house experience enormously. The bar was jam packed with guests, the terrace was mobbed by wedding guests and the gardens were described by a number of lads as a war zone (which we too experienced - the wedding guests being rather boistrous). The orangerie was also closed off to diners due to the wedding.

However, we decided to stay and have dinner and give the the hotel a chance. Service was slow, the staff looked harassed and the chef had to apologise for the time delay experienced imbetween courses. In fact, my husband ordered a pot of tea to find that the pot contained two teabags and no hot water. No waiter in sight he had to visit the kitchens himself for some hot water!

Our room, was on the small side and definitely not 4 star quality.

If you're looking for a quiet break then give this hotel a miss if there's a wedding going on. It's noisy and the service is well below that expected of a 4 Star hotel.

The food was however very good and the orangerie, grounds and terrace could be very pleasant if the hotel was not swarming with rowdy wedding guests.

What a fantastic place - we arrived at 4pm to find a wedding about to begin, but we were checked in quickly and went to our room. Ok, a bit small, but nicely decorated and, as requested, well away from the wedding party. We went for a walk in the grounds,which were stunning, and had a quick shower before heading out for dinner (The Star in Old Heathfield - excellent) . On our return, we had a good sleep and woke up to the sound of birds chattering - no planes, cars, trains: nothing. Breakfast in the orangery was excellent, with a fantastic view over a croquet lawn and the valley. Then the Sunday papers on the lawn before reluctantly checking out and driving home. Would we go back? In a heartbeat.

The whole experience at Buxted was Fantastic! The staff were very helpful and friendly, even though they were extremly busy with a wedding. The main hotel rooms exude an 'Olde world' opulence with modern touches. The crystal chandeliers were magnificent, and the fireplaces hinted at the promise of a warm evening in winter. Very peaceful, with no piped music to distract. The grounds were a pleasure to walk in, with several wildlife distractions to amuse. Drinks on the terrace were a must! Have recommended to family and friends and we hope to return.