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Summary of reviewsThe Royal Oak Inn, nestled in the picturesque heart of a village, offers a serene escape ideal for exploring the South Downs National Park. Its location is praised for both tranquility and convenience, surrounded by stunning countryside and near historical sites such as Chichester and Goodwood. Guests appreciate the modern comforts within a beautifully maintained period building, making it a delightful base for relaxation and adventure with easy access to local attractions and ample parking.
The inn’s breakfast consistently receives high praise for its wide selection of expertly cooked dishes, offering a superb start to the day. In a cozy setting, guests enjoy delicious meals alongside the charming pub ambiance. The dinner experience is equally noteworthy, with guests expressing satisfaction with the quality and variety of the menu, enhanced by a warm fireplace and delightful pub atmosphere.
Accommodations at The Royal Oak Inn are exceptional, characterized by spacious, clean, and comfortable rooms with modern amenities, ensuring a restful stay. The beds, although widely praised for comfort, are noted to be very soft, which might not suit all preferences. Visitors commend the spotless cleanliness and thoughtful room touches, with suites offering dual-floor living for extra space.
The staff at the inn are consistently praised for their warmth and professionalism, contributing positively to the welcoming atmosphere despite occasional staffing challenges. This friendly service enhances the overall experience for guests, alongside the enticing country backdrop that surrounds the inn.
Further adding to its appeal is the inn’s commitment to a pet-friendly environment, accommodating canine guests with thoughtful provisions and allowing them in dining areas. The establishment offers a clean, serene ambience with easy access to fields perfect for dog walks, strengthening the inn’s charm for travelers.
In summary, The Royal Oak Inn presents an inviting retreat enriched by lovely historical ambiance and dog-friendly hospitality, offering a memorable experience through superb dining, comfortable accommodations, and a peaceful countryside setting. Show more
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Categories
Luxury Inn
This sophisticated village inn offers luxurious bedrooms with period features, Egyptian cotton sheets, and L'Occitane or Temple Spa toiletries. It provides a fine dining experience focusing on locally sourced contemporary British food.
Dog Friendly Inn
The hotel is dog-friendly and offers comfortable rooms and an on-site restaurant serving locally-sourced dishes.
Small Inn
Located in East Lavant, The Royal Oak Inn offers a traditional pub experience with cozy rooms and a welcoming atmosphere. Its rural setting and focus on local produce enhance its charm.
5-Star Inn
A 5-star inn offering high-quality food and well-appointed luxury rooms in a chic countryside setting near Goodwood, popular for its atmosphere and service.
Boutique-style Inn
Inn with Parking
Room Types
Family RoomA mini cottage with bedroom and bathroom upstairs and luxurious lounge downstairs. The convertible sofas downstairs can be used for the children.
Comfort RoomLocated in the original stable block overlooking rolling farmland, this room comes with a luxury en suite bathroom. 1 has a bath with a shower over and the other a full walk-in shower. 1 room can also be made up as a twin with prior arrangement.
Classic RoomA standard double room with a large double Vi-sprung bed.
Two-Bedroom CottageA Sussex flint cottage with its own garden, 2 bedrooms, luxury bathroom, fully fitted kitchen, dining room and living room.
Two-Bedroom VillaFeaturing a private entrance, this villa consists of 1 living room, 2 separate bedrooms and 1 bathroom with a bath and a shower. In the kitchen, guests will find a stovetop, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and kitchenware. This villa features a washing machine, flat-screen TV with cable channels, garden views, as well as chocolate for guests. The unit offers 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.5
Very Good
Location
Nestled in the heart of a picturesque village, The Royal Oak Inn offers a tranquil retreat that is perfectly situated for exploring the captivating landscapes and attractions of the South Downs National Park. Just a short drive from stunning beaches and historic sites like Chichester and Goodwood, this charming country inn is an idyllic base for both relaxation and adventure.
The inn's location provides a serene escape from city life, surrounded by breathtaking countryside and numerous walking trails. Guests appreciate the convenience of its proximity to local highlights, including the Festival Theatre and Weald and Downland Museum, while praising the ample parking facilities.
A beautifully maintained period building, The Royal Oak Inn combines traditional charm with modern comforts. Guests are welcomed with friendly service, delightful dining, and a cozy atmosphere that resonates the essence of an English pub. For those attending local events or seeking a peaceful getaway, its setting in a quiet village ensures a restful stay with views over rolling fields that enhance its undeniable allure.
Breakfast
The Royal Oak Inn is lauded for its exceptional breakfast offerings, featuring a wide selection of freshly prepared dishes that consistently receive high praise from guests. The breakfast, often described as delicious and expertly cooked, provides a variety of choices, including standout options like Eggs Royale. Many reviewers commend the breakfast as superb, brilliant, and absolutely splendid, highlighting its good quality and presentation.
While the breakfast is generally appreciated for its taste and variety, some guests noted minor drawbacks such as occasional delays, insufficient food provision, and instances of cold dishes. The breakfast service can be somewhat slow, according to a few reviews, and starts a bit late, which could be inconvenient for guests with early commitments. Despite a few criticisms regarding the absence of items like fresh fruit and cereals, the staff's willingness to accommodate requests for extras, like additional toast, is positively mentioned.
Overall, the breakfast experience at The Royal Oak Inn is largely viewed as excellent and well-rounded, with its freshly cooked meals being enjoyed in a cosy setting that enhances the dining experience. The inn offers a satisfying start to the day and complements its charming atmosphere and friendly service, making it an appealing choice for travelers seeking quality breakfast in a traditional pub ambiance.
Dinner
The Royal Oak Inn offers a dining experience that consistently receives praise for its quality and ambiance. Guests frequently describe their dinners as delicious and lovely, highlighting the pub's great food and cozy atmosphere, enhanced by features like a welcoming fireplace. Visitors appreciate the interesting and varied menu, often using words like fantastic and exceptional to describe the cuisine. The combination of great dinner options and the inn's overall atmosphere contribute to a pleasant dining experience. However, some reviews indicate occasional closures and limited availability, particularly during quieter days like Sundays and early in the week. While there are mixed opinions on pricing and menu focus, the quality of the food and service often leaves a positive impression, making The Royal Oak Inn a pleasing choice for dinner and a memorable stay.
Rooms
The Royal Oak Inn offers an exceptional accommodation experience characterized by spacious, clean, and comfortable rooms that guests frequently praise. The rooms boast modern amenities, including well-appointed bathrooms with excellent showers and high-quality toiletries. Many guests appreciate the cozy and quaint atmosphere, with some rooms featuring unique elements like uneven floors that add character. The beds are notably comfortable, ensuring a restful stay.
Guests are particularly impressed with the cleanliness and thoughtful touches that make each room feel welcoming. Suites over two floors are available, offering dual-level living with a downstairs sitting area, perfect for those looking for extra space. Despite facing the street, rooms remain quiet, allowing for a peaceful night's sleep.
The Inn's charming property is complemented by its proximity to beautiful landscapes, enhancing the overall experience for visitors. Staff are described as very helpful and friendly, contributing to a pleasant stay. The combination of excellent room facilities and a quiet yet accessible location makes The Royal Oak Inn a choice destination for travelers seeking comfortable and well-equipped accommodations in a serene countryside setting.
Beds
Travelers seeking a restful night's sleep during their stay at The Royal Oak Inn will find that the establishment boasts an array of comfortable beds that are often praised in guest reviews. Many visitors have highlighted the comfort and softness of the beds, describing them as very or extremely comfortable, with some even professing the beds to be among the comfiest they have ever experienced. The inclusion of thoughtful room amenities such as a torch and a hot water bottle adds to the overall pleasant experience, enhancing the comfort level even further.
However, despite widespread approval, there appears to be a recurring concern with the softness of the beds. Several reviews have pointed out that the beds are quite soft, with some guests experiencing discomfort or back ache, indicating that the mattresses may be reaching the end of their lifespan and could warrant replacement. While the bedding itself has been described as luxuriously comfortable, a few reviewers have remarked on uneven mattresses due to wear, signifying a need for updates in some areas.
In summary, The Royal Oak Inn offers an inviting and cozy atmosphere, enriched by the comfort of its beds, though travelers with preferences for firmer support might want to consider this aspect when planning their stay.
Cleanliness
Nestled in a pleasant village, The Royal Oak Inn consistently impresses visitors with its exceptional standards of cleanliness. Accommodations are not only spotlessly clean but also tastefully and comfortably decorated, ensuring a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The rooms, recently refurbished, exude charm while maintaining their high standards. Guests frequently highlight the immaculate state of the rooms and bathrooms, which are complimented by excellent facilities. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, The Inn offers quiet, lovely outdoor areas perfect for relaxation, all while maintaining the tranquility of its charming country setting. Moreover, the friendly staff contribute to the overall clean and comfortable experience, making it a delightful retreat for visitors seeking a peaceful escape.
Staff
Visitors to The Royal Oak Inn consistently praise the warm and welcoming atmosphere created by its exceptional staff. Despite occasional challenges like staffing shortages, the team is noted for their friendliness and professionalism, often going above and beyond to ensure guests feel accommodated and supported. From offering local guidance to providing courteous service, the staff is described as lovely, delightful, and helpful, contributing significantly to the inn’s inviting environment. The establishment also features a charming setting in East Lavant, adding to the overall positive experience. While there are minor hiccups, such as limited staff presence during breakfast, the positive impact of the staff on visitors is overwhelmingly apparent, making The Royal Oak Inn a memorable stay for guests.
Parking
The Royal Oak Inn boasts a convenient and accessible parking experience for its guests. The parking options are generally well-received, with several reviewers noting the ample sized car park that is easy to access. Located conveniently opposite the pub, the parking facilitates an effortless arrival and departure. Visitors highlight the abundance of available spaces, ensuring a stress-free stay for those traveling by car. Moreover, the inn's great countryside location also offers good parking facilities, further enhancing its appeal for guests looking to explore the surrounding areas. In addition, its proximity to Chichester provides guests with good access to local attractions while enjoying a satisfying dining experience at the inn.
Luxury
The Royal Oak Inn presents a charming blend of comfort and history, making it a memorable experience for guests. Its rooms, described as spacious and notably comfortable, offer a sense of luxury, particularly highlighted by the plush bedding. The breakfasts have been praised for matching the quality found in 5-star establishments, adding a touch of indulgence to the mornings. The inn is housed in a lovely old building that exudes a rich historical ambiance, enhancing the overall atmosphere. However, some aspects, such as certain bathroom facilities and classic room accommodations, might not fully align with the definition of luxury for all visitors. Nonetheless, the inn maintains a welcoming and pleasant environment that many guests find thoroughly enjoyable.
Dog Friendly
Nestled in a picturesque location, The Royal Oak Inn stands out as a haven for dog owners seeking a truly pet-friendly experience. With thoughtful provisions such as cushions, towels, bowls, and even shampoo for their canine guests, this inn goes the extra mile to ensure both comfort and convenience. Accommodation is not only tailored to meet the needs of canine companions, but it also offers a clean, tidy environment with serene views. Dining at The Royal Oak is an inclusive experience, welcoming large dogs into the dining room alongside their owners. Guests with multiple dogs find the inn particularly accommodating, making it an ideal choice for those traveling with a pack. The establishment offers easy access to sprawling fields, perfect for leisurely walks and playful adventures. Complementing the dog-friendly amenities, The Royal Oak Inn is also known for its authentic pub atmosphere, excellent beer selection, and friendly staff, creating a welcoming retreat for both humans and their furry friends.
No, The Royal Oak Inn doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Royal Oak Inn.
Yes, The Royal Oak Inn welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at The Royal Oak Inn.