This hotel was my husband's choice. He's researched the history, and between 1832 and 1833 and again between 1840 and 1849 Anna Lefroy, Jane Austen's niece, lived at a cottage in the grounds, most probably the Garden Cottage. It was here that Anna finally plucked up the courage to become a writer like her Aunt Jane and her short story Mary Hamilton was published in the Literary Review of 1833 the same year Austen's novels came back into print in the Bentley Standard Editions. In her second spell here she wrote The Winter's Tale in 1841 and Springtide in 1842. Most importantly, it was here in 1845 that she wrote her continuation of Austen's last and unfinished novel Sanditon. Anna had spent her young years living with Aunt Jane at Steventon. Jane had written her play Sir Charles Grandison as an entertainment for Anna, and on the brink of married life with Ben Lefroy Anna embarked on her first attempt at writing 'Which is The Heroine'. It is Jane's comments on this attempt which tell us so much about Jane's own attitude to writing. Finally in 1845 Anna found courage to be recorded as a writer sitting at her writing desk in R.H.C. Ubsdell's tiny portrait miniature of her. We can speculate that it was Wither Bramston who encouraged Anna's writing and that his wife Mary Chute sister of William Chute of The Vyne was less keen ! William Chute and his wife Eliza have strong Austen connections. James Austen hunted with the Vine Pack and Anna's half brother married Eliza's niece. The Hotel and its grounds are absolutely stunning, a must for all Austen fans. The Courtyard bedrooms are superb, the food is good but fell slightly short of gastronomic on our visit but they do have both an excellent white and red from the wonderful Wickham vinyard.

On arrival, the hotel entrance is superb - very grand with a red carpet up the few steps. The reception staff were very pleasant, and the staff throughout our entire stay were very friendly and attentive.

I had booked a courtyard room but was upgraded to an executive room (I had made a note on booking that it was for my boyfriend's birthday), and so we drove through the separate gated entrance to park directly outside the room. Inside was very spacious, had a separate dressing room, plus a double shower and his 'n' hers sinks. Little things made a difference from other 4* hotels - real milk in the fridge, a complimentary fruit bowl and chocolates at the turndown service.

We had lunch in the library, which was great value - I had expected it to be much pricier but sandwiches were from only £5.95. Other guests had afternoon tea on traditional cake stands which looked great. The setting in there was beautiful - with full of a whole range of old and interesting books.

During our stay it snowed, and as it was a short walk round to the main building (all rooms are in the courtyard), umbrellas are provided in the rooms, which I thought was a great touch. The grounds looked so idyllic in the snow and we even had a walk through the wooded area before we left.

We ate the tasting menu, which was faultless - a great range of smaller dishes to suit any appetite. The wine list included locally produced wines and we were keen to try those. All three meals we ate (including breakfast) were well presented and good quality products. Breakfast was a buffet, as well as extras that you could order from the menu. I chose Eggs Benedict which was made with Parma ham, and was so tasty.

Overall, I really have no negative comments at all. The whole country retreat setting is so romantic, and I will definitely return.

Having been to a Wedding here a few years ago, I was looking for a hotel to celebrate our Wedding Anniversary and came across the 'Romance Package' and booked. The bedrooms are located in a Courtyard setting -you can park right outside! The rooms are beautifully decorated, spotlessly clean, and very comfortable. Large Kingsize bed, Duck and Down Quilt and pillows yet an option to change if you have allergies.Bathroom complete with speakers linked to telly and DVD player, so you could relax listing to a programme or music, Large Bath. Tea and Coffee facilities, homemade biscuits and fresh milk.

We had a 'Ritz' style tea(book early or you'll have no room for Dinner)in the Library. Dinner in the Winchester room, which is very modern yet blends well-the meal was excellent. Breakfast was plentiful and freshly cooked.
The staff are very friendly and helpful-just perfect in their manner.
The Grounds are lovely-look closely at the 'white paths' all shells.
This should be 5 star without a doubt!!

This is a lovely country hotel, the staff could not do enough for you, we stayed as part of a special deal, the food was excellent, the rooms were perfect with little things like fresh milk, nice coffee and spotlessly clean which so many top hotels fall down on.
well worth a visit, we will be retuning