Hotel Review: The Goodwood Hotel, Chichester

Goodwood is a destination in itself with its racetracks, golf courses, spa and aerodrome. Cass Sculpture Foundation right next door showcases major artwork in woodland clearings. Chichester is five miles away, with museums, a cathedral and a theatre that produces West End-quality shows.

By car: The hotel is a 2 hour drive from London and 1 hour from Brighton. There is plenty of free parking around the site.

By train: Trains from London Victoria to Chichester take 1 hour 30 minutes. There is also the coastal service from Brighton and Portsmouth. The hotel is a 15-minute taxi ride from the station. Book trains to Chichester.

The main, modern part of the hotel is not somewhere you'd stay for the ambience. Unsurprisingly, given the site's focus, a smart but corporate vibe predominates, though there is an older wing available. By contrast, Farmer, Butcher, Chef restaurant next door is full of quirky fun like flag-covered chairs and displays of motoring artefacts.

Service is efficient. The immediate facilities include various lounges, the spa and gym and an onsite grill restaurant. On the wider site, besides the golf courses and aerodrome, there's clay pigeon shooting and a chance to drive on the famous motor circuit.

• Three restaurants
• Bar
• Health club
• Indoor pool
• Gym
• Gardens
• 24-hour room service

• Free parking

The rooms in the modern wing may be a little bland, but they are certainly smart, and there are many thoughtful amenities. Laptop safes and ironing boards suit those on a work break, while everyone appreciates fluffy robes and quality duvets. Some rooms have sitting areas. A new wing is under construction.

Room types: Signature Rooms, Garden Rooms, Character Rooms, Suites

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, satellite TV, desk, seating area, air conditioning, hair dryer, iron, safe, free Wi-Fi

The hotel's casual grill restaurant serves the usual favourites. For special dining, head next door to Farmer, Butcher, Chef, where few places can claim a more 'farm to fork' provenance. Unusual cuts of organic lamb, beef and pork from the estate are served in creative ways. Hotel guests can also dine in The Kennels clubhouse, serving refined European cuisine and seasonal dishes.

Farmer, Butcher, Chef: nose-to-tail dining, organic meat from the estate. Mains from £17. Open daily 11am-11pm.