Enjoy a charmingly traditional yet stylish Christmas with Elite Hotels

Put the merry into Christmas with Elite Hotels this festive period. With all the hotels positioned in postcard-perfect settings, their atmospheric yet individual characters lend themselves to the Christmases we all long for, filled with sumptuous Christmas cuisine, festive decorations and ribbon-wrapped presents under the tree. All that’s left is to hope that our dreams of a white Christmas become a reality…

Explore the full range of House Parties taking place this Christmas at Elite Hotels’ three charming properties - Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club in East Sussex, The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne, and Tylney Hall Hotel & Gardens in Hampshire.  All three also deliver well in terms of postprandial walking opportunities to work off a few calories – stupendous grounds and nearby forests and woods in the case of Ashdown Park and Tylney Hall, and the dramatic South Downs Way that is adjacent to The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne.

Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club, East Sussex

Set within 186 acres of stunning grounds, boasting lakes, secret gardens and woodland trails, Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club is a 19th century mansion set in the heart of Ashdown Forest - the inspiration for A.A. Milne’s delightful Winnie-the-Pooh stories. There is a peaceful walled garden with herbaceous borders, an 18-hole Par 3 golf course, an indoor pool and spa within the adjacent Country Club setting and, within the impressive hotel itself, 106 bedrooms and suites – each named after a tree species found in the grounds.

Ashdown Park’s Christmas House Party…

Immerse yourself in the festive spirit as soon as you walk through the hotel doors on Christmas Eve. Afternoon Tea will be served in the elegant Drawing Rooms, offering the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends and family. The evening’s entertainment begins with a champagne reception accompanied by traditional Christmas carols. Dinner will be served in the award-winning Anderida Restaurant, followed by a televised Midnight Mass from Westminster, along with hot toddies and mince pies. Midnight Mass at Holy Trinity Church in Forest Row is also available for those who wish to attend.

Christmas Day means the jingle of Santa’s sleigh is never far away; enjoy a meet and greet with the white-bearded man himself after a morning of warm mince pies and coffee. For those wishing to explore the grounds and earn special prizes, an exclusive estate Treasure Hunt will be held. The evening sees a traditional house party experience, starting with champagne and canapés in the drawing rooms, followed by a delicious four-course Christmas dinner. For those wanting to stay up a little longer, join with friends, new and old, for some little light-hearted games in the lounge.

Boxing Day offers the opportunity to try a variety of country pursuits, from clay pigeon shooting to archery; alternatively, the hotel’s Country Club - which features a fitness studio, an indoor pool and six treatment rooms - is the perfect base to relax and unwind.  A sumptuous buffet lunch will be served, before the General Manager’s Quiz (over tea and buttery crumpets) rounds off a full day!

The evening’s entertainment starts with champagne and canapés in the drawing room, followed by fine dining in the Anderida Restaurant. After dinner, the Cocktail Bar is the setting for fun and games in the form of a Casino, accompanied by a live Jazz Band - an idyllic end to the perfect Festive House Party. A hearty breakfast the next day will see you bid a fond farewell.

Prices from £1,150 pp (two adults sharing a deluxe bedroom) for three nights’ full-board accommodation. Children from £213 each (under 2s stay free) when sharing their parents’ room. The three-night House Party commences on 24th December. There is an option for a four-night Christmas experience starting on 23rd December. To book, or for further details, visit www.ashdownpark.com or call 01342 824 988.

Tylney Hall Hotel & Gardens, Hampshire

Sitting in 66 acres of pretty countryside near Hook, Hampshire, Tylney Hall Hotel & Gardens is a grand Victorian Grade II listed country house with the longest uninterrupted view in Hampshire, lined by giant Redwood trees. An outstanding example of a luxury country house hotel, the Gertrude Jekyll-designed gardens are a real highlight, with striking water features and lakes; there’s also an Italian Garden and a wild orchid meadow; the first few snowdrops may even be visible in the hotel’s RHS Partner gardens… Tylney Hall boasts 113 individually-designed bedrooms and suites, with some dog-friendly rooms also available. The hotel’s Health Suite features an indoor pool, five treatment rooms, a Manicure & Pedicure studio, and a gym.

Tylney Hall’s Christmas House Party highlights…

In the grand setting of this stunning period property, Tylney Hall’s three-night House Party begins on Christmas Eve. Enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea served in one of the cosy fire-lit lounges. In the evening, enjoy cocktails and canapés to the sound of the local choir. Dinner in the Oak Room Restaurant is a relaxed affair, with musical accompaniment from the resident pianist, followed by a televised Midnight Mass from Westminster, along with hot toddies and mince pies.

Christmas morning at Tylney Hall is a hive of activity and excitement.  Mulled wine – perfect after a leg-stretch around the grounds - leads into a scrumptious luncheon with all the traditional elements, served in the lounge throughout the afternoon at a relaxed pace.  There’s also an unmissable visit from Father Christmas! Begin the evening’s celebrations - after a “picture matching” hunt through the grounds - with champagne and canapés, followed by a Christmas dinner served in the award-winning Oak Room Restaurant. Then relax and absorb the soothing sounds of the Saxophonist for the rest of the evening.

After two days filled with excitement, Boxing Day allows time to slow things down a little. Enjoy a walk through the grounds before a light luncheon served in the Tylney Suite. Then relax in one of the several lounges, before getting ready for a rather delightful end to the day - champagne and canapés, followed by a five-course Black Tie Dinner in the Oak Room. The Jazz Trio ‘Omnibus’ will provide live music in the Italian Lounge after dinner, making the evening one to remember.

Prices from £1,197 pp (two adults sharing a Deluxe bedroom) for three nights’ full-board, from 24th to 27th December. Children from £299.25 each (under 2s stay free) when sharing their parents’ room. To book, or for further information, visit www.tylneyhall.co.uk or call 01256 764 881.

The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne

One of the very few five-star seafront hotels in the UK, The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne is affectionately known by locals as ‘The White Palace’. Exuding elegance, the hotel has 152 bedrooms and suites, all luxuriously furnished, many with sweeping sea views, balconies or private patios. Others have adjoining rooms which work well for family stays. The hotel also boasts The Grand’s Health Club with indoor pool, whirlpool spa, gym, health spa and treatment rooms. The Grand has a rich musical history and has hosted countless classical and jazz musicians over the years, and its House Party offers a wonderful chance to experience a distinctly musical Christmas. Located just moments away from the start of the South Downs Way, and close to Birling Gap and Beachy Head, the hotel is directly opposite the seafront promenade, with plenty of opportunities for blustery coastal walks.

Enjoy festivities overlooking the coast with the Grand Hotel’s Christmas Experience…

This lavish four-night stay kicks off with afternoon tea, along with entertainment provided by Shelley van Loen and the Palm Court Strings. Commence the evening in the lounges, with a complimentary glass of champagne followed by a welcome dinner to be enjoyed to the sounds of the Simon Goodwin Band.

Christmas Eve offers a tutored tasting by the Cellar Master; you’ll enjoy sampling a range of modern Gin including the very own Grand Hotel Gin. Any last-minute Christmas shopping can easily be catered for with a shuttle coach ride to and from the town centre until 1pm. Enjoy the delicious tastes of Northern Europe with a Scandinavian themed Buffet Lunch the Garden Restaurant, after being served a glass of Champagne or Sherry.

Afternoon tea will be served in the relaxing lounges, giving you a chance to catch up with friends and family; why not take part in a general knowledge quiz if the mood so takes you? The winner will receive a Fortnum & Mason hamper sent to their home after Christmas.

The evening’s entertainment begins with St Mary’s choir music in the lounges, after which complimentary champagne and canapes will be served before a splendid Christmas Eve Dinner followed by music from the Co-stars Band.

Enjoy a quintessential Christmas Day luncheon with all the trimmings, then it’s all about the children with the Grand’s children’s Christmas party where they will receive a very special visit from Father Christmas. For those who are still peckish, the afternoon will see a selection of delicate sandwiches, Christmas cake and tea. The festivities reach a crescendo with complimentary champagne in the Drawing Room, followed by a traditional black-tie Christmas Dinner finishing the night with music from the Simon Goodwin Band.

The fun continues into Boxing Day, where the family can enjoy Beauty and the Beast pantomime at the nearby Devonshire Park Theatre (all children have tickets reserved) after a Best of British buffet.

Then participate in indoor crazy golf, snooker, table tennis, boardgames or why not book in advance Eastbourne’s fantastic Ice Rink. Or perhaps you’d rather take a stroll into Eastbourne or a walk along the Promenade to experience the bracing sea air? Or indulge in a little post-Christmas pampering at the Health Club where treatments will be available to book in advance.

In the evening, enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne with canapés, followed by a black-tie Gala Dinner in the Garden Restaurant with live entertainment from ‘Co-Stars Band’ in the Chatsworth Lounge before leaving after a hearty breakfast the following morning.

Prices from £1,300 pp (two adults sharing a Deluxe bedroom) for four nights’ full-board accommodation. Children from £420 each (under 2s stay free) when sharing their parents’ room. To book, or for further details, visit www.grandeastbourne.com or call 01323 412 345.

Other ways to get into the festive spirit at Elite Hotels.

Whether it’s the office party or getting a group of friends together Christmas party nights are taking place at Ashdown Park Hotel on 8th & 15th December in the magnificent, converted Chapel offering Christmas parties that will provide a night to remember! Prices from £65 pp. Tylney Hall is also offering Christmas parties throughout December from £63 pp and The Grand Hotel is offering a glitzy grand Christmas party on 8th & 16th December in the beautiful Compton Ballroom from £65 pp.

Christmas cuppa!

Ashdown Park Hotel is offering festive afternoon tea with their skilled pastry chef creating festive inspired culinary delights, running from 5th to 23rd December from £34.50 pp or £65 per couple. Tylney Hall is running festive afternoon tea from 30th November to 23rd December in their beautifully decorated lounges, with roaring fires from £36 pp. There is also a special festive jazz afternoon tea on 3rd & 17th December from £48 pp. The Grand Hotel is offering festive afternoon tea from 1st to 22nd December within their Great Hall the perfect setting for bringing together classic traditions with a special Christmas atmosphere. Prices from £34 pp with a junior afternoon tea from £18 per child.

Dining in style

There are also plenty of options in which to dine at the three Elite hotels this festive period whether it’s an intimate dinner for two in December or a big family lunch over Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or Boxing Day.

Happy Christmas, whichever seasonal treats you may decide to enjoy!