FAQ
Questions people ask before they book
If yours isn't here, use the contact page and we'll answer it (and probably add it).
Booking and paying
How do I book, and is it safe?
Choose your dates on the rates and availability page and click through to our secure booking page, which is run by Lodgify, the booking system we use for every channel. You pay by card there, in pounds sterling. We never see or store your card details.
Is it cheaper to book direct?
Yes. The nightly rate is the same as on Airbnb, but Airbnb adds a guest service fee on top and we don’t, so the same dates cost less here. Stays of seven nights or more get 10% off automatically, as do bookings made within 14 days of arrival. More on booking direct.
What is the payment schedule?
50% of the total is due when you book and the balance 14 days before arrival. If you book within 14 days of arrival, the full amount is due at booking.
What is the cancellation policy?
Payments are non-refundable, so we recommend travel insurance. If you need to cancel, tell us as early as you can. Full terms.
Do you take a security deposit?
No. We ask you to tell us if anything gets broken so we can sort it out.
I have a wedding venue discount code. How do I use it?
Open the rates and availability page, enter the code in the promo box and it carries through to the secure booking page, where the 10% discount shows on your total before you pay. The wedding pages link straight through with the code pre-filled.
What is the minimum stay?
Usually two or three nights, depending on the season, and longer over Bonfire Night and Christmas. The calendar shows the minimum for your check-in date and only lets you choose stays we can accept. Online bookings need at least seven days’ notice.
Getting here and getting in
What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in from 3pm, check-out by 10am. Early check-in and late check-out are rarely possible because of cleaning and back-to-back bookings, but ask early and we will do our best.
How do I get in?
Self check-in through your own side door on the High Street, with a key safe. The code comes in your pre-arrival message. Arrival details.
Is there parking?
Yes: two private, dedicated spaces in Wellhouse Place directly opposite the house, included in the price. See the map. Parking in central Lewes is otherwise scarce, and impossible on Bonfire Night.
How many stairs are there? Is there a lift?
The apartment is on the top floor, up a private staircase that is steep and narrow in places. There is no lift. If anyone in your party finds stairs difficult, please ask before booking.
How do I get there by train?
Lewes station is about ten minutes on foot. Direct trains from London Victoria take about an hour; Brighton is 15 minutes away. Buses to Brighton stop right outside the door.
The apartment
How many people can stay?
Comfortably six, up to eight. Two bedrooms have king-size beds, the third a double, with a single bed and two sofa beds making up the numbers. Three bathrooms.
Are the bathrooms en suite?
No. There are three separate bathrooms for three bedrooms, so nobody queues and nobody walks through anyone else's room.
Is there Wi-Fi and somewhere to work?
Fast Wi-Fi throughout and a dedicated desk. The password comes with your welcome message.
Can we bring a dog?
Not for short stays, sorry. For longer stays we occasionally make exceptions; ask before booking.
Can we smoke or vape?
No, not anywhere on the premises, inside or out.
Is the apartment suitable for young children?
Families stay often and love the space. It is a top-floor flat with stairs and sash windows in a listed building, so keep an eye on toddlers. We have a cot and a high chair; let us know when you book and they will be set up for you.
Is it noisy?
It is a home on a High Street, not a hotel. Hill Lodge is a timber-framed listed building and sound carries through the old walls, which is why we ask for quiet between 10pm and 8am. Lewes is a lively town with the odd marching band; on 5 November it is spectacular and very loud.
Is there air conditioning?
No, but the flat stays surprisingly cool for a top floor, and in hot weather we put out fans and a portable air-conditioning unit.
Lewes and around
What is there to do in Lewes?
A Norman castle at the top of the street, Anne of Cleves House, the priory ruins, Harvey's brewery, independent shops and bookshops, a Friday and Saturday farmers' market, and the South Downs on foot from the door. Glyndebourne and Charleston are both under 15 minutes away by car. Our Lewes guide.
Can we stay for Lewes Bonfire Night?
Yes, and the processions pass under the windows. It books up a year ahead and has a longer minimum stay. Bonfire Night details.
How far is Glyndebourne?
About four miles: roughly ten minutes by car or taxi. Glyndebourne guide.
Policies
What is included in the price?
Linen, towels, toiletries, Wi-Fi, heating, parking for two cars, and milk, bread, tea and coffee on arrival. The only extra is a £150 cleaning fee per stay, shown on the booking page before you pay. There are no booking-site service fees.
Do you host weddings or parties in the apartment?
No. It is accommodation for a wedding party, not a venue. Up to eight guests, quiet from 10pm.
Check dates and book direct
Sleeps 6–8, three bathrooms, private parking. Prices in pounds, no service fees, and cheaper than booking the same dates on Airbnb.