The White Horse, Dorking
About the Hotel
The White Horse is an historic inn with origins dating back to the 13th Century, recognized as one of England's oldest coaching inns. It features a harmonious blend of period charm and modern amenities following a £4 million refurbishment. Located in the center of Dorking, it is ideal for both leisure and cultural experiences, with local attractions including the nearby Box Hill and artistic shops along the High Street.
Location
Situated on the vibrant High Street of Dorking, the White Horse is conveniently located near public transport links, including the Dorking Railway Station, which is approximately a ten-minute walk away. The hotel is a short drive from major attractions such as Chessington World of Adventures and Denbies Vineyard, and is easily accessible from London Gatwick Airport, 25 km away.
Rooms
The hotel offers 56 en-suite bedrooms, each designed with a combination of modern comforts and historical character. Guests can choose from a variety of rooms, including decadent suites that feature separate lounge areas and roll-top baths. All rooms include amenities such as large walk-in power showers, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary tea and coffee facilities.
Eat & Drink
The Dozen restaurant within the White Horse serves a diverse menu that emphasizes locally sourced ingredients, featuring dishes like lamb sweetbreads and carpaccio of heritage beetroot. Guests can enjoy both casual meals and evening dining in an atmospheric setting, complemented by an extensive wine selection. There are also options for children and dogs, ensuring something for everyone.
Leisure & Business
Guests can access leisure facilities at the nearby Dorking Sports Centre, just a five-minute walk from the hotel, which includes a gym and swimming pool. The hotel also features a vibrant bar area, and numerous spaces for private functions and celebrations. Additionally, Wi-Fi is available throughout the premises to accommodate business needs.
Select your room type
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Getting around
A list of all available modes of transport
Facilities
General
- No smoking on site
- Wi-Fi
- Free parking
- Safe deposit box
- 24-hour reception
- Pets allowed
- Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
- Wheelchair access
- 24-hour security
- Luggage storage
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Key card access
Sports & Fitness
- Cycling
- Golf course
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
Services
- Pet amenities available
- Welcome drink
Dining
- Restaurant
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Special diet menus
Children
- Cots
- Children's menu
Facilities for people with disabilities
- Toilet for disabled
- Bathroom for disabled
Spa & Leisure
- Sun terrace
Room features
- Heating
- Sitting area
- Terrace
- Garden furniture
- Tea and coffee facilities
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
- Sink
Self-catering
- Electric kettle
Media
- Flat-screen TV
Location
Reviews and Ratings
The hotel rooms were nice, just as shown in the photos, clean, and comfy. However, it was a bit warm inside, even with the windows open. The staff members were very nice and accommodating, with no complaints. The location was perfect for accessing central Dorking and had a lovely atmosphere, but the dining experience was not worth the price.
The hotel was beautifully designed with welcome additions of high-end shampoo, robes, and a safe large enough for a laptop, making the stay comfortable, but the noise from people thundering past the room was a bit disruptive. The service was notably helpful, caring, and accommodating, especially at the bar and restaurant, although a bit niche. The location, right in the center of town, was both stylish and inviting, offering a quiet and peaceful atmosphere despite being central. The dining experience, with delicious and plentiful meals, including hot waffles, was delightful. The facilities were top-notch with various amenities available.
I had a cozy stay on a very miserable evening outside. The room below the stairs was very comfortable and clean. The staff was friendly and helpful, arranging a taxi for us and storing our bags. The location is great, right in the center of Dorking, with easy access to the train station. The dining options were fantastic, especially the poached eggs and toast, although it could be a bit hit and miss at times.
My stay at the hotel was pleasant overall. The rooms were spacious on the ground floor, which was excellent for accommodating my baby and dog. However, the room felt a bit small and stuffy. The bathroom was equipped with a wheelchair-accessible sink that was too low for comfort, and the shower wasn't ideal for us. The service was on the ball, though there were some lapses in communication regarding our deal with Secret Escapes. The staff met us warmly at the bar and restaurant and were enthusiastic. I appreciated the welcome drink and pet amenities available. The location was cozy, but it was challenging to find facilities like the bar until we were leaving. I enjoyed sitting by the log fire and the convenience of a taxi rank opposite the hotel for easy transportation. The dining experience had its ups and downs; while the hot options were nice with vegetarian choices and non-dairy milks, the prices were a bit high with limited lighter meal options. Unfortunately, my meal included inedible, rubbery scrambled eggs and burnt bacon. The hotel had modern facilities overall, though improvements could be made in some areas.
The hotel is wonderfully located in the heart of Dorking, making it super convenient for everything. The rooms were clean and well-kept, although there were some noise issues. The service was a bit lacking in attentiveness but had nice touches like a welcome drink. The dining experience was amazing but somewhat pricey, and the facilities were top-notch.
The hotel rooms were reasonably comfortable, but there was a strong unpleasant smell of rotten eggs that lingered. The receptionist was extremely unpleasant, and the noise from the front room persisted into the early hours. The rooms were a bit small and cramped, not all meeting the same standard.