Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club in East Sussex has been forced into an unexpected temporary closure after a sustained failure in its external water supply left the property unable to operate safely or reliably.
The disruption, caused by ongoing issues with South East Water, has resulted in cancelled stays, operational setbacks, and mounting pressure on the hotel’s management team.
Elite Hotels, the group behind the historic 19th‑century mansion, confirmed that the situation has escalated beyond routine inconvenience. With no dependable access to running water, the hotel cannot accommodate guests or support its on‑site teams, prompting leadership to suspend operations until the utility provider resolves the problem. The company has described the impact as “significant” and is urging the supplier to deliver a permanent fix.
All affected guests are being contacted directly, with the hotel working to rebook stays or assist with alternative arrangements. For business travellers — a key segment for the property thanks to its conference facilities, golf course and proximity to Gatwick — the closure represents a notable disruption during a typically busy start‑of‑year period for corporate meetings and retreats.
Ashdown Park, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is known for its expansive grounds, spa, and fine‑dining restaurant, making it a popular choice for executive off‑sites and high‑end corporate events. Its temporary shutdown highlights the vulnerability of hospitality operations when essential infrastructure falters, particularly in rural locations where alternative supply routes are limited.
Elite Hotels has publicly called for urgent action from South East Water, emphasising the operational, financial and reputational strain caused by the prolonged outage. The group has also expressed gratitude to guests and staff for their patience while the situation unfolds.
The hotel will remain closed until a stable water supply is restored. Travelling for Business will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as the reopening timeline becomes clearer.