Cbh the Alfriston

This is a five star spa hotel. It was closed for 15 months of refurbishment and opened just three months ago. But only 11 rooms have air conditioning and in the summer months the bedrooms stay hot all night. So, if you want a decent nights sleep you either need to avoid the 80% of bedrooms that have no air con or else avoid staying here in the summer months. Really, when rooms cost £250 per night the lack of air conditioning is unforgivable. Having got that off my chest I will say: the hotel is nice, the staff excellent, the food at dinner time (we ate here twice) was excellent and the cheesecake dessert deserves a Michelin star. In summary, for the money, there are nicer places to stay in Sussex.

Lovely newly refurbished hotel in the heart of Sussex. The staff were polite and very helpful especially Stacey who couldn’t do enough for us, thank you! Beautifully decorated throughout. Food was lovely although slow at dinner due to staff sickness but Stacey couldn’t have been more apologetic. The small touches such as wine on arrival and complimentary port in the room along with a sweet pantry in reception were a nice surprise. Alfriston village itself is a beautiful quaint village which we fell in love with. The hotel is nine tenths of the way there with some teething problems which is usual for a new hotel. We will be back!

We have just had the best over night stay in the new Alfriston. We were able to use the spa facilities before check in at 4pm. The atmosphere is quiet and serene. No drinks by the pool which was a bit of a shame but the pool was heated which made all the difference. At check in we received two glasses of the local Chenin blanc and were served by two very friendly staff members. Tamas the GM was particularly friendly and knowledgable. He carried my bag to our room where we were shown the communal snacks cupboard and homemade short bread was hanging on our door in a hessian bag. The room had a huge bed and a beautiful view of the pool backed by the rolling South Downs hills. In the room we received a hand written welcome note as well as a bottle of Madeira. Aiden the bar man in the evening was also great, very friendly. The only criticism I would give is the place needs a good jet wash! The bricks on the terrace and stones by the pool were very dusty, I assume from the recent renovation. And the car park is a bit like a building site. But neither impacted our joyous stay there. Would 100% recommend and we will be back!

We had a wonderful dinner at the 1554 Brasserie at The Alfriston last night and I couldn’t recommend it more. The Foccacia bread brought out before the starters was absolutely beautifully baked and we could not fault any of the dishes that we had afterwards. Special shout out for the cauliflower steak which unlike other places I have been where I have been given a small slice of a cauliflower it was huge and cooked to perfection. The creme brulee cheesecake was also amazing. Honestly cannot wait to return and to stay overnight soon. Also should add that the service was so good, staff were attentive, knowledgeable and friendly.

Great experience. Looked after really well by Tamas and his team. Food was lovely. Highlight for me was breakfast. Great to be so close to Brighton & Eastbourne. And just a 45 min walk to the beach. Will be great to return when the spa is complete.

Amazing stay. The hotel looks incredible, and it was amazing to be in the first group of people to stay. The room was clean, comfy and very quirky, the pool was amazing and warm enough to swim in, the restaurant was gorgeous, and the food divine... special thanks to Poppy, who made sure our meal was very enjoyable we wanted for nothing. Some elements of the hotel are being finalised, but it didn't affect our stay, and I actually enjoyed feeling like we had a sneak peek, into what I think will be a very special hotel. Can't wait to go back.