딘스 플레이스 호텔

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.

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!