Closed Deans Place Country Hotel

We were very excited to stay at the Alfriston as we know the Signet groups other hotels like Elcott park (which we love) and have stayed in the town of Alfriston several times before. The new hotel looks very nice indeed and having a spa and pool is a big plus for the town. However, we found that all of the staff seemed really rather inexperienced and although I sympathise having worked in the service industry, we felt as if our whole stay we were on some training course or soft launch for the staff. Appreciate everyone must learn but our whole 2 night stay cost us more than £1200 all in (not including trains or taxis). So feel a little frustrated that we were paying 5 star prices for barely 3 star service. Also didn’t help I had a glass of wine poured down my front by a waiter 5 minutes after sitting down in the bar, then instead of comping the drink just brought us another and charged us in full, (again feel this was to not attract attention of managers). The food was as ever fantastic, everything cooked wonderfully but I don’t think there was a single meal we had that took less than 50 mins to arrive and we would have to constantly request things twice. We were asked on arrival if we wanted to order a Sunday paper which we would be billed for and we asked for the FT Weekend for the supplements etc, needless to say we didn’t get the paper and then received the standard FT (not so interesting) on Monday morning as we were leaving and were charged £5. The rooms were very nice again, but the suite we selected (which is the 3rd largest in the hotel and near £400 p/n) was less of a suite with a modest size bedroom with a small sofa at the end of the bed and really only had an en-suite with a semi functioning tv. Versus a living area, bedroom and bathroom as is it’s definition. It was also right above the kitchen so the ventilators and kitchen staff could be heard late into the evening and very early in the morning. We were both excited to use the spa and called ahead to check they were all running which we were told they were. Unfortunately upon arrival we were told the sauna was not functioning we was a big draw for us, we then asked for a tour of the spa, which was declined as there were guests using the facilities, fine, but when we finally used the steam rooms, relaxation room and pool we had about 4 tours of other guests which we had been refused. Drinks by the pool were also not really that great, as you had to walk through the whole hotel to get to the bar and bring them back. We were told they hadn’t yet worked out a system for pool ordering and would be at some stage. Again not the end of the world but took away from the experience. This isn’t a bad review as nothing truly awful happened and the staff were very nice but I think that good hotels are great due to the service and experience of the staff which wasn’t really there aside from once or two members; which for the price we paid doesn’t really match up. A shame really as t

We had a lovely two night stay in Room 20 which was quiet with a view over the pool to the hills beyond. The room was comfortable with plenty of space and a very nice shower room, also with a window. We found everything to be brand new as you would expect when it is so newly opened. Little details like madeira in the room and snacks for helping yourself were nice extras and the spa and pool are great, with endless fluffy towels and robes. We enjoyed breakfast. The restaurant in the evening was ok but with strong competition from other local establishments, it needs to lift its game cookingwise. Ambiance and service were fine. Staff generally were friendly and helpful. Its good value for the area and we will return.

A thoroughly enjoyable meal in an exquisite setting! My first visit to The Alfriston and definitely not my last. The place is beautiful, incredible attention to detail with the recent refurbishment. I eat in a lot of reasonably high end restaurants and this is up there with the best. The food was flawless, service attentive without being smothering and the place has a wonderful feel to it. I went for dinner with a friend but I’d be completely confident taking any of my clients should I want to impress and do business simultaneously. The GM was the perfect host and even gave us a brief tour of the newly opened Spa, it’s stunning.

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!

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.

Beautiful Place unique for corporate meeting and team meeting and activities I have enjoyed my stay spacious rooms delicious food, the ambiance of Bar and restaurant are very good. friendly and helpful Team. Amazing location close to nature