I stayed at one of Sussex's newest luxury spa hotels – with a stunning outdoor pool, hot tubs, gorgeous rooms and delicious food

Located in what was formerly Dean’s Place in Seaford Road, Alfriston, the East Sussex hotel reopened in spring 2025 after it was acquired by the Signet Collection and closed for a year for renovations.

My husband and I were invited to stay the night to experience the transformation into a luxury boutique hotel and spa. Our room was located in The Cottage, separate from the hotel but still with access to all the amenities.

Our downstairs suite was huge, with possibly the biggest bathroom I have ever seen – including a huge walk-in shower, deep freestanding bath and enormous sink. We loved the cosy window seat that overlooked the cottage garden, and found the room to be really comfortable.

Most of The Alfriston’s rooms don’t currently have air conditioning, which did make it quite warm during this summer’s prolonged heatwave, but there was a fan provided.

We also spoke with hotel manager Tamas Mehes, who gave us a tour of the hotel. He said the team is working as fast as it can (within the limits of a listed building) to install air conditioning in all its rooms and hoped that would be completed before next summer.

All of the toiletries provided in the rooms and around the hotel are bespoke Bramley products designed especially for the Signet Collection. I thought it was a lovely touch, especially as everything smelled divine.

We had lunch and dinner in the 1554 Brasserie, the hotel’s signature restaurant. We opted to eat outside for lunch, and inside for dinner, and both experiences were just as lovely.

And the food is excellent. We tried the ‘CFC’ crispy fried chicken, heritage beetroot salad and burrata and Isle of Wight tomato salad for starters, roasted lamb rump, Caesar salad, Severn and Wye salmon and fish and chips for main courses. Everything was cooked to perfection and presented beautifully.

We had desserts at dinner – my husband had the vanilla panna cotta, while I had the stunning lemon posset. Both were so pretty it was a shame to eat them, but we just about managed it.

Given the seasonality of the food, I looked at the menus on the website and they have already changed a little since we visited.

Guests at the hotel can enjoy the Signet Spa, including an outside pool, steam room, sauna, relaxation room and new outdoor hot tubs (the latter of which is £15 per 30-minute session in a private tub, bookable in advance).

We spent the afternoon enjoying all the facilities, and I was treated to a Bramley Selenite Crystal body massage, which was heavenly.

The hot tub was wonderfully relaxing, although I feel I would have enjoyed it even more on a cooler day as it was high 20s when we were there. In fact, I sent a picture of the pool to a friend as I relaxed with a Pimm’s and she thought I was abroad!

Sometimes, it’s the little touches that make a hotel feel special – homemade madeleines on your door each evening, a nightcap, Wellington boots you can borrow for walks, and possibly my favourite – a pantry cupboard of snacks and sweets guests can help themselves to.

While we didn’t take our children with us, The Alfriston is very family friendly. There are family suites available, garden games and board games to play, and slots when children can use the pool.

The staff told us the hotel was pretty much fully booked during our stay, but despite this it never felt crowded. There were always tables in the bar, spaces by the pool and the whole setting felt calm and peaceful.

Even the breakfast buffet in the morning, which can often be the most hectic part of a stay, was quiet and well-managed. Plus, the cooked-to-order hot part of the breakfast was top-notch.

After we checked out, we went for a wander around Alfriston which looks like a village from a movie. It’s picture postcard perfect, with boutique shops, restaurants, and chocolate-box cottages. We also went for a stroll along the River Cuckmere, with the pathway accessible from the hotel car park.

It was a glorious trip and as it was so easily accessible from all areas of Sussex, I’m sure we’ll be back.

For more information or to book a stay, visit https://thealfriston.com/