19-05-2025
Hotel review: The Alfriston, South Downs
Looking for a chic boutique hotel that's also affordable? Well, you can stop that search right now, because I've found one, and it's called The Alfriston.
The latest addition to the Signet hotels group, it joins The Mitre, The Barnsdale and The Retreat at Elcot Park, in offering inspirational design, friendly service and a luxe-y vibe without breaking the bank.
The Alfriston is in the picturesque South Downs village of the same name. Originally built as a grand merchant's manor house, it now offers buzzy restaurants, a serene and spacious spa and beautifully decorated, well-appointed bedrooms.
Rooms & facilities
The bedrooms have a modern country house vibe with wood panelling and furniture painted in sorbet shades. Furnished with plush velvet cushions and headboards in patterned fabrics, they deliver an instant dopamine hit.
Bathrooms are similarly cheery with vibrant tiles and Bramley products. Sheets are crisp and white and fluffy towels plentiful. Our room had a free-standing bath with views over the countryside. Some rooms are dog friendly. There is also complimentary biscuits and sherry.
Spa & wellness
The Alfriston has a stylish outdoor heated swimming pool and newly revamped relaxation room which overlooks it. Sunny and airy, it has comfortable loungers and jugs filled with cucumber and lemon and is a calm space complete with new steam, sauna and treatment rooms. Therapists use British brand GAIA products (USP natural and sustainable) and I had an excellent sixty-minute massage for £80.
Food & drink
Staff are welcoming, attentive, and happy to accommodate guest quirks. The bar is buzzy with a lively mix of locals, families gathering for a special occasion meal and hotel guests.
The restaurant serves food in two rooms, the 1554 brasserie (adjacent to the bar with gastro pub vibes) and the light and airy orangery (you can't take a dog into the latter). The menu majors on British classics, (think gourmet burgers, fish and chips and fresh fish options) using quality meat and locally sourced vegetables.
Breakfast is busy and mainly consists of a help-yourself-buffet but if you want eggs done a different way from the options offered, the chef will whip them up for you. Coffees come from a self-serve machine (but taste good) and staff are constantly tidying up and replenishing supplies to ensure a pleasant experience.
What to do nearby
The village has many pubs, shops, cafes, and restaurants (we liked the bijoux Italian Poco) although they can be expensive. Use the hotel as a base to explore the town of Lewes or Brighton which is 40 minutes away. Consider wine tasting at the local Rathfinny Wine Estate.
Hotel highlights
Croquet on the lawn. The jars of sweets and bags of crisps that are free for guests in the 'larders' dotted on the landings.
Drawbacks
Gripes are few and minor. Could be more vegetarian options on the menu and some building works are on going.
Best for?
Families, groups of friends, couples wanting a getaway or walkers/cyclists keen to explore the South Downs.
Rates are from £150 for bed & breakfast. For more information, visit the website here.
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