I have been a fan of Olga Polizzi and hotels ever since visiting the elegant Tresanton hotel in Cornwall many years ago. Her whole family have massive influence in the hotel industry, her brother is Rocco Forte and her daughter Alex Polizzi presents the hugely popular programme, The Hotel Inspector.

Olga now has three hotels in her collection, Hotel Tresanton in Cornwall, Hotel Endsleigh in Devon and The Star in Alfriston. She is renowned for her sophisticated interior design which runs throughout the hotels.

The Star in Alfriston opened as a 30 bedroom hotel in summer 2021, taking over a fine historic building on Alfriston’s medieval main high street. ‘The Star was originally a religious hostel built in 1345, to accommodate monks and pilgrims en route from Battle Abbey to the shrine of St Richard, patron saint of Sussex, at Chichester Cathedral.’

The pictoresque exterior sets the scene for this charming boutique hotel. Inside it is a mix of ancient beamed inn rooms and more modern (but sensitively redesigned) spaces. On the ground floor there are various artistic details from local artists, most striking perhaps is the black and white stencilled Elizabethan design on the floor in the main restaurant. Be sure to also check out the library, much of which is curated by the lovely Alfriston bookshop, Much Ado Books.

There are bedrooms in the original building and some in the new block. Each of the 21 bedrooms and 9 suites have been individually designed by Olga Polizzi. A mix of old furniture and modern amenities ensures the rooms are very comfortable but also very characterful. I loved the display of local art, and particularly admired the Vanessa Bell paintings (more of which you can see at the nearby Charleston House).

We were extremely comfortable in one of the Junior suites in the old building… I’d recommend staying in this part of the hotel if availability allows. There was plenty of natural light, a huge indulgent bed and charming details throughout, including stacks of thoughtfully chosen books. The large bathroom featured a powerful shower, spacious bathtub, super soft towels and bathrobes and toiletries by 100% natural Bramley.

There are plenty of cosy common spaces to relax in The Star, but if you want to explore the local area there is lots to occupy your time. After exploring Alfriston, go for a walk on the spectacular Seven Sisters cliffs and head to Birling Gap beach, watch an opera at Glyndebourne, dine at the local pubs or visit one of the nearby award-winning Sussex vineyards.

The restaurant at The Star is located in the old inn and spills out to a pretty courtyard for warmer weather. The menu changes regularly dependant on local seasonal produce, with South Coast seafood and Sussex meats always featuring.

It’s a popular place to eat for those staying and visiting guests / locals. Though I thought the prices were quite high, the service was efficient and friendly and everything we tried was very tasty. Highlights included a Rigatoni pasta dish with English rose veal ragu and South Downs Lamb Leg with roasted violet aubergine & courgette, with wonderfully seasoned basil and black olive sauce. Despite it having a grown up feel, Wilf was kindly catered for, and he loved the food.

After a restful night’s sleep we were the first down to breakfast in the morning. A buffet of continental treats awaited us, jewel coloured freshly squeezed juices, abundant bowls of berries, freshly baked miniature pastries and delicious cereals and yoghurts. We feasted on the buffet and also tried one dish from the hot kitchen menu, which included tempting recipes like ‘Slow Cooked Tomatoes on grilled sourdough, Court Lodge Farm labneh & dried oregano’ and ‘Springs Smokery Salmon with local scrambled free range eggs’. I loved the ‘Sussex Gypsy Toast with whipped Northiam Diary cream & heather honey’, a rich french toast with thick cream and fragrant honey.

There is always something going on in Alfriston… from quaint antique and book shops to weekend car boot sales and dog competitions, it was a breath of fresh air to be in the charming East Sussex town for the August Bank Holiday, and The Star is a lovely luxurious place to call home.

I was a guest of The Star. More information and book a stay here.