We had a very nice stay at Dean Place hotel. The location is great and we enjoyed the atmosphere and fantastic gardens, This is definitely a place we highly recommendThe beds are very comfortable and the place is really quiet..
N5697SNgarym
Didnt even get first night sleep as dogs were barking so loudly in the hotel we had to check out after complaining several times. We now will not stay in a dog friendly hotel. Not sure why a dog owner would leave dogs in a hotel room and go out for the evening.
Passport58303068877
Lovely hotel in a great setting Shame the hotel is not well lite at night it would really show off the lovely gardens Staff were really friendly & helpful, especially Michelle Food was excellent & nice portions & a good selection of drinks We will definitely be returning again
A8921GQjamesw
We had a lovely stay at the hotel, the room was perfect and the bed was very cosy. The location is excellent, just a short walk to the village where there are some good pubs and the walks through the countryside are simply lovely. Great value for money, would stay again.
Zafrikan
My wife summed it up rather well I thought; "like a elderly dowager duchness, with trappings of a grander past, but showing signs of the passing of time." Deans Place is something of a paradox. Initial impressions were very positive. A superb setting in lovely gardens, glorious surrounding riparian countryside, at the edge of one of England's most exquisite villages, the rambling, buildings reflect a mellow throwback to good old days. Car parking is adequate, reception, staff and service very good, the food and drinks quality & tasty and the amenities are of a high standard. Dog friendly too. However, whilst exuding a comfortable, mellow ambience, the whole place is showing signs of the passing of time and a significant revamp would work wonders. Accomadation was adequate, but the single beds were very narrow and rather on the hard side. The hot water system only just passed muster, the bathroom too. Still, we enjoyed our stay and would return, as there was so much to like about the old girl.
Triton_Traveller
I posted a shorter version (there were space restrictions) on booking.com but was surprised, and disappointed, to see it did not get published. Therefore I am posting it here. Since I wrote this I have found out the hotel is for sale which probably accounts for the neglect and occasional bad attitude. Here goes: The grounds are absolutely lovely and well looked after. The hotel backs on to National Trust land so perfect for walkers. Very beautiful in the morning. The outdoor pool is a real bonus. We appreciated the dressing gowns and pool towels. The public spaces are sumptuous and very clean. We ate breakfast - which was excellent - in the bar overlooking the garden. But it stops there. Other reviews have mentioned the shabbiness of parts of the hotel and I have to agree. Chipped paint and stains on carpet, upstairs at least, are everywhere. The wallpaper in our room was coming off in parts and there was chipped paint on the door and window sill. Such a shame as these little things are probably very cheap and quick to fix. We had booked a family room which comprised a double and single room, both very small, worn - like most of the accommodation part of the hotel - and unbearably hot and stuffy (it was 30 degrees outside but these rooms were probably like that for most of the summer). The rooms looked inwards so no hope of any cooling breeze. It was cooler in the corridor. There was not even a fan in the room. I asked three times for one. Second time round produced a small desk fan that was missing a bolt which meant it just directed air to the floor. Third time round I asked for a replacement, preferably a standing fan, but got told they had run out of fans! It was clear nothing was going to be done. This was most surprising after all the comments on this site and others praising the helpfulness of the staff (but will single out the bar/ dining room staff for their professionalism, friendliness and helpfulness). The reception staff gave the impression that guests - or at least us - were an inconvenience, rather like the 1970s style of hotel service. One morning I walked past the desk and the younger of two receptionists didn't lift her head up from what she was reading. Normally reception staff greet you. When we checked in, the first thing the same receptionist asked was for the £20 dog charge. Unfortunately she didn't update the records as when we checked out we were asked for it again. On check out we weren't asked if everything had been ok (probably because she knew the answer!) or wished well on our journey. All very minor points but added up to a feeling that our custom was not wanted. We spoke to a couple also with a dog who told us the hotel was much different to when they had visited previously. Then they had had a larger, more comfortable room which had been furnished with a dog bowl, blanket etc. Their room on this visit was like ours, very small, stuffy and shabby and certainly not suitable for a dog. They had paid a similar price to us - over £400 for two nights. Two nights when we got no sleep. Like us, they won't be returning.
34deborahy
We have been visiting this hotel since the early 1980s, over the years the standard of accommodation has improved tremendously. We have spent three Christmases at Deans, at least five visits betwixt Christmas and New Year, and every year at this time, late summer. Obviously we wouldn't have returned as often if we hadn't appreciated the welcome we have always been given. But how disappointing this year to find that all vegetarian food offered for lunch and dinner has virtually disappeared. It seems all offerings have been combined with a vegan diet. I have eaten quiche, stuffed pancakes, patties, pasties, lasagne, moussaka, to name a few, all veggie and all at different times on the menu. This to me is a deal breaker, the welcome and attention was just as ever, but when on holiday how lovely it is to go into the restaurant and find a meal that you really want to eat and has had some care and thought put into it. Really a cauliflower steak does not require much prep or cooking. I really wonder why this change has occurred.
SK-KW7
Firstly, thank you for making us and our dog Archie very welcome. we enjoyed our stay very much and hope to be back again. However, during our visit we did notice that there was sometimes quite a delay in getting served and in the evening we did have to wait nearly an hour between our starter and a main course. Consequently, although we sat down to dinner at 7.15 pm we didn't actually leave the table until 9.45pm. Although this didn't hamper our enjoyment of the evening, when paying the next day, there is a 10% tip added to all services on the bill, this is something that should reflect slick and timely service and we didn't always find this to be totally up to scratch. Additionally, when waiting at the bar to be served on Wednesday evening at 6pm, although there was a member of staff available and she saw we were waiting, she seemed to be happy to dry glasses rather than serve us first! Overall, as already commented our stay was very enjoyable, however, the above comments could be easily sorted out by having a 'Maitre De' on hand during busier times. Many thanks Kevin Wright and Steve Kirkpatrick
trulymaddy
From the time we arrived to the time we left everyone was very friendly and helpful and made us feel welcome. This included my two dogs Millie and Honey, some staff even took the time to greet and give attention to the dogs. The rooms were comfortable and clean and we thoroughly enjoyed our dinner in the restaurant. The dogs were able to join us in the bar where we could have breakfast, which was served buffet style. There was also a selection of hot food available to order off the menu as well as full English on the buffet. The South Downs Way can be accessed straight out the garden which was handy for walking the dogs. Alfriston itself has to be one of the prettiest villages in England and we enjoyed a walk around to see what was available. We also visited the local vineyard - Rathfinny Wine Estate / which had fabulous views of the Downs and the coast. We stated midweek which is obviously quieter. Highly recommend this hotel.
A lovely place. We had a family break there (three adults) for a four night stay. The rooms were lovely, the staff welcoming and helpful, the setting of the hotel magnificent and the food really good - great choices and well cooked and presented.
Google user
An amazing venue set in the beautiful doth downs. Such friendly and hpful staff. Great food. It's set in such a wonderful place what's not to love..
Mel Martin
An amazing venue set in the beautiful doth downs. Such friendly and hpful staff. Great food. It's set in such a wonderful place what's not to love..
jyotib932
The staff was incredibly welcoming and helpful. I would definitely come back! I had a wonderful experience and I would highly recommend this to others. The food was delicious and I really enjoyed the atmosphere.
Navigator443208
We've stayed at Deans Place before and it's great for exploring the South Downs. Our room was really comfortable and clean. The staff are there to help and are very attentive.Breakfast was good, but eggs let it down a little as rest was so good. Brie from continental selection was excellent, tasty and fresh.
Very nice food, very nice staff, thank you!
We had a very nice stay at Dean Place hotel. The location is great and we enjoyed the atmosphere and fantastic gardens, This is definitely a place we highly recommendThe beds are very comfortable and the place is really quiet..
Didnt even get first night sleep as dogs were barking so loudly in the hotel we had to check out after complaining several times. We now will not stay in a dog friendly hotel. Not sure why a dog owner would leave dogs in a hotel room and go out for the evening.
Lovely hotel in a great setting Shame the hotel is not well lite at night it would really show off the lovely gardens Staff were really friendly & helpful, especially Michelle Food was excellent & nice portions & a good selection of drinks We will definitely be returning again
We had a lovely stay at the hotel, the room was perfect and the bed was very cosy. The location is excellent, just a short walk to the village where there are some good pubs and the walks through the countryside are simply lovely. Great value for money, would stay again.
My wife summed it up rather well I thought; "like a elderly dowager duchness, with trappings of a grander past, but showing signs of the passing of time." Deans Place is something of a paradox. Initial impressions were very positive. A superb setting in lovely gardens, glorious surrounding riparian countryside, at the edge of one of England's most exquisite villages, the rambling, buildings reflect a mellow throwback to good old days. Car parking is adequate, reception, staff and service very good, the food and drinks quality & tasty and the amenities are of a high standard. Dog friendly too. However, whilst exuding a comfortable, mellow ambience, the whole place is showing signs of the passing of time and a significant revamp would work wonders. Accomadation was adequate, but the single beds were very narrow and rather on the hard side. The hot water system only just passed muster, the bathroom too. Still, we enjoyed our stay and would return, as there was so much to like about the old girl.
I posted a shorter version (there were space restrictions) on booking.com but was surprised, and disappointed, to see it did not get published. Therefore I am posting it here. Since I wrote this I have found out the hotel is for sale which probably accounts for the neglect and occasional bad attitude. Here goes: The grounds are absolutely lovely and well looked after. The hotel backs on to National Trust land so perfect for walkers. Very beautiful in the morning. The outdoor pool is a real bonus. We appreciated the dressing gowns and pool towels. The public spaces are sumptuous and very clean. We ate breakfast - which was excellent - in the bar overlooking the garden. But it stops there. Other reviews have mentioned the shabbiness of parts of the hotel and I have to agree. Chipped paint and stains on carpet, upstairs at least, are everywhere. The wallpaper in our room was coming off in parts and there was chipped paint on the door and window sill. Such a shame as these little things are probably very cheap and quick to fix. We had booked a family room which comprised a double and single room, both very small, worn - like most of the accommodation part of the hotel - and unbearably hot and stuffy (it was 30 degrees outside but these rooms were probably like that for most of the summer). The rooms looked inwards so no hope of any cooling breeze. It was cooler in the corridor. There was not even a fan in the room. I asked three times for one. Second time round produced a small desk fan that was missing a bolt which meant it just directed air to the floor. Third time round I asked for a replacement, preferably a standing fan, but got told they had run out of fans! It was clear nothing was going to be done. This was most surprising after all the comments on this site and others praising the helpfulness of the staff (but will single out the bar/ dining room staff for their professionalism, friendliness and helpfulness). The reception staff gave the impression that guests - or at least us - were an inconvenience, rather like the 1970s style of hotel service. One morning I walked past the desk and the younger of two receptionists didn't lift her head up from what she was reading. Normally reception staff greet you. When we checked in, the first thing the same receptionist asked was for the £20 dog charge. Unfortunately she didn't update the records as when we checked out we were asked for it again. On check out we weren't asked if everything had been ok (probably because she knew the answer!) or wished well on our journey. All very minor points but added up to a feeling that our custom was not wanted. We spoke to a couple also with a dog who told us the hotel was much different to when they had visited previously. Then they had had a larger, more comfortable room which had been furnished with a dog bowl, blanket etc. Their room on this visit was like ours, very small, stuffy and shabby and certainly not suitable for a dog. They had paid a similar price to us - over £400 for two nights. Two nights when we got no sleep. Like us, they won't be returning.
We have been visiting this hotel since the early 1980s, over the years the standard of accommodation has improved tremendously. We have spent three Christmases at Deans, at least five visits betwixt Christmas and New Year, and every year at this time, late summer. Obviously we wouldn't have returned as often if we hadn't appreciated the welcome we have always been given. But how disappointing this year to find that all vegetarian food offered for lunch and dinner has virtually disappeared. It seems all offerings have been combined with a vegan diet. I have eaten quiche, stuffed pancakes, patties, pasties, lasagne, moussaka, to name a few, all veggie and all at different times on the menu. This to me is a deal breaker, the welcome and attention was just as ever, but when on holiday how lovely it is to go into the restaurant and find a meal that you really want to eat and has had some care and thought put into it. Really a cauliflower steak does not require much prep or cooking. I really wonder why this change has occurred.
Firstly, thank you for making us and our dog Archie very welcome. we enjoyed our stay very much and hope to be back again. However, during our visit we did notice that there was sometimes quite a delay in getting served and in the evening we did have to wait nearly an hour between our starter and a main course. Consequently, although we sat down to dinner at 7.15 pm we didn't actually leave the table until 9.45pm. Although this didn't hamper our enjoyment of the evening, when paying the next day, there is a 10% tip added to all services on the bill, this is something that should reflect slick and timely service and we didn't always find this to be totally up to scratch. Additionally, when waiting at the bar to be served on Wednesday evening at 6pm, although there was a member of staff available and she saw we were waiting, she seemed to be happy to dry glasses rather than serve us first! Overall, as already commented our stay was very enjoyable, however, the above comments could be easily sorted out by having a 'Maitre De' on hand during busier times. Many thanks Kevin Wright and Steve Kirkpatrick
From the time we arrived to the time we left everyone was very friendly and helpful and made us feel welcome. This included my two dogs Millie and Honey, some staff even took the time to greet and give attention to the dogs. The rooms were comfortable and clean and we thoroughly enjoyed our dinner in the restaurant. The dogs were able to join us in the bar where we could have breakfast, which was served buffet style. There was also a selection of hot food available to order off the menu as well as full English on the buffet. The South Downs Way can be accessed straight out the garden which was handy for walking the dogs. Alfriston itself has to be one of the prettiest villages in England and we enjoyed a walk around to see what was available. We also visited the local vineyard - Rathfinny Wine Estate / which had fabulous views of the Downs and the coast. We stated midweek which is obviously quieter. Highly recommend this hotel.
Restaurantji Recommends
A lovely place. We had a family break there (three adults) for a four night stay. The rooms were lovely, the staff welcoming and helpful, the setting of the hotel magnificent and the food really good - great choices and well cooked and presented.
An amazing venue set in the beautiful doth downs. Such friendly and hpful staff. Great food. It's set in such a wonderful place what's not to love..
An amazing venue set in the beautiful doth downs. Such friendly and hpful staff. Great food. It's set in such a wonderful place what's not to love..
The staff was incredibly welcoming and helpful. I would definitely come back! I had a wonderful experience and I would highly recommend this to others. The food was delicious and I really enjoyed the atmosphere.
We've stayed at Deans Place before and it's great for exploring the South Downs. Our room was really comfortable and clean. The staff are there to help and are very attentive.Breakfast was good, but eggs let it down a little as rest was so good. Brie from continental selection was excellent, tasty and fresh.