The Good Hotel Guide has revealed the winners of its Cesar Awards, picking out the best hotels of the year for 2026.
The awards are named after and inspired by celebrated hotelier Cesar Ritz and have been called the Oscars of hotel keeping.
Among just the few hotels across the country recognised was one spot in a charming Sussex village.
Sussex village hotel named among UK’s best at ‘hotel Oscars’
Picked out as one of the winners of the awards was The Star in the village of Alfriston.
The Good Hotel Guide said there is “star quality at Olga and Alex Polizzi’s updated version of a historic Tudor inn, in a charming medieval South Downs village”.
A full review from the Good Hotel Guide continued: “The third venture in the Polizzi Collection (see Hotel Endsleigh and Tresanton), combines beautifully designed rooms with innovative cooking and a large, atmospheric bar that ‘still feels like a local, albeit one with a hotel attached’.
“‘Everything feels curated, not contrived,’ writes a Guide insider.
“The attention to detail is astounding.’ Interiors are classic Polizzi, mixing contemporary flair with antique shop finds, and nods to nature, including lampshades with hand-painted birds, or door handles shaped like oak leaves.”
It adds that there is a “Mediterranean-style courtyard, a library with a secret door into the dining room with stencilled floor and wooden beams”.
The bar is said to serve the “most delicious homemade pasta” and a “slap-up breakfast”.
What do visitors think of The Star in Alfrison?
The Star has a 4.4/5 rating from more than 400 reviews on Tripadvisor.
A review summary said that The Star impresses many with its “elegant and welcoming atmosphere” and that guests “frequently praise the spotless and comfortable rooms”.
It adds: “Service is often described as friendly and attentive. Cleanliness consistently earns high marks.”
One review says: “Our fourth visit and a repeat stay this time in the Olga Suite – it did not disappoint.
“The service at this hotel from start to finish is top notch. Nothing is too much trouble. We felt so refreshed after being looked after for 48 hours.
“Great breakfast, drinks in the bar, relaxing in the residents library and dinner and sunday lunch in the restaurant – but most of all good old fashioned service where the customer comes first.”
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Another reads: “The Star knows what it is about – excellent service, relaxed but chic decor, excellent food and top class bed linen and bathrooms.
“We both needed a break near to home and went for dinner, bed and breakfast on Sunday.
“Breakfast buffet and menu was very good and we went back to the week feeling restored. The large private secure car park was a bonus.”
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