Hotel review: Inside the East Sussex pub with rooms renovated by Hotel Inspector Alex Polizzi

Travel Insider | The Star in the East Sussex village of Alfriston is a personal project for Alex – and her mother, Olga. The pair have decorated the pub in a mixture of antique, mid-century, and modern styles, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that reflects both their unique tastes and the rich history of the area. Each item in the pub has been carefully selected to contribute to an eclectic yet harmonized aesthetic, from vintage furniture that whispers stories of the past to sleek modern fixtures that provide a contemporary touch. The result is a cozy retreat for locals and visitors alike, where people can gather not just to enjoy a drink, but to soak in the ambiance that beautifully marries tradition and innovation.

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‘I needed to prove to myself that I can still do it,’ says Alex Polizzi, who, after a decade telling hapless hoteliers how to up their game in Channel 5’s The Hotel Inspector, is putting the finishing touches to her new project, a venture that not only challenges her creativity but also allows her to explore new concepts in hospitality. Having witnessed the transformations of countless establishments, she feels invigorated to apply her insights and experiences into this fresh endeavor, which promises to merge her passion for exceptional service with innovative practices that cater to modern travelers seeking memorable experiences. As she meticulously curates the elements of her project, from design aesthetics to guest interactions, Alex is driven by a desire to set a new standard within the industry, hoping to inspire a new generation of hoteliers to follow in her footsteps.

‘And,’ she adds, ‘it was a chance to do something with my mother.’

Few hoteliers have been as influential as Alex’s mother Olga. Tresanton, which opened in St Mawes in 1998, was instrumental in giving Cornwall its high style reputation. And The Endsleigh in Devon, which Alex opened for her mother in 2005, brought significant verve to the country house hotel scene.

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Updated 2026 · © Lassi Pensikkala

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About the destination expert
Lassi Pensikkala — With four decades in the travel industry, economist Lassi Pensikkala has worked as a professional travel guide, destination management entrepreneur, and international travel consultant, serving 700+ B2B clients from 55 countries. He is polyglot and his experience spans global mega-events (Formula 1, football world championships, international trade fairs, and congresses) as well as incentives, themed group tours, and tailor-made cultural journeys. This expertise is built over 40+ years as the founder and operator of a destination management company in Germany, Europe and Latin America. He is the author of 37 Europe travel guides, 60 USA and 20 Latin America destination guides, and a growing collection of multilingual Travel Destination Magazines EN ES DE SE FI on AmerExperience.com. Learn more

By Lassi Pensikkala | Economist & Entrepreneur

Lassi Pensikkala is a Finnish travel expert, economist, and founder of AmerExperience.com. He lived in Sweden, 28 years in Germany and resides in Ecuador since 2009, publishing multilingual travel guides and international destination insights.

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