Although I’m typically a pretty frugal traveler and no stranger to the budget friendly hostel option, these days I like to treat myself from time to time while traveling.
Since I was only staying in Brighton for one night, I knew I wanted to stay beach front- and where better than The Grand Brighton!
The Grand Brighton was built in 1864 for wealthy patrons visiting the seaside and remains one of the most expensive Brighton hotels to this day.
Adding to its notoriety, this hotel is also famously the site of an IRA bombing that attempted to assassinate Margaret Thatcher (though they seem to be keeping that quiet these days).
The hotel itself is conveniently located, just a few minutes walk from Brighton Pier and the Lanes, but far enough to avoid most of the crowds. It’s a straight shot down from the train station, which also makes it easy to locate- just head to the water front and look for the fanciest golden-yellow hotel on the block!
We were greeted by a doorman who helped us carry our luggage up the short flight of stairs at the entrance, and we were able to immediately check in to our room.
The lobby is impressive, with polished marble columns and decorative ceilings. Comfortable seating choices lead the way to the Victoria Bar (one of two bars in the building) and the sun drenched Victoria Terrace. A luxurious Afternoon Tea is offered on this terrace, but for upwards of £40 per person, I figured just staying in the hotel would have to be fancy enough for me.
There are elevators in this hotel, but I found them so slow that I’d usually just take the stairs.
Once past the grand marble pillars of the lobby, staircase itself is a gem of the hotel with its sweeping spiral open to a skylight.
I’d booked a Standard Twin room and found it to be a bit understated. The room was fairly large and the beds were comfortable, but the bathroom could probably do with some updating.
It seems that the hotel is leaning into the historic part of its heritage in their rooms!
The Grand Brighton is currently finishing up a £16.2 million refurbishment project, so we’ll see if those bathrooms get updated.
This hotel is set apart by its exceptional service. I was pleasantly surprised to see a bottle of wine left in the room, along with a handwritten note- apparently the hotel was celebrating its 160th anniversary during my visit!
I’d be interested if The Grand Brighton always finds an excuse to give its guests a little treat, because that special touch really stuck with me and gave me a great impression of the hotel.
While I initially arrived wearing a dress, it was so windy out that I had to switch to jeans! Despite the luxurious atmosphere of the hotel, I didn’t feel terrible out of place or stared at once I changed and the hotel staff seemed used to people in any state of dress. I’m sure being so close to the beach helped!
Overall, I really enjoyed this hotel, but much of its wow factor is held in its lobby and bar areas- which are open to the public.
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