The Grand Brighton Hotel is a famous Victorian seafront hotel on Brighton’s south coast in England. It was designed by John Whichcord Jr. and built-in 1864 for members of the upper classes visiting the city, and it is still one of Brighton’s most expensive hotels.

During the 1984 Conservative Party convention, the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) attempted to assassinate Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher by bombing the hotel.

The Grand Brighton review

Description

The Grand Brighton is an iconic Victorian property steeped in British history that dominates Brighton’s famous seafront.

This unforgettable hotel combines traditional grandeur with modern design flourishes throughout, including a stunning sweeping spiral staircase, lovely sea view rooms, a sumptuous bar & lounge, and a stunning modern restaurant.

The independent hotel is conveniently located in central Brighton, just 30 minutes from Gatwick Airport, an hour from Central London, and a short walk from the famous Lanes and Royal Pavilion. This luxurious Brighton hotel is the ideal starting point for exploring this exciting seaside city.

Scene

A bustling waterfront hotel with magnificent public spaces.

The circa-1864 Grand Brighton, like most classic grande dame hotels, has rich and dramatic public spaces. Its regal staircase leads to the seventh story, where a wide skylight illuminates the white walls and lavishly patterned carpets on the 123 steps, making for a spectacular picture. The hotel’s public halls are opulent and regal, with arches, dark columns, rich wood, crown molding, and terrazzo flooring. The upscale fine-dining establishment maintains the decor with dark columns and hardwood floors framing the room’s circular wooden bar. The walls are lined with red leather benches. The wonderful, enclosed living patio is significantly brighter, with walls of windows overlooking the sea and ocean-blue velvet sofas framing sleek glass tables. It’s an ideal setting for Grand Brighton’s famous afternoon tea. This is a bustling yet refined hotel for discerning travelers who appreciate traditional hotels with a strong sense of atmosphere.

Location

Walking distance to many attractions on Brighton’s waterfront. The Grand sits on the Brighton waterfront, surrounded by other hotels, restaurants, and attractions, but it is a little west of the central commercial zone, so it is calmer.

In front of the hotel is a small sandy beach. Brighton Pier is only an 11-minute walk away, and The Lanes shopping district is only a seven-minute walk away. The Brighton Dome concert hall, Royal Pavilion, and Brighton Museum & Art Gallery are all approximately a 13-minute walk or train ride away, while the Theater Royal Brighton is approximately an 11-minute walk away. 

The Brighton Centre train station is a two-minute walk away, and the main Brighton Railway Station is an 11-minute train ride or a 15-minute walk away. By train, it takes 18 minutes to get to the University of Brighton International College. Gatwick Airport is approximately 45 minutes away by car or train, and Victoria Station in London is approximately 80 minutes away by train. 

There is limited on-site parking available for a fee, but a large garage adjacent to the hotel has better rates.

Rooms 

Rooms are divided into seven categories, with most of the larger deluxe and suite options offering sea views, and many of those rooms also have private balconies. 

All rooms were renovated in 2013 and are clean, spacious, and comfortable. While the decor and layout vary by room and category, the overall feel isn’t quite as lavish or imposing as the public spaces.

The Classic Double Sea View rooms include corniced ceilings, light gray painted walls, and black-and-white photos of seaside sites.

Color is added with red-and-white striped armchairs and bedspreads, as well as crimson upholstered velvet desk chairs. Doors with small balconies (in rooms with them) let in plenty of natural light. 

A few design-conscious touches, such as tripod floor lamps and X-leg desks (which hold flat-screen TVs), add a touch of glam to the traditional decor. On king-size beds, Egyptian cotton linens add to the opulence. 

The big bathrooms, which have wood flooring, brilliant white wall tiles, large white-and-black granite top vanities, and black granite-framed wall mirrors with fluorescent lighting on either side, are another highlight. Red Flower organic toiletries are included in white shower/tub combos with rainfall showerheads. Walk-in showers and separate tubs are available in some rooms.

The upper level of the top-floor King Suite has a separate toilet area, as well as a lounge, dining area, and a private, equipped gym. 

All rooms include complimentary Wi-Fi, robes, coffee/tea makers, and electronic safes. Some rooms, particularly those on the lower levels, can hear traffic noise.

Features

A complimentary hot breakfast buffet is included as part of the accommodation charge at the GB1 restaurant, which is open every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Additionally, there are private dining rooms on-site, and room service is offered around the clock.

In its enclosed terrace room facing the ocean, the Victorian lounge serves light lunches and afternoon tea daily; it also hosts musical performances on a rotating schedule in the evenings. Meeting space for up to 900 people is available in ballroom-style areas, and there is free Wi-Fi throughout the property. 

The spa has a relaxation room, steam room, and sauna, as well as a variety of facials, massages, and body treatments. The fitness center has both free weights and machines for aerobic and resistance training.

Guests who book at least a 50-minute spa treatment can use the spa facilities for free; all other guests must pay a fee to use the facilities, including the fitness center.

Pros of The Grand Brighton Hotel

• Elegant historic hotel with magnificent public spaces
• Beautiful oceanfront views with easy access to the sand and pier
• Rooms that have been renovated, some with balconies and sea views
• There is an on-site restaurant that serves all meals, as well as a bar and lounge.
• Afternoon tea is popular, and room service is available 24 hours a day.
• Spa with a steam room and sauna, as well as fitness facilities
• Meeting rooms can accommodate up to 900 people.
• Breakfast is provided at no cost.
• Free Wi-Fi is available.

Cons of The Grand Brighton Hotel

• Limited parking is costly.
• If you do not book a spa treatment, there is a fee to use the fitness and spa facilities.
• The rooms aren’t as memorable as the common areas.

Restaurants near The Grand Brighton Hotel

• Morelli Zorelli
• Victoria Lounge, Bar and Terrace
• The King’s Restaurant
• Cyan
• 1890 At The Met
• Jurys Inn Brighton Waterfront Restaurant
• Indian Summer
• Cafe de la Mer