The Grand Brighton

The hotel stands as an iconic historic building on the seafront, offering a truly grand and classic British experience. Its signature feature is its prime seafront location combined with many sea view rooms featuring balconies, providing stunning vistas and a memorable stay. Guests consistently highlight the exceptionally friendly and attentive staff, the high quality of the newly refurbished rooms, and the superb breakfast as key elements of their positive experience. This hotel is an ideal fit for couples seeking a romantic getaway, families who appreciate welcoming service and spacious accommodations, and sightseers looking for convenient access to local attractions. Pet owners will also find it accommodating. To enhance your visit, consider requesting one of the updated rooms with a sea view for the best experience, and be mindful that street-facing rooms may experience some noise, so earplugs could be beneficial.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests find the hotel's facilities generally impressive, contributing to a comfortable stay. The bar and lounge areas are particularly popular, often described as opulent and relaxing, serving excellent cocktails and providing a vibrant atmosphere, though they can become very busy, sometimes leading to slower service. While the hotel maintains a classic charm, some guests note that certain areas, such as corridor carpets and lifts, appear worn and are in need of refurbishment, with occasional issues like only one lift being operational, causing queues. Rooms are well-equipped with amenities like robes, slippers, ironing boards, and complimentary toiletries. Many rooms also feature coffee machines, though a few guests reported minor issues like leaks. The hotel is also notably pet-friendly, providing amenities such as a dog bed and treats for furry companions.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally receives high praise for its cleanliness, with many guests describing their rooms as spotless and immaculate. Room comfort is a mixed but largely positive experience; many guests rave about the newly refurbished rooms which are often described as spacious, stylish, and well-appointed, featuring comfortable beds and high-quality linens that ensure a restful sleep. Spacious bathrooms are also frequently highlighted, some with soaking tubs or large walk-in showers. However, some older rooms are noted as being tired, with minor issues like worn carpets, damaged paintwork, or squeaky wardrobe doors. Noise levels can be a concern, particularly in sea-facing rooms, where street noise from traffic and passersby is audible. Some guests also reported internal noise from creaky floorboards, noisy mini-fridges, or air conditioning vents, impacting sleep quality.

Dining & Food Quality
Dining experiences at the hotel are a significant highlight for many guests, particularly the breakfast, which is consistently described as amazing, superb, and delicious. Guests appreciate the huge variety of options available in the buffet, including a popular omelette station, fresh salmon, and smoothies, all noted for their high quality and being served hot. The main restaurant, Cyan, receives positive feedback for its excellent service, appealing decor, and a good selection of dishes, with the Sunday roast being particularly recommended for its quality and value. The bar is also a popular spot, serving delicious cocktails and good quality bar food. However, some guests express dissatisfaction with the afternoon tea, finding the food quality inconsistent, with dry sandwiches or stale cakes, and some perceive it as overpriced. A recurring point of contention is the high price of bar drinks and the addition of a service charge, even for orders placed directly at the bar.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major draw, placing guests directly on the seafront and within easy walking distance of Brighton's most popular attractions, including The Lanes, the pier, and various shopping and dining areas. This makes it an ideal base for exploring the city on foot. Parking is a frequently discussed topic, often cited as expensive and limited on-site, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. Many guests recommend utilizing nearby public car parks, such as Regency Square, which are considered more secure, though they also come with a significant cost. The hotel offers a valet service which is appreciated for its convenience, despite the associated fees. While the hotel aims for broad accessibility, some guests note that the steep front stairs can be challenging for those with large luggage or mobility concerns, though alternative lift access is available in another section of the building.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive glowing reviews, with guests frequently praising their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. The concierge and doormen are particularly highlighted for their welcoming demeanor, efficiency with luggage, and assistance with parking. The reception team is commended for their quick and smooth check-in process, often accommodating early arrivals and offering complimentary room upgrades for special occasions. Staff across all departments, including the restaurant and bar, are noted for their professional and courteous service, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. While most interactions are highly positive, a few guests reported isolated instances of slow service in the bar during peak times or perceived unhelpfulness when addressing specific room issues. Overall, the dedication of the team to providing excellent service is a recurring theme, making guests feel valued and well-cared for throughout their stay.

Additional Information
The hotel is currently undergoing a significant refurbishment program, with many rooms already updated to a high standard, though some communal areas and older rooms still reflect the hotel's age and are awaiting renovation. This ongoing work may explain some of the mixed feedback regarding the overall condition of the property. Guests should be aware of the hotel's pet-friendly policy, which includes providing specific amenities for dogs, though a fee is typically applied. The hotel's check-in time is notably late, at 4 PM, which can lead to congestion upon arrival. Furthermore, a service charge is often added to bar purchases, which some guests find surprising or excessive. While the hotel offers a luxurious experience, some guests have noted that the main restaurant's menu has limited vegan main course options.