For Sharon’s 40th Birthday recently, I decided to treat her to a stay at The Grand Hotel in Brighton. Despite living in and around Brighton for over a decade, we had yet to venture past those revolving doors.

The Grand is one of Brighton’s oldest hotels, with history dating back to the 1800’s. It was built for members of the upper class, however is most famous for being the hotel that was bombed by the IRA in the 1980’s.

Fast forward over 30 years later, and with a brief refurbishment in 2013, and you have the hotel that we have standing today. Still remaining as one of the most iconic hotels in Brighton.

A Grand Hotel

There are over 200 rooms at The Grand, Brighton, which include a number of suites. There’s also a bar & lounge area as well as two restaurants; Cyan and the Victoria Terrace & Grill.

Being a Victorian hotel, you’re greeted by large chandeliers, lots of palms and marble pillars as you enter the hotel. It’s like you’ve immediately stepped back in time.

Once checked-in, you can either climb the stairs to your room or take the lift. Apart from after check-in, we used the stairs as we couldn’t get enough of these views. Every time we came downstairs, it was like we were heading to dinner on the Titanic.

Our Room

For our stay, I booked one of their Feature Deluxe Sea View Rooms which boasts the following features:

Comfortable & Stylish!

To say that the room took our breath away was an understatement. Sharon often travels a lot with work, meaning she’s stayed in quite a few hotels over the past few years, but nothing has met The Grand. We were also incredibly lucky with the weather during our visit, but I have no doubts that it would have been breathtaking even on the gloomiest of days.

As well as the absolutely stunning views from our balcony (!) each room was tastefully decorated to a high standard.

Both ‘comfort’ and ‘style’ were met during our stay.

Views Galore!

As much as we wanted to hang out in the room and take in the views, we decided to spend some time out on the town on Sharon’s birthday. Being in a central location, it meant we were only 10 minutes from bars, pubs and restaurants. A few (!) cocktails later, we then headed back to our room where we enjoyed the comfiest nights sleep I think we’ve ever had.

With the room surrounded by thick blackout curtains, the room was wonderfully dark. Even being on the seafront, the room was quiet and in the morning we woke to the sound of the sea (and some seagulls!).

Although I still managed to wake the next morning at 6am, it was worth it when you had views like this.

Dining at The Grand

I don’t know about you, but my favourite part about a hotel stay is breakfast. Despite not always being a ‘morning person’, I’m very much a breakfast or brunch kinda girl! With this in mind, I was beyond excited to see what breakfast was like at The Grand Brighton.

When staying at The Grand, breakfasts are complimentary and include a continental selection or a hot breakfast. There’s also the option to request breakfast to your room!

Arriving at the breakfast lounge, you’re taken into this incredibly regal room with tall ceilings and large chandeliers (I couldn’t stop looking up!). You’re then taken through the available breakfast options.

As well as a hot breakfast option; which included a selection of eggs, hash browns, beans, sausages, black pudding and bacon, there was also a continental option of meat, cheese and pastries. There was also a selection of cereals, breads and fruit, as well as teas, coffee and juices!

What I found the most impressive, though, was a central cart that featured Vegan and Gluten Free options. There were also Vegan and Vegetarian options as part of the hot breakfast selection.

When you’re seated at your table, you’re offered a pot of tea or coffee, and then you’re invited to explore your options as well as take your time and enjoy the breakfast.

For me, I couldn’t decide (I can never decide!), so I went with a selection from the different areas. Sharon also ended up doing the same and it set us up for the day beautifully – especially with the added view!

An Absolute Joy

Staying at The Grand, Brighton was an absolute joy and we hope it isn’t the last time we stay.

Walking around the hotel, staff were warm and welcoming and the hotel was absolutely stunning. The winding hallways feature prints and paintings that keep you busy, and because the hotel is so old it was interesting reading about the different rooms and suites. We were also impressed to see a number of families (and doggies!) staying at the hotel. It certainly gave us ideas for our next visit!

Despite only staying for one night, we left feeling completely relaxed and recharged, and Sharon felt completely spoiled. It was a shame we had to leave.