Brighton's Most Famous Seafront Hotel? Here's How It's Keeping Up In The City

Opened in 1856, home to the first working vertical omnibus (more commonly known as a lift to you and I) outside of London and a true feat of Victorian architecture, The Grand stands out amongst the naked bike rides, independent shops and breezy seaside attitudes of Brighton in all the right ways.

Having recently left the smog to move to Brighton myself, I knew that a hazy night as a wedding guest in my teens wasn't going to cut it when it came to my experience of The Grand, especially now that I was trying to become a local in disguise, so I was booked in for a night in one of their seafront deluxe rooms, and ready for an Espresso Martini on the balcony, all set to a backdrop of seagulls stealing chips.

The only flaw in my plan? Diabolical rain. Umbrellas are a no-bother in this kind of weather in Brighton, and while my jacket remains thawing out on a radiator, the joy of the staff at The Grand, and dipping a toe in to history, certainly made up for things.

Our deluxe sea room offered an up close and personal view of the old pier.

The room is big, like more than swing a few cats big, and with double doors opening out on to a balcony, I was ready to have my cocktail in the sun moment. But yep, diabolical rain. It's a shame we couldn't sit out there, but it doesn't mean we didn't enjoy a quick sea salt lashing when stepping outside. The usual mod cons are here, but it's got classic glamour, and the size of the room really helps elevate your experience. The bed is big enough that I can't reach my husband to poke him when he's snoring, but that's not a negative, he was spared a few fingers to the side, and the bed itself was the cosy climb-in experience that you long for when visiting a hotel.

Our experience of eating and drinking at The Grand was limited to a delicious Espresso Martini in the bar and a cooked breakfast come the morning (they do a stand up vegetarian full English), but that doesn't mean they don't know how to serve. From luxury afternoon teas to seasonal dining at Cyan, their hotel restaurant, you could stay here all day if it wasn't for the ocean calling your name. 

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Architecture, location and history will always keep The Grand relevant, but it's the staff, energy and an ever-changing crowd that will keep it celebrated. I genuinely loved that Brighton still has this not so little pocket of old world luxury, and don't doubt that The Grand will remain a seafront staple for another century to come.