Mercure Brighton Seafront Hotel

We stayed overnight as a surprise birthday treat for my partner and paid a little extra for a balcony room with a sea view. The three-course meal in the restaurant was excellent, and the staff were helpful and made us feel very welcome. The hotel is a lovely Grade II listed building, with lots of character inside.

The room was clean and the bed comfortable. The lobby was beautifully decorated, the staff welcoming and friendly, and the bar was a lovely spot for a drink. It was easy to walk into town, and across the road The Meeting Place Kitchen served us a delicious breakfast. Our inland room faced onto a courtyard and other rooms, so we had to keep the curtains closed and it was often quite dark. There wasn’t much storage, so our clothes ended up on the floor. We could also hear guests slamming doors. It was a nice two-night stay for what we paid, but we’ve stayed in nicer hotels.

The location was excellent, and on-site parking was a bonus. Reception and check-in were nicely decorated, and staff were very helpful. The rooms were very clean and had tea and coffee facilities, plus there was always plenty of hot water and the shower was powerful. The room was quite small and felt tired, especially the bathroom. It really needs redecoration and an upgrade. Breakfast had a good choice of hot and cold options, but the dining area also needs updating and struggled to cope when busy. I’d visit again, though I might pay extra for a nicer room. Mine disappointed me, and the strained, frayed carpet in the corridor put me off a little.

Breakfast with a sea view was nice, and the atmosphere felt relaxing and refined. The staff were friendly, attentive and welcoming throughout my stay. The Mercure Brighton Seafront Hotel is a grand Victorian landmark with beautiful period details and a charming mews. It blends Regency 19th-century elegance with a lovely seafront setting. Even the creaky floors added to the historic character. I had a really enjoyable stay and will definitely be back.