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myhotel Brighton
TLTB will always be intrigued by a hotel that describes itself as being "a hotel where Freddie Mercury might have met the Maharishi'. myhotel Brighton's central location in the regenerated Jubilee Street in the North Laine area is next to the Pavilion and the Dome, and is a short walk to the seafront.
Once through the doors and out of the city commotion this fun hotel's vibrant design promises to provide a ' fun retreat to refresh your soul '. The design, the vision of owner Andy Thrasyvoulou and New York designer Karim Rashid, mixes smooth lines, bright colours, the principles of feng shui and features crystals in the walls to harness energy.
In a homage to the Brighton Rock's ending on the pier choose the Carousel suite which features a 300 year old vintage carousel horse in the centre of the room (as you do). www.myhotels.com/my-hotel-brighton
Hotel Pelirocco
This hotel does nothing to squash Brighton's reputation as a location for a dirty weekend. In fact it takes that reputation and runs with it. This hotel has attitude with a capital A.
Each of the 19 individually designed rooms is themed around 'pop culture, visionary artists, maverick musicians and inspired individuals'. Ranging from the very sexy Nookii Room with its Kinkybed, strip show sign, lots of black satin and sea view (although you probably won't be looking at that) to DollyWould which is based on Dolly's Country Cabin with lots of Gingham and Plaid and even a Picket fence.
Brighton Rock devotees should head to the 'Modrophenia' room. The room catches the essence of the Mods with a Pop-art style. More of a rocker? The Pretty Vacant is dedicated to Punk Rock, a movement which many credit with starting in Brighton in the 1970s, and is decked out in Union Jacks.
Get a taste of Brighton's notorious nightlife without even stepping out of the front door by asking for one of the hotel bar's cult cocktails. Fuelled by cocktail-courage the brave can then pay homage to their favourite music preference by giving voice in the 'Secret Singstar Room'.
This hotel, located close to Brighton Beach, is on overload; bright, kitsch, retro - it should be tacky but it isn't and TLTB loves that. www.hotelpelirocco.co.uk
Sea Spray
As soon as you walk into boutique hotel, Sea Spray you feel welcome. There is a room for every taste - from Moroccan to Boudoir to Little Venice.
Rockers should book the room that is a homage to the King of Rock and Roll. The Elvis themed room is kitted out with Andy Warhol's iconic image of the King and even a guitar this room. Question is, has he left the building?
If you can't bear to drag yourself away from your room yet still wish to experience the local area we suggest either the Hove, the Brighton or the Sussex suite . All of these rooms feature iconic local images such as the Royal Pavilion, Peace Statue, Beach Huts and Brighton Pier (The site of some of the original clashes between the Mods & Rockers).
The hotel has in-room spa services and the hotel can organize a Sea Spray picnic - and recommend the best location along the seafront to enjoy it.
The hotel showcases local artists' original art and photography in the lounge area and gallery reception room. Some of the artwork is available for purchase. www.seaspraybrighton.co.uk
The Royal Pavilion
The most luxurious Brighton accommodation is sadly no longer open for a stay. Not since the then Prince Regent had it built back in 1787. However it is definitely worth a look. Its famously over the top Indian exterior is part Taj Mahal, part maharajah's palace, while the interiors feature an elaborate Asian-style, stunning chandeliers and a guest book which reads as a who's who of royalty and high society. For a true dose of luxe-by-the-sea this once private residence is decorated with the finest attention to detail and no expense was spared in flamboyantly decorating it with Chinese wallpaper, extravagant golden dragons that are suspended from the ceilings and French, English and Chinese export furniture.
Although you won't actually be able to stay at The Royal Pavilion, it is worth a visit because it was the building that put Brighton on the map after architect John Nash's creation caused such a worldwide sensation.
The Royal Pavilion is open daily October to March10am-5.15pm (last tickets at 4.30pm), April to September 9.30am-5.45pm (last tickets at 5pm). Closed 24 December (from 2.30pm) and all day on 25 and 26 December
And finally... Before you ask, yes, it has to be done. Anyone wanting the full Brighton Rock experience should venture along the seafront and pick up a flavoured sugar overload stick of rock. You know you'll enjoy it and you might even find one with your name printed through it
Sarah Bryans 15/3/11 |
