Brighton

Brighton is a resort with a unique atmosphere. Its proximity to the Capital and easy reach by rail gave it the alternative name - "London-by-the-sea". Brighton today can be whatever you want it to be. It has its posh hotels and fine dining. It also has ice creams, rock and fish and chips.

Brighton's past is linked with the foppish Prince Regent. He gave it the flamboyant Brighton Pavilion. Today Brighton has retained much of that spirit. It is a place where you can do you own thing and not be bothered by what people think.

The Pavilion itself is well worth a visit. I would also recommend the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery. The Images of Brighton Gallery which looks at Brighton's past and present as a seaside resort is particularly enthralling.

If you are into antiques then you can spend hours wandering around the Lanes at Brighton. In spite of the publicity that the Lanes gets, you can still find a bargain.

See also: A day out in Brighton

Brighton - Best

• Really easy to get to, good "buzz" about the place, interesting shops and great restaurants. [Barry Watts]
• Snooper's Paradise (7/8 Kensington Gardens, North Laines, BN1 4AL, 01273 602558) - great for anything retro [editor]
• Food for Friends - Brighton's original vegetarian restaurant, which was established in 1981 - well worth a visit, even if you are not a vegetarian [editor]
• What remains of the West Pier - still makes a good photograph! [editor]

Brighton - Worst

• Tries a little too hard to be funky (sometimes), attractions on the end of the pier are SO overpriced, car parking fees are extortionate!! [Barry Watts]
• Expensive car parking [editor]

Accommodation

Brighton has many hotels and guest houses to suit all tastes and pockets. If you are looking for relaxation rather than all night partying I recommend that you ask whether the hotel caters for stag or hen parties. Also be aware that many of the larger hotels do wedding parties at the weekend.

Top tip: Don't book online - 'phone the hotel direct and negotiate a cheaper price.

Opinions

The Grand

Stayed in: September 2003  Rating: Average Official rating: 5 Star

The Grand is grand. The architecture is stunning. Go into the lobby and have a look! It is also a great place for celebrity spotting. On the downside, it's very expensive and we personally couldn't see what it gave you that a standard 3 star didn't.   If you do stay here, make sure you make use of the indoor swimming pool and fitness facilities.

Go to: The Grand Hotel, Brighton

The Old Ship

Stayed in: April 2005  (for a conference) Rating: Average Official rating: 3 Star

Parking at this Hotel is not cheap, but then I suspect no hotel parking in Brighton will be.
I had a room that overlooked Ship Street, which was nicely decorated, the only problem, however, was the noise. Right up to the small hours, there was noise from the street below (lots of trendy wine bars).

Food was average and certainly not gourmet standard.

Security at the hotel was poor and anyone could wander into the Hotel unchallenged and unseen by reception.

Hotel location is very convenient for beach, piers and shops (and the Lanes).

Go to: The Old Ship Hotel, Brighton

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