*PR: Partly gifted stay

Sian Victoria © - Mercure Brighton Seafront Hotel

Boutique Seafront Hotels in Brighton

Just a 15-minute walk from the train station and a stone's throw from Brighton’s main attractions. The 4-star Mercure Brighton Seafront Hotel was built in 1864 and is an elegant accommodation that evokes a feeling of sophistication through its 19th-century Regency-style architecture.

Within easy walking distance of Brighton's infamous Pier, the Royal Pavilion Building, and directly opposite the Victorian era Bandstand the hotel couldn't be more conveniently located near all the top-rated things to see in Brighton.

Perfect if you’re visiting for leisure and are seeking to enjoy the iconic landmarks while sightseeing in the seaside city.

Undergoing recent renovations, the beachfront hotel combines classic Victorian grandeur with a touch of Brighton's quirks, with splashes of colour across the hotel echoing the vibrancy of Brighton's art scene, while bespoke tiling and ornamentation reinforce elegance.

Courtesy of a partially gifted Buyagift experience in October 2019. I booked a two night hotel break at Mercure Brighton Seafront Hotel, using a credit voucher that I was kindly sent to use on any gift experience I wanted. As I had never been to Brighton before staying in a Victorian hotel located on the promenade of one of the best British seaside cities in the country it was the perfect getaway I needed, despite visiting in Winter.

The decadent hotel lobby full of art

The lobby of the Grade II listed hotel immediately creates an inviting atmosphere as soon as you enter, thanks to the stunning dark blue interior. The recent renovations are evident; opulent furnishings and light fixtures, plus an eye-catching grand staircase to reinforce the Victorian splendour of the hotel’s past while remaining in touch with Brighton's contemporary charm through unique artwork that is wonderfully presented on every inch of the walls in the lobby.

Ultimately, the lobby captures King George IV's eclectic regency dream. The hotel is considered a ‘grand Victorian landmark’ because of its beautiful period features.

I’ve stayed at a lot of Mercure Hotels over the years and always love to see how they incorporate artwork and creative pieces from each city or town they are located in. It’s great to see a chain brand appreciate and commission local artists with the idea to create welcoming environments for guests within the hotel. I must say with the grand building the hotel resides in the interiors and use of art are the best I’ve seen at this hotel closely followed by the Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel.

Also in the lobby, the NH bar is the perfect spot for a bit of relaxation. Sip on a bespoke cocktail while admiring the décor – pulled from the remains of the infamous West Pier, see how the bar front uses these salvaged pieces to keep parts of the iconic pier alive.

If you're travelling to the seaside resort for business, the hotel also boasts six conference rooms that ensure you can conveniently complete any work necessary.

The Privilege Room in The Mews

Sian Victoria © - Privilege Room, Mercure Brighton Seafront

After checking in with the friendly hotel staff, we headed to our room. We were pleasantly surprised at how spacious the room was. The ‘Privilege Hotel Room in The Mews’ had clear infusions of traditional charm and contemporary style.

The recently refurbished room had everything we needed for a short city break, boasting a cosy double bed with crisp white sheets, a handy work desk, a large TV screen, a Nespresso coffee machine and even a bathrobe with slippers to make you feel at home. A soft cosy robe is something I’m always pleased to see in a hotel as it just makes an overnight escape all that more relaxing. Plus, it was winter so, of course, it was delightfully essential.

The overall rustic furnishings were nicely accompanied by a touch of white and blue ornate design wallpaper behind the bed and a blue print blanket, armchair and cushion, which reinforced the nature of Brighton as a Victorian seaside town. The Privilege Hotel Room is a perfect choice for one or two occupants, with enough space for a night or two to ensure you'll feel comfortable to relax and unwind.

As I was in an ‘in the Mews’ room it meant that the window views were of an open outdoor space facing other rooms which I think is part of an extension and not the original grand building. So, if you desire beachfront views, you will not want this room type. So, make sure you book a room stating ‘sea view’ to avoid disappointment.

The grandest hotel rooms have beautiful high ceilings, modern chandeliers and a balcony overlooking Brighton beach as well as a luxury interior design style. Obviously, I would have preferred to have stayed in those rooms more, but besides the lack of view, the room itself was a great base for us since we spent most of the time exploring Brighton.

The stylish en-suite bathroom

Sian Victoria © - Privilege Room en-suite

The recently refurbished en-suite featured stylish white tiling on all the bathroom walls and imitation wood laminate making it feel modern and clean. There are also lights above the mirror which I found made getting ready in the morning easier with not much natural light coming into the room.

The open walk-in shower is spacious and helpful for accessibility too. Although there wasn’t a rainfall showerhead like most Mercure hotels, I’ve stayed in. The water pressure was strong. Making for a lovely refreshing shower after a long day sightseeing in Brighton.

There is also a wide long shelf above the sink perfect for cluttering with beauty products ahead of a night out in the city. As well as a hairdryer, a variety of complimentary toiletries and soft white towels.

Breakfast in The Goulty Restaurant

Sian Victoria © - Goulty Restaurant, Mercure Brighton Seafront

After sleeping in the plush double bed and enjoying a cup of Nespresso coffee in the room while wrapped up in a cosy robe. We eventually headed down to The Goulty Restaurant in the lobby for breakfast which is served between 7am and 10am.

We especially loved the bespoke artworks on the wall that emphasised the hotel's luxurious feel. And the blue tabletops lined up on both sides of the room leaving a centre pathway to discover panoramic sea views at the end and a couple of plants that are always a welcoming sight to see in a hotel. There are also plenty of faux plants in the lobby which finishes the grand interiors beautifully.

We treated ourselves to more coffee and orange juice and a delectable full English breakfast with all the essential vegetarian trimmings consisting of baked beans, mushrooms, tomatoes, hash browns and vegan sausages.

With the option to pick some tasty pastries or toast with jam, butter, or Nutella for enjoying on the side as well as bowls of cereal from the continental buffet breakfast items.

As they may not get requests for them often the vegan sausages were not put out. So, I asked the friendly waitress if there were any available and they kindly got them made fresh from the kitchen in under ten minutes for us.

The hearty breakfast ensured we were full and ready for the day ahead to explore the colourful city of Brighton.

To conclude

So, there we have it. If you fancy a seaside getaway and appreciate art, history, and architecture a stay at this regent Grade II listed hotel may be perfect for you when choosing where to stay from the many hotels in Brighton.

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