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There are some hotels that become part of a destination’s identity, and The Grand Brighton is undoubtedly one of them. Standing proudly on the seafront overlooking the remains of the West Pier, it’s the hotel that has welcomed everyone from royalty to rock stars over the years. For a while, however, it felt like the hotel was trading a little too heavily on its history. The grandeur was still there, but some areas were beginning to feel dated.
Not anymore.
Following a £17 million refurbishment, The Grand has quietly reinvented itself. It hasn’t lost any of the elegance or character that made it famous, but it now feels lighter, fresher and far more in tune with today’s luxury traveller. Think classic architecture paired with modern interiors, clean lines, muted coastal tones and beautifully designed spaces that feel luxurious without trying too hard.
I checked into The Grand with my daughter for a girls’ night away and immediately noticed how different it felt. Brighton is somewhere we’ve visited countless times over the years, and I was a student here many moons ago, so can confirm staying right on the seafront transforms the experience. Instead of squeezing everything into a day trip, we had 24 hours to slow down, switch off and enjoy the city at a much gentler pace
The Grand Junior Suite
If you’re going to stay at The Grand, I’d recommend booking one of the newly refurbished Junior Suites.
I loved the overall layout and style of the room. The redesign has given it a much fresher look, with soft grey panelled walls, contemporary artwork and an understated elegance that suits the hotel’s seaside setting perfectly. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the suite with natural light, while mirrored wardrobes make the space feel even more open. It’s stylish without feeling over-designed, striking just the right balance between classic and contemporary.
The standout feature, though, is the freestanding bath beside the window. It’s such a gorgeous addition and exactly the sort of detail that elevates the room. Whether you sink into a soak after a day exploring Brighton or start your day gazing out to sea, it is a real bonus.
Step out onto the private balcony and you’re rewarded with uninterrupted views across Brighton Beach. We spent ages out there, soaking up the sun with the sound of the waves in the background.
The Grand Afternoon Tea
Rather than heading straight into town, we did exactly what a proper seaside escape should involve and settled in with afternoon tea.
Served overlooking the sea, it’s a lovely way to mark the start of your stay. We indulged in a selection of delicate sandwiches, hot sausage rolls and cute, bite-sized quiches along with warm scones piled with jam and clotted cream and beautifully presented cakes served with a selection of teas and a glass of fizz.
There was no need to rush anywhere. For a couple of hours, we simply chatted, people-watched and enjoyed having nowhere else to be.
Reset at the Spa
Ahead of your stay make sure you book into the spa. You can’t just drop in and use the sauna and steam room. You need to pre-book a 90-minute slot, and there’s an additional £30 fee for guests to access – which I feel should be waivered given the cost of the rooms.
While my daughter relaxed in our suite, I disappeared for a massage. My therapist, Daisy was brilliant – she somehow found every knot I’d accumulated from weeks of heavy lifting at the gym and gently worked them away. Afterwards, I relaxed in the hydrotherapy pool before making my way between the steam room, sauna and jacuzzi.
It’s surprisingly peaceful down there. You completely forget that Brighton’s bustling promenade is only a few floors above your head.
If your idea of wellness is simply having permission to slow down for a couple of hours, you’ll love the spa here.
An Afternoon Exploring Brighton
One of the joys of staying at The Grand is that you barely need to look at a map.
Brighton Station is less than a 15-minute walk away, so arriving by train couldn’t be easier. The beach sits directly opposite the hotel and, just behind it, you’ll find the city’s famous shopping streets.
We wandered through The Lanes, which remain one of my favourite parts of Brighton. Independent jewellery shops sit alongside quirky homeware stores, vintage boutiques and tiny cafés tucked down narrow alleyways. Every corner seems to reveal somewhere new, and it’s impossible not to stop every few minutes to browse another window.
Whether you’re hunting for something unique or simply enjoying a leisurely mooch, it’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
Culture vulture’s can get the scoop on Brighton’s art scene over on House of Coco.
Brighton After Dark
At night Brighton takes on another personality.
The beach bars were full, music drifted along the promenade and groups of friends gathered, playing volleyball and basketball while people mill about with drinks as the last of the sun begins to disappear over the sea. There is a real energy about Brighton, especially in the summer, making it a brilliant destination for a spontaneous overnight escape.
The food scene in Brighton is excellent. From independent cafés and wine bars to award-winning restaurants, you’re spoilt for choice. We headed to The Salt Room, just across the road from The Grand, for dinner. It’s recently had a glow-up, opening earlier this summer with a brand-new bar, a fully weather-glazed seafront terrace – designed for year-round dining, a new open kitchen and a reworked menu led by Executive Chef Kim Woodward. The menu is bursting with enticing plates with seafood at the heart of it. You can read a full review of our dinner experience here.
Back at the hotel, we finished the evening exactly where we’d started – on our balcony, wrapped in blankets, looking out across the twinkling lights of the seafront.
Wake Up by the Sea
One of the best things about staying overnight is waking up before Brighton fills with summer tourists.
We opened the balcony doors, listened to the waves and enjoyed a slow breakfast. I pulled on my trainers and squeezed in a quick 5K along the seafront. Morning walkers were out with their dogs, fellow runners passed by while the city was only just beginning to wake up. It’s these quieter moments that you miss on a day trip.
The Verdict
The Grand has always been an icon, but now it finally feels like a luxury hotel that lives up to its reputation.
The refurbishment has been handled brilliantly. It still has the elegance and grandeur people expect, but everything feels fresher, brighter and more contemporary. Add in the beautiful new spa, the unbeatable location, sea-view suites that you’ll struggle to leave and easy access to everything Brighton has to offer, and you have the perfect base for a 24-hour escape.
All photography courtesy of The Grand, Brighton and Anji McGrandles.
