This Is The Best New Hotel Spa In Brighton

My suite at The Grand in Brighton has a view that makes one breathe out deeply. There are floor-to-ceiling windows either side of central glass doors that open up onto a wide iron balcony overlooking the neon-lit Palace Pier to the left and the skeleton of Brighton West Pier to the right. Upon my 4pm check-in, the sun is setting over the iron remains of the west pier, the sky is a watercolour wash of pink and orange, and though it looks lovely, the wind is icy and I am disinclined to venture beyond the cocoon of warmth my bright, spacious room provides. Thankfully, this is the ultimate seaside hotel to ‘stay in’ at. 

The Grand Hotel Brighton

Whether, like me, you are looking to hole up for the weekend, or intend to use The Grand as your base from which to explore all the delights of Brighton, it would be remiss not to acknowledge this hotel’s storied past. The Grand opened in 1864, rising above the seafront as a ‘Palace by the Sea’ for rail‑borne high society escaping London for salt air and spectacle. Conceived by the Brighton Hotel Company and designed by architect John Whichcord Jr, the hotel was a beacon of modern travel with its towering iron‑frame, glitzy public rooms, one of Britain’s earliest passenger lifts and a promenade terrace made for gossip, politics (and the occasional affair). The hotel survived two world wars but in 1984 it hit global headlines when an IRA bomb tore through it during the Conservative Party conference, killing five and wounding many more. Following this it was painstakingly rebuilt, and most recently has fully reopened following an acquisition by Leonardo Hotels in 2023 and a £17m refurbishment, including the addition of the UK’s first L.RAPHAEL Beauty Spa within its historic walls. It is here that the hotel’s second biggest draw – after its stunning sea views – can be found. 

Junior Suite

L.RAPHAEL Beauty Spa

The subterranean spa has been perfectly executed; a soft stone and blush pink palette, spacious spa lounge for relaxing with a drink pre-or-post treatment, modern, comfortable changing and treatment rooms and an enticing thermal suite featuring a hydrotherapy pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam and aromatherapy showers. In this, guests are limited to six per 90-minute session, so you’re guaranteed space and peace as you soak and sweat. Treatments are also worth indulging in; my Swedish massage with a revitalising carrot seed oil (that smelt absolutely divine) was so relaxing I briefly drifted off. 

On Design

It’s out with the old and in with the refreshingly modern thanks to a redesign led by award-winning studio Garuda Design across all 205 rooms on seven floors. There are soft, calming hues inspired by sea and sky throughout, walls adorned with local artwork, lounge space and handpicked books for time indoors. Beds are huge and soft, and bathrooms bright and modern; though our enormous freestanding bath wasn’t to be found in it, having been relocated to the window to enjoy the pier to pier views while soaking; bliss. 

Albert Room

The hotel’s enormous cast-iron staircase is still a star attraction; its open-well design with wrought iron balustrades was crafted from 450 tons of iron during the hotel’s 1864 construction. From its base you’ll find a series of impressive common rooms, including the Victoria Bar & Lounge off the lobby, the sea-facing Victoria Terrace for afternoon tea, the sweeping Albert Room, where breakfast is served and Cyan, the hotel’s restaurant. Breakfast and dinner offerings feel standard for a classic British seaside hotel, but with so many great dining options across Brighton and Hove, mealtimes are when it’s time to leave the nest and venture out into the city. Vegan visitors should check out the ‘fish’ and chips at No Catch, just a couple of minutes down the road.  

C&TH KEY NOTES

Drink to order: a glass of local Sussex sparkling wine
Don’t miss: a visit to the thermal suite
Room to request: a sea-view suite is a must, the views are what have kept this hotel running for over 100 years.
You should know: parking is available on a first come, first serve basis, just pull up outside and request valet.
Best bit of the room: the sea-view bath, perfect for watching a winter sunrise from. 

THE LAST WORD

A sumptuous spa stay with a slice of seaside nostalgia and a view worth shouting about; The Grand has all the ingredients for a Great British romantic weekender. 

BOOK

Nightly rates at The Grand Hotel Brighton, a Leonardo Hotel, start from £150 on a B&B basis | grandbrighton.co.uk