The Beach Hotel

This hotel offers a prime location, making it a standout choice for guests seeking easy access to the city's vibrant attractions. Its central position is consistently highlighted, placing visitors within moments of the seafront and major venues. The friendly and helpful staff are frequently praised for their attentive service, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. While the hotel is recognized for its good value for money, many guests note its dated decor and a general need for refurbishment. This makes it an ideal fit for sightseers and event attendees prioritizing location and service over modern aesthetics. For couples and families looking for a convenient base to explore, the hotel provides a practical option. To enhance your stay, consider managing expectations regarding the hotel's age and be prepared for potential noise from the surrounding area.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features an old-fashioned lift that, while functional, is often described as small, noisy, and somewhat intimidating, with some guests noting it only reaches certain floors. Wi-Fi connectivity is a significant point of feedback, with most guests reporting it is only reliably available in the reception and public areas, not in the individual rooms. This can impact guests relying on in-room internet access. While the rooms generally include kettles and a generous supply of tea and coffee, some guests find the kettles too large to fit easily under bathroom taps for filling. Basic televisions are provided, though some reviews mention limited channels or functionality issues. The hotel does not offer a dedicated lounge area or bar, which some guests would appreciate.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is mixed. Most guests find their rooms to be clean and tidy, with many specifically praising the spotless condition and comfortable beds that ensure a good night's sleep. However, some reviews highlight concerns about dust, hair, and general grubbiness in certain areas, along with instances of mould or stains. The overall decor and furnishings are frequently described as dated, tired, or worn, with reports of rickety furniture, peeling paint, and broken fixtures such as sockets or wardrobe doors. Bathrooms often receive similar comments, with mentions of rusty towel rails, ill-fitting toilet seats, and issues with shower temperature or pressure. Noise levels vary, with some guests experiencing quiet stays, while others report disturbances from creaky floorboards above or general street noise.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast consistently receives positive feedback, with many guests describing it as good, excellent, tasty, and plentiful. It is typically included in the room rate, offering a buffet-style selection that includes a full English breakfast with items like bacon, sausages, scrambled eggs, and beans, alongside cereals, yogurt, and some fresh fruit. While most guests are satisfied with the variety, some express a desire for more diverse options such as different types of bread or additional fresh fruit. The breakfast staff are widely commended for being friendly, helpful, and attentive, though a few guests note initial confusion regarding the self-service setup. An adjacent restaurant, which shares ownership with the hotel, is frequently mentioned for its excellent food and also offers room service.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant highlight, placing guests within easy walking distance of numerous popular attractions. It is ideally situated near the seafront, the i360 observation tower, and the Brighton Centre, making it highly convenient for both leisure and event attendees. Proximity to various shops, bars, and restaurants is also frequently praised. While the hotel does not offer private parking, guests are advised about nearby public options, such as the Regency Square underground car park, which is noted for being expensive. Some guests mention the availability of free street parking during specific hours. Accessibility within the hotel can be challenging for some, with reports of awkward stairs leading to basement rooms and a small, older lift that may not serve all floors.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight their welcoming demeanor and willingness to accommodate requests, contributing to a very positive service experience. The check-in process is generally described as quick and efficient. A notable aspect of the hotel's service is its key policy, where guests are required to leave their room key at the reception desk every time they leave the property. While some guests find this inconvenient or unusual, others appreciate the perceived security, especially with the reception being staffed 24 hours a day. However, a few reviews express concern about the lack of identity verification when collecting keys. Housekeeping service receives mixed feedback, with some guests reporting daily cleaning and towel changes, while others note inconsistencies or missed tasks.

Additional Information
The hotel occupies an old building with distinct character, which many guests appreciate for its charm and historical feel. However, this also means some areas are undergoing refurbishment, and guests may encounter scaffolding on the exterior, potentially impacting views. A recurring and serious concern raised by multiple guests relates to room security and the key policy. While the hotel requires keys to be left at reception, some guests report that the door locks can be old or difficult to operate, and there have been isolated but alarming incidents where guests felt their security was compromised, with staff responses sometimes being perceived as indifferent. Guests should also be aware that some rooms have signs indicating the water is not drinkable, and no alternative drinking water is provided. Noise from other guests, particularly due to creaky floorboards in an older building, can also be a factor.