THE HOTEL: Located on Ship Street, it is directly off the seafront and backs on to the popular Lanes area. It’s a period building with characteristic focus on eating and drinking. This six-year-old hotel has been maintained well and was extended last autumn, with 12 additional bedrooms, a new function space and a pub.
THE CHECK IN: A tiny reception area just about copes, but there can be long waits. The room wasn’t ready so we sat in the open-plan lobby, sinking into comfy leather sofas and taking advantage of the compli-mentary wifi while we waited ten minutes.
THE ROOM: It was worth the wait as we had an open plan Junior Suite with sea view, tongue and groove detail reminiscent of beach huts, bags of natural light, our own telescope, and not one but two ball and claw-feet baths in the room. This was in addition to a spacious bathroom with vast walk-in shower. Other amenities included desk, wifi access, tea and coffee-making facilities, clothes press, iron and ironing board, hairdryer, safe and minibar with fun items such as jelly beans.
THE BUSINESS: An adjacent function room takes a maximum of 100 people either as a sit-down or in theatre style. The mezzanine area above the lobby can accommodate 60 for a drinks reception and one end is being converted into a wine tasting room as an additional lure.
THE FACILITIES: Unpretentious bistro with wholesome fare fronts the hotel, plus bar and lobby lounge at the back of the hotel with pretty open courtyard when weather permits its usage. Next door is the company’s new concept Pub du Vin, selling continental beers and lagers and good pub grub (anything from steak and ale pie to fish and chips) between noon and 10pm.
THE VERDICT: Very comfortable and stylish hotel with good staff. It fares well against increasing boutique competition in Brighton. It does suffer from not having a car park; guests are directed to the nearest NCP and drivers can squeeze into the small drop-off bay in front of the hotel to load and unload.
THE DETAILS: Rates are from £170 a night; Junior Suites from £275. Tel: 01273 718588; or see: www.hotelduvin.com Gillian Upton
