THE HOTEL: Located on Brighton's Jubilee Street, opposite the new library, the hotel opened in March this year and the huge white cube exterior with lime green MY logo on top can’t be missed. Inside it’s just as surprising, with lots of Asian influences, quirky artworks and a penchant for Freddie Mercury quotes on areas such as toilet doors!
The check-in: Definite wow factor as you walk in, with an undulating, organic-shaped, polished pewter front desk with funky lighting and decor. Took no time to do the paperwork.
The room: I was on an orange floor (the others are red/purple and lime green/blue) so this colour impregnated the carpet, bed cushions and cover and wardrobe doors, and was in contrast to bright white curved walls. There's a flatscreen TV hanging from ceiling, while the bed unit is in the middle of the room and akin to an ingenious aircraft seat with vanity unit behind the headboard which folds away and doubles as a desk top. The bathroom (shower, toilet cubicle and basin) is behind
a curved unit with a window opening to bedroom. There's also a laptop-size safe, well-stocked mini bar, A/C and comfy window seat.
The facilities: Underground car park with 25 spaces for £25 overnight, buzzy gold-coloured bar, private dining, library, penthouse and three artists studios, two treatment rooms, seven meeting /event spaces – including Jubilee Place itself – all with hi-tech touch-screen controls.
The restaurant: The Zilli Café, for casual dining, fronts the hotel, while the more formal Zilli Brasserie overlooks Jubilee Place with a public and a grand hotel entrance. It’s in keeping with the rest of the hotel with a stylish and cavernous space filled with light, leather chairs, a theatre kitchen and lobster tanks. Extensive fish-based menu, all beautifully presented and cooked to perfection. Desserts to die for too!
The verdict: This hotel shouts out as being different from other boutique hotels, with fun décor using a primary colour palette yet amenities that are practical too. Rooms are minimalist but comfortable.
The details: Part of a three-strong group (Bloomsbury and Chelsea in London). Rack rates for Brighton start at £140 for a standard double, and there are five room categories including superior at £175 and Artists Studios at £310, all including breakfast and VAT. For more information, telephone: 01273 900300; or see: www.myhotels.com Gillian Upton
