Brighton’s blend of Regency charm and seaside energy has long made it a favourite escape.
The DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole, built in 1890 by Alfred Waterhouse, sits proudly on King’s Road with its red-brick Victorian façade and sweeping sea views. Following a multimillion-pound refurbishment, it now offers heritage elegance with modern flair.
Inside, the décor is a calming mix of sea-toned greys, blues, greens and rusts, softened by marble floors and ornate ceilings. We were warmly welcomed by the concierge with a signature warm chocolate chip cookie and a tin of Aqua Libra water, a thoughtful nod to sustainability. From the moment we arrived, every member of staff we encountered was friendly, helpful, and refreshingly attentive, striking just the right balance between professionalism and warmth.
With 340 rooms, our third-floor suite was spacious and stylish, with a wrought-iron balcony offering uninterrupted views of the Brighton seafront. Inside, the room was thoughtfully arranged, featuring a desk, dining table, and a comfortable settee in soft greys, rust and green. We appreciated the tea and coffee facilities, tins of Aqua Libra, and the raspberry gin cocktail a welcome touch. The bathroom was generously sized, complete with a freestanding bath, separate walk-in shower, and Crabtree toiletries. Though it lacked a fridge, the room made up for it with superb soundproofing and an exceptionally comfortable bed – the mattress was perfectly plush, the pillows cloud-like, and together they delivered a blissful night’s sleep not even disturbed by the city’s early morning buzz outside.
Dining at the hotel can be taken at 1890 At The Met, a restored dining room serving daily breakfast with panoramic views of Brighton Beach. The elegant space features ornate ceilings and expansive windows. The Salt Room, located on the corner of the hotel, specialises in British seafood and steaks cooked over a Josper charcoal oven, while the Metropole Bar & Terrace offers all-day dining, bottomless brunch, afternoon tea, and cocktails. The terrace is a prime spot for sunset views and hosts seasonal events like the “Summer of Spritz.” Dogs are welcome on the terrace, though not inside the bar.
We chose to have dinner on the terrace, perfect for a warm evening as Rupert wasn’t allowed in the restaurant. The menu was limited, but the DJ added a lively vibe and the terrace was buzzing. Rupert was delighted to be served with his own dog-friendly ice cream from Jude’s, part of the hotel’s new partnership with the local brand.
Normally not one for room service, the next morning I decided to indulge with breakfast in bed—and it turned out to be a brilliant choice. Delivered bang on time, the tray was beautifully presented, with everything piping hot and just as ordered. From the quality to the care in plating, it was a standout moment that made the morning feel effortlessly indulgent.
Amenities include the LivingWell Health Club with pool, sauna, steam room and gym. With 28 meeting rooms and 9 exhibition halls, it’s one of the South Coast’s largest conference venues. Fully accessible, dog-friendly, and ideally located near The Lanes, Brighton i360 and the beach, it’s a refined yet relaxed base for exploring the city. For a hotel of this scale, I was genuinely impressed by how impeccably clean the entire property was and no detail overlooked.
In short: a warm welcome, a sea view, and a scoop of Jude’s for all the family. We’ll be back.