We have stayed in many hotels in Brighton over the last few years and this one has to be the friendliest of all. This is an old world hotel we beleave the oldest in Brighton and yes after 450 years there are a few cracks but everything works well, it is close to the shops and right on the sea front. The highlight was the welcome our children got from all the staff. We were very concerned when we read some of the reviews and really came away feeling some of you really need to stop watching these hotel inspector prorammes and get yourself a life. Why spend your hard earned time off looking for reason to complain and just go and enjoy yourself. Its a lot more fun.

I booked this hotel for the August bank holiday weekend, and as we were booking so late, the choice was extremely limited. I was very nervous having read some of the reviews for this hotel, but was pleased to discover that they seemed unfounded. The hotel is in a fantastic location and is overall a decent 3.5ish star hotel (I wouldn't quite give them the 4 stars they claim). The reception is nicely furnished and sympathetic with the old style of the building. The room was compact but neutrally decorated and clean. The bathroom had a lovely powerful shower and heated towel rail (which was a bonus) and seemed clean and fresh. My only criticism is that the windows in both the room and the bathroom were a bit grubby and could have done with freshening up. The bed was very squishy indeed - this could either be a pro or a con depending on your preference. As a late booking, we did not have a seaview but overlooked a small roof with various airvents. Not an attractive sight, but not the end of the world as there were net curtains which still allowed plenty of light, and it probably minimised the noise. Previous reviewers who have complained about the noise are probably well justified - given its location near the clubs, the seaview rooms will inevitably be noisy. I can't comment personally on this as we were out till pretty late ourselves! A pair of earplugs are a good idea. I briefly investigated the Wi-Fi option but it seems you have to pay for it. We didn't stay for breakfast as this was quite a bit more expensive and we had a nicer (and less time restricted) brunch in the Lanes. Overall, this is a perfectly serviceable hotel that, if you can get a room for £100 or thereabouts, is pretty good value.

After reading the previous reviews here, I was expecting worse with this hotel (I booked it because it was one of the cheapest I got in Brighton). I actually found it wasn’t too bad (if you can get a good price that is).

The hotel has a nice exterior. Inside the hotel everything is very old-fashioned (or traditional to put it nicely). Lift is very small which could be an issue if you carry large items with you.

The room I had, putting aside the dated carpet and wallpaper, wasn’t bad at all. It was reasonably spacious in European standard. It had most amenities you would see in a 3-star hotel. I think all it needs is a “facelift” really.

Location couldn’t be better in Brighton, right by the sea with lots of bars and cafes nearby (we were not interested with the hotel’s bar and restaurant). It is true that there are lots of noise at night but we were out at night ourselves as well (we came back after 2am). I think this is not a hotel for early sleepers. On the other hand if you plan to be out at night then the noise problem shouldn’t affect you much and given the location this hotel should be right for you.

We stayed here for two nights and would have no problem staying again. What you have to remember is this is Brighton, so its going to be noisy, and yes despite being on the fourth floor this was. You pay for location so don't expect all mod cons and exemplary cleanliness, as you won't get it here, and from my experience you won't at any others on the sea front. This hotel is very close to the pier and the lanes area where there is a really nice feel if you are looking for slightly more sophisticated bars and restaurants are also very convenient.

Would I stay here again.....yes, would I stay at some of the others.....absolutely not.....who goes, you decide.

Also don't get ripped off at the closer more covenient car parks, if you dont mind pulling your case for a ten minute walk along the front, head for the Regency Park car park, at £12.50 for 24 hours, this is half the price of others in the area.

Finally, if you get the chance pop down to the marina for lovely alfresco dining, I have been to Brighton a few times and only just discovered this area, if you like a graze with the boats bobbing up and down in the background, you will like this.