Beating train strikes with eclectic London-style stay in Brighton

Planning a special birthday present around the constant train strikes is a nightmare, so sometimes you’re forced to find a solution closer to home if you want a memorable night without transport hassles.

Viktoria Cowley experiences a night out in Brighton that highlights some real Sussex hidden gems…

Because of the rail strike, a trip to London was out of the question. It stands to reason that Brighton would be the next place on the list. Home to some of the most open-minded communities thanks to its bohemian vibe and eco-friendly spirit. I love London and Brighton for exactly the same reasons and feel equally comfortable in both places.

After a 24 hour warning that we would be spending the next day (and night) in Brighton I couldn’t wait to get started!

We had a traditional pub lunch at a place recommended to us, ‘Seven Stars’. I opted for the macaroni cheese as I wasn’t actually very hungry, but it was the biggest portion of pasta I’ve ever seen!

We couldn’t check into the hotel until 3pm so we made the most of our free time in Brighton. We strolled through North Laine and The Lanes – two unique shopping streets, which despite the short distance from each other exude their own charm. It was a great way to start the stay!

North Laine is the place to be for an eclectic night out – its vibrancy and bohemian charm draw crowds eager to take advantage of everything it has to offer. From voracious veggie cafes, hip vintage shops and glitzy jewelery stalls, all close to Brighton’s stunning Royal Pavilion; put your feet up after a night at Komedia of musical comedy or performing arts.

Whereas, with its fine dining restaurants, quaint tea rooms and traditional pubs, tucked away in narrow sidewalks and mysterious alleyways; The Lanes is a vibrant area, home to a unique selection of independent jewelery shops and world-class antique boutiques.

After a morning of shopping and a delicious midday drink, we set off towards our mysterious destination. I was asked to keep my expectations open – what kind of accommodation was in store?

A short walk from the Regency Square car park we arrived at our destination, the Hotel Pelirocco – a regal cream town house that could easily be confused with any other in Brighton. While the facade appeared clean and tidy at first glance, I found it quite disappointing aesthetically.

I entered the hotel and suddenly found myself in a completely new world. Eclectic furniture, artfully clashing wallpaper and rugs provided a perfect backdrop for iconic Britpop album covers as well as original pieces by young British artists – creating a quirky yet chic atmosphere!

Even if the clash of colorful patterns overwhelmed us at first, the enthusiasm of the employees was contagious. We were greeted with a burst of warm excitement by the blue-haired young girl in a punk t-shirt and immediately felt at home.

We slowly (because only slowly possible) navigated through the museum-like atmosphere to our room, the route filled with a stunning array of memorabilia.

Each step of the way revealed an increasingly eclectic collection, from memorabilia on the ground floor, expanding upward as we veered off the historical and nostalgic path on the first floor.

Our accommodation was an exceptional experience, with each room having a different theme.

Our room was the Koibito Love – one of the hotel’s newest suites, with a round bed on bamboo stilts (we had to go upstairs!) and geisha graffiti – plus a Japanese-style “Ofuro” bathtub and rain shower; We had everything!

Not only that, we also enjoyed the breathtaking view from our balcony overlooking the West Pier.

During the day the hotel looked like all the other properties in the line from the outside – rather uniform and underwhelming, but once night fell it took on a stunning transformation.

The bright blue and green lights illuminating the outside and the red lights shining from the inside made for an inviting entrance that could entice even the most grounded person to come in!

We revisited Gars, this delightful Chinese restaurant tucked away in the Lanes. We were not disappointed, once again we enjoyed a truly exquisite meal!

We then hopped across the road to The Mesmerist, a funky pub, also in The Lanes. The pub rocked an eclectic mix of oriental sounds that would have been too avant-garde for our hometown, but this unique style of music obviously belonged right here in Brighton.

We had a very comfortable night, quite a bit of fun climbing the stairs to the bed!

The next morning we enjoyed breakfast which was served downstairs in the ground floor cocktail bar and lounge which is included in your booking if you book direct with the hotel.

Relax amidst an eye-catching décor that blends perfectly with a wild array of monster wallpapers – reflected on the soft furnishings upon closer inspection!

The breakfast buffet offers cereal, fruit, and yogurt to fuel you for whatever lies ahead; While the hot menu has something for everyone – from English fry-ups to boiled eggs – you’re sure not to disappoint.

And of course the standard tea and coffee and fruit juice.

Before we left it was important to read the reviews of other guests who had stayed in this room.

Each note took time and effort – her enthusiasm for a unique experience full of fun moments and whimsical touches was truly endearing!

Hotel Pelirocco featured some quirky and wacky touches, not only was this a sight to behold given some of the themes of the other rooms in this establishment, but it was a cozy space that really stood out from what you would normally find.” Vanilla” hotels: For example, every visitor even got their own Curly-Wurly as a special extra!

Final Thoughts:

I had a truly unforgettable birthday in this idyllic place near my hometown.

Who would have thought that a secret treasure trove of absurdity and wonder lurked right next to one of Britain’s most popular and picturesque seaside towns?

This seaside wonder is the hidden gem in an otherwise familiar town – an unmissable trip of nostalgia and discovery!

I had been introduced to an unforgettable stay full of surprises but more importantly, in this fast moving world, a place where I could just switch off for a day and forget about the hustle and bustle of the outside world.

We will definitely come back in the future!

If you like this review and would like one for your own business, contact Viktoria Cowley today! Contact me by email at [email protected]

All photos are owned by Viktoria Cowley and are copyright unless otherwise noted. Copies are available upon request.