Blanch House

Situated in a cream-colored Georgian row house with bay windows and second-story wrought iron balconies, the Blanch House features understated period architecture that looks identical to the other buildings on the street. Inside, the boutique hotel has stylish decor that’s tony and warm. Rich wood floors meet light brown walls accented by cream-colored baseboards and detailing. Modern armchairs with textured throw pillows are arranged around chic cafe tables finished with candles and flowers, while beautiful paintings -- many of them sea-themed and created by local artists -- adorn the walls. The fresh flowers and local art are welcoming touches found throughout the hotel and reflect the hospitality of the staff and owners, whom guests often rave about. The Blanch House’s beachfront location makes the spot ideal for leisure travelers or couples, many of whom are return guests. On-site event venues also make this a useful property for business and wedding guests. 

Located in Brighton’s Kemp Town, the Blanch House is situated on a quiet side street right off the popular promenade that runs parallel to the waterfront. Guests can walk to the promenade in less than a minute and also have quick access to Brighton Beach. The location is a 10-minute walk from the pier. The property is a 10-minute walk to the city center as well, which means it's close to a plethora of dining and shopping hotspots. The well-regarded The Restaurant at Drakes is a two-minute walk from the hotel, and the popular The Lanes shopping square can be reached in 11 minutes on foot. For those traveling to Brighton from afar, the train station is a 10-minute drive from the hotel, while Gatwick Airport is 40 minutes away, and Heathrow Airport can be reached in an hour and twenty minutes by car. London is a two-hour drive, depending on traffic. Street parking is available for a fee using a permit from the hotel, though parking can sometimes be a challenge during busy seasons.

The 12 guest rooms at the Blanch House feature elegant, themed decor that tastefully combines period furnishings with modern convenience and style. The Renaissance Room, for example, is designed in the image of a luxury boudoir and features a red-and-gold damask accent wall, shiny gold bedding, and sconce candelabra-style lighting. The Perrier-Jouet Room offers subdued, but elegant, French glamour with a large chandelier, a wooden vanity, a velvety couch, and a roll-top bathtub. Other rooms include the whimsical Alice Room, the Japanese-inspired Sakura Room, the Art Deco-themed Legacia Room, and the bright and lively Moroccan Room. Rooms come in three sizes: the Cosy Doubles are the tiniest rooms, designed for one or two people, but can feel cramped; the Superior Doubles are roomier with a king bed that can be separated into two twins; and the Feature Doubles are similar to the superiors but have an extra feature, such as a seaside view from a bay window. Each room comes with an LED flat-screen TV with Freeview and a DVD player, free Wi-Fi (which can be slow, but the hotel has plans to update the service in 2016), free bottled water, and coffee and tea service along with homemade welcome cookies. Bathrooms vary in style depending on the theme of the room, but are usually fully tiled and may contain a standing shower or shower and tub. Bathrooms have hairdryers, bathrobes, and dispensers with Aromatherapy-brand toiletries. Irons are available upon request. Guests should note that the hotel requires a minimum of a two-night stay during weekends and U.K. bank holidays.

The Champagne and Cocktail Bar, situated just off the lobby/lounge, is cosy and chic, and an ideal place for a quick drink or a nightcap. Guests rave about the Blanch House’s free cooked-to-order breakfast (though some complain that the service is a little slow), which includes a range of options from Full English to homemade muesli to smoked salmon. The Belle Epoque Suite is a stylish venue for business events, weddings, and other private functions, and the hotel offers a special option where guests can have exclusive use of the entire hotel. With slipper chairs, tables, dark blue walls, and hanging drum lights, the room can be situated to accommodate meetings (with access to an LCD projector and sound system) or special occasions, including private dining events and celebrations. The room can host up to 75 people for a stand-up buffet or 40 people for a seated meal. There’s no on-site fitness center or spa, but in-room spa services such as massages and facials can be requested with advanced notice.