Hotel du Vin Brighton

Located in the narrow lanes of the oldest part of Brighton, Hotel du Vin occupies a collection of old Tudor and Gothic Revival buildings dating back to 1615. The hotel entrance is through a charming portico with wooden ceiling beams and glass doors. The interiors are done up in a classic look, with hardwood floors, a handsome wooden staircase, and old-fashioned cubby holes for room keys. A collection of antique-style clocks decorates one wall, while other walls are adorned with vintage posters advertising liquors. Interiors are impeccably well maintained, and the most recent refurbishment in 2016 saw an update of the function rooms and restaurant. The hotel's location close to tourist attractions, restaurants, pubs, and shops, makes it a convenient place to stay for leisure and business travelers alike. The hotel's unique character appeals to travelers who prefer to stay away from generic chain hotels.

Hotel Du Vin Brighton is situated in an area of Brighton city center called The Lanes, which is a collection of narrow lanes and alleyways that make up the oldest part of the city. The Lanes is full of small shops and boutiques selling jewelry, vintage clothing, and antiques, as well as art galleries, restaurants, cafes, and pubs. The seafront is just a one-minute walk away, while the famous Brighton Pier can be reached in seven minutes on foot. Brighton Beach is five minutes' walk from the hotel. The closest airport is London Gatwick Airport, which can be reached in 40 minutes by train.

Rooms at Hotel du Vin Brighton are generally spacious and decorated in a tasteful vintage style, with quirky details like wallpaper printed with stacked travel trunks, filing cabinets, or bookshelves. This paired with busy patterned carpeting or hardwood floors and heaps of brown leather upholstery give the rooms a handsome, 1920s-like look. Some rooms have sea views and feature balconies, while the Loft Suite includes atmospheric extras such as an eight-foot bed, two bathtubs placed side by side in the bedroom, and a vintage pinball machine.

Standard amenities in all the guest rooms include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, digital music players, minibars, Nespresso machines, and electric kettles. There are also handy extras including irons, ironing boards, bathrobes, slippers, and fresh milk for tea and coffee. 

Bathrooms are also spacious and luxurious, fitted with clawfoot bathtubs, vessel sinks, heated floors, towel heaters, and toiletries. Some also have separate walk-in rainfall showers, while a few have vintage bathtubs located in the bedrooms. Note that some guests have complained of dirty grouting in the showers, which reveals the need for better maintenance.

Hotel du Vin offers only a few on-site features, and there's no pool, spa, gym, or parking facilities. Breakfast is available for a fee and options include cold continental breakfasts of toast, pastries, juice, cereal, granola, and yogurt plus hot dishes such as Eggs Benedict, porridge, omelets, or even a full English breakfast. Bistro du Vin is the all-day restaurant, and it also offers afternoon tea, Sunday lunch, and 24-hour room service. Meanwhile, the Pub du Vin located next door serves a variety of drinks throughout the day. 

Meeting and event rooms are available for rent and include The Dome -- with an impressive atrium ceiling -- which can accommodate up to 90 people. The Laroche tasting room offers rare cigars and wines from around the world for sampling and purchase. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Dogs are welcome and get treats, a dog bed, and bowls.