Hotel du Vin & Bistro, Brighton
"How did it strike you on arrival?Smart, colorful with bags of style, the hotel is a mix of Gothic revival and mock Tudor right in the throng of the Brighton’s main attractions, if a little odd on the inside. There’s an interesting carved staircase and some rather bizarre gargoyles. But don’t let that stop you. And it’s got a wine theme of course—the building was erected by an old wine merchant and each room is named after wine producers. What’s the crowd like?The Hotel Du Vin's location—walking distance from the railway station, and the fact that it's one of the city's more modern hotels, makes it attractive to business-people and quite a few Americans. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.None of the 49 rooms here are the same, and having a peek into a few revealed similar decor in the Hotel Du Vin's signature style—large beds upholstered in brown leather, bookcase wallpaper... but many different sizes, layouts and views in part due to the quirkiness of the building itself. I went for one of the large superior rooms with a view of the sea. It was spacious, there was underfloor heating and most importantly it was super quiet. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?The King-size bed is large and plush, the mattress handsprung, and the sheets Egyptian linen. The pillows puffed up and soft rather than scratchy. Kind of just as you'd like it all to be if you were imagining your perfect hotel bed. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention?Loved the fact that the side table reading lamps were strong enough to be able to read comfortably but not so strong as to keep my partner awake. And the fact the mini-bar was stocked with proper soft-drinks and munchies (apart from the booze)—think Fentimans Ginger Beer and luxury chocolate as opposed to tasteless bottled juices and a Snickers. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.The ensuite bathroom is one of the best things about the room. In a word it's lush. With a walk-in monsoon shower and freestanding roll-top bath you just love using it, and the bespoke hotel toiletries were fine, if nothing to write home about. Room service: Worth it?It was a bit slow to arrive, but when it did, my club sandwich - the go to of any room service - was crisp and neat and tasted great, costing under a tenner. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?The cleaners. We made a mess on our first night, clothes strewn everywhere as we were heading to an event at the Brighton Festival and in a massive rush on arrival. By the time we returned the room was clean, the clothes tidied up and covers turned down. Anything stand out about other services and features?The fine bistro at the hotel does a lavish Sunday lunch that is well worth the £26.95 price. There's a generous buffet and main courses including the fish catch of day as well as a fine Aberdeenshire beef roast rib or Normandy chicken with all the trimmings. Also, being a wine hotel, it's got a fine selection of plonk, both old world and new world that are incredibly well priced. The Sicilian red Tornatore is particularly fruity and perfect with your roast. What was most memorable about your stay?It was easy. Staff didn't waste our time or get overly intrusive, and the rooms felt extremely private and calm. Bottom line: worth it?You bet, especially if you book a promotion, and there seem to be a lot of them on the website. Easy to book with all necessary information clearly marked online." - Ramsay Short
