DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole has pride of place on the seafront, with sweeping views across the English Channel and a rich heritage spanning more than a century.
The historic 19th century landmark lives again, and asks you to expect the unexpected, from dazzling marble staircases to timeless sea views.
Prestigious opening

Designed by Alfred Waterhouse, the architect behind London’s Natural History Museum, The Hotel Metropole (as it was called originally) was initially owned by Gordon Hotels, which also operated Metropoles in Monte Carlo and Cannes. Ahead of its grand opening in 1890, a special train transported 1,500 guests from London to Brighton to witness the new property.
The local press played its part in generating interest in the hotel through sensational rumours, including claims that the Prince of Wales would attend the opening ceremony. Another rumour suggested the hotel had 4,000 bedrooms and enough electric lamps to illuminate all of Brighton.
Perhaps the most ridiculous statement was that the hotel cost more than the entire national debt. These exaggerations were unnecessary, as the Metropole had plenty to boast about.
Epitome of luxury

The Brighton Herald was lost in admiration at the décor with a ‘moulded ceiling in cream and gold from which depend a number of dazzling electroliers, the cut prisms of which flash all the colours of the rainbow.’ There was an enormous fireplace, stretching from floor to ceiling, created of oak in an ingle-nook style in the Smoking room, and the room itself was covered in fine Persian saddle bags and throw rugs.
On the north side of the hotel, a beautiful Italian Garden provided guests with shelter from the blustery seafront winds. The Metropole even had its own perfumer who created a signature scent for the hotel, and an in-house music band entertained guests in the dining room.
In the bathrooms, guests had the option of sea water in addition to hot and cold water, reflecting Brighton’s reputation for the therapeutic benefits of sea water (thalassotherapy).
Over the last 130 years, the hotel has hosted many notable figures, including Oscar Wilde, Winston Churchill, Princess Margaret, and Elizabeth Taylor, among others.
Extensive makeover

For the last 25 years the hotel has been run by Hilton and has recently undergone a £26m major makeover of all the bedrooms, events spaces, common areas, lobby, restaurant and bar. The reimagined DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole combines historic charm with modern amenities. It’s deeply nostalgic but not dated or tired, on the contrary it’s graciously fresh and more of a film set for a golden age black and white movie.
One of the benefits of a more than a century old hotel is the vast space and size – vaulted arched ceilings, spacious lobbies and large common areas, including wide corridors on each floor and grand marble staircases.
Tasteful modernisation

The renovations included a new three-bedroom Presidential Suite and three King Seaview rooms offering stunning views of the English Channel. Other rooms are a little more subdued, though still bright, spacious and airy with a contemporary décor that perfectly complements the vintage features. There are pillowy carpets and beds you’ll never want to leave.
Best of all is the wrought-iron veranda from which you can gaze at the sharp blue horizon and drink morning coffee in the panoramic seascape. To the right is the remains of the West Pier; to the left there are sailing boats, swimmers and even a wind farm in the distance, and the rattle of mastheads from boats on the shingle.
Dining at the Metropole

There are a handful of dining options at the hotel, including high-end seafood restaurant Salt Room. We dined at the revamped Metropole Bar & Restaurant and were very impressed with the quality and taste of food, everything from starters like pigs in blankets with cranberry sauce and mac n’ cheese to burgers and fish cakes – all delicious. The desserts were equally good, especially the caramelised banana bricoche with ice cream that was absolutely divine.
The breakfast buffet has a great selection, with everything you can imagine like full English breakfast, pastries, fruit, cereal, yogurts and juices. But it’s hard for the food to compete with the grand interiors of the room – 1890 At The Met. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the space in natural light and offer an unbeatable sea view. At night the restaurant transforms into the space for the Le Petit Chef’ immersive dining experience.
Impressive pool and spa

In its early days, the hotel featured a Turkish Bath with an Eastern aesthetic. Today, in its place is Brighton’s largest hotel pool, along with a sauna, steam room, and a deep hot tub. While the modern spa might lack the exotic opulence of its predecessor, we doubt guests of the glorious past would dare to head to the wellness centre in their robes and slippers.
For a combination of historic charm and contemporary comfort, the redefined version of The Hotel Metropole is truly difficult to beat.
More information about DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole can be found here.
Image credits: © DoubleTree by Hilton Metropole, Karen Averby