First impressions

Hotel access is from a shopping mall in Brighton’s marina area, so there is little given away by the entrance apart from the fact that it is clean and cream. However, once in the reception, it becomes apparent that thought has gone into how the hotel presents itself. A large, airy space greets you and instead of airport style check-in desks, there is a fabulous, contemporary glass table behind which sit casually dressed staff. The atmosphere feels more like a record store/coffee shop hang-out than a style hotel, which immediately puts you at ease. Hotel Seattle is part of the small Alias Hotel chain, which has two other properties in Exeter and Cheltenham.

Why it’s special

The problem with boutique hotels is that, being boutique, they only have a few guest rooms. Add to that the popularity of Brighton as a weekend retreat, and in high season, you will potentially find yourself on a waiting list to stay at some of the city’s style hotels, taking whatever dates they can fit you in. However, Hotel Seattle has all the trappings of a boutique, the décor, the gorgeous bathroom products and friendly staff, but with 70 plus rooms there’s a good chance you will get a bed for the weekend you want.

As the hotel is by the marina, it has fantastic sea views from its restaurant and from its cocktail lounge, the Black & White Bar, which serves up a mean French Martini. The décor is especially pleasing to anyone with a penchant for retro-style furniture, from the Edwardian sailing yachts adorning the saloon area to the funky sideboards in the corridors.

Hitting the sack

We stayed in the large King Size room with sea views and a balcony where one could sit with a pre-dinner drink in the late evening sun. The rooms are designed like ship cabins, but a lot more spacious. Clean, white and minimal, they offer a calming place to rest after an evening out in Brighton. The bed was comfortable, and felt welcoming after a couple of hours dancing in high heels. But the real treat was the rainforest shower in the bathroom. It was difficult to drag myself out from under it and if it wasn’t for my eco-conscious, I would have had a couple of extra showers. The room had the usual television and radio facilities, but with the marina just outside your balcony there is far more entertainment to be had people watching.

Sampling the food

The hotel has a main restaurant, Café Paradiso, which serves a menu based around Mediterranean cuisine. We didn’t have dinner, but we sampled its cooked breakfast the next morning, which was superb. Each item, from the plump sausages to the juicy black pudding, was piping hot and delicious. Along with Full English, there were several other breakfast dishes on the menu including smoked salmon and scrambled eggs. There is also a buffet, with a choice of cereals, pastries, fruits and juices.

Should you wish to, you could take breakfast in the hotel’s saloon area, decorated with original paintings by the Mediterranean artist Sabala, where you can also order snacks or tea and cake throughout the day and evening. For a truly indulgent stay, order in the hotel’s breakfast in a bento box to your room and stay snuggled up for another couple of hours.

Access all areas

The hotel rooms and lounge areas are fully accessible to wheelchair users and four bedrooms have been adapted to accommodate guests in a wheelchair.

Added attractions

The hotel is child-friendly, and once a month hosts a children’s cooking club. There are plenty of opportunities for adults to get involved too, with the hotel running cocktail master classes. It’s location means there are a number of restaurants and stores nearby, should you fancy hanging around the area instead of heading into town.

What we think

A smart, friendly hotel that offers a stylish stay with attractive views. However, it’s lack of spa or gym is a disappointment. Although there’s a David Lloyd centre round the corner, it’s not the same.

Bottom line

A standard double costs from £125 to £145, a king size room from £135 to £165 and the large king from £155 to £180. Weekend packages start from £280 and include two nights for two people in a double room, breakfast each morning and £40 to spend in Café Paradiso.

Need to know

For information go to www.aliashotels.com, call 01273 679799 or email seattle@aliashotels.com

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