Brighton, Alvia Hotel

I booked the Alvia Hotel in Brighton using www.laterooms.com, as the blog and the photos painted a very good picture of the hotel. I think there are only 10 or 11 rooms, all sleeping just the 2 people. There are different standards of room, and my girlfriend and myself booked the superior room, which had an en-suite shower and toilet. The slight downside of this room was the location at the top of the three-storey town house, in the loft (so that would be the fourth floor). Still, it helped to offset the top quality breakfast on offer!

On arrival, the young lady on reception was so friendly and helpful, and nothing was too much trouble; even offering to carry bags etc. We were directed to the car park at the rear, which turned out to be a secure area, with a 12 foot roller shutter, preventing unwanted entry. Back in reception, we were greeted with a glass of wine each, which was a top quality little touch. We were then helped with bags and coats up to our room, and left to it.

The room was very clean and so well presented, with a low level bed that was so soft, yet not too soft that prevented sleep, if that makes sense? Just right. Colour TV with some cable/satellite channels and a small CD/radio were also provided, along with the usual tea and coffee making gear. Although the bonus was good-sized mugs and not just tiny cups!

The hotel itself was close enough to the city centre, but still far enough away from the centre and the main road along the seafront, that you could get a good, undisturbed night's sleep.

A nice touch was the fact that the hotel had also got an account with one of the city's taxi firms, so you simply dialled a number, entered a pin number (supplied) and the taxi turned up within 10 minutes. No constant re-dialling on your own mobile phone!!

I mentioned the breakfast earlier. Wow! No cutting corners here either. Although the hotel looks like a B&B from the outside, in terms of size I mean, they offer hotel quality food for breakfast. No cheap options on the bacon, with so little fat, and it is no surprise you are stuffed afterwards! Tea and coffee, cereals, toast and a well presented, extremely tasty breakfast. No option but to choose the full English!

I would certainly recommend this hotel for a relaxing, even a romantic weekend break in Brighton. A four-star hotel, offering good, clean and quiet accommodation, in a city with a bustling nightlife, and a good selection of quality things to do during the day.

Thanks to the staff for making this stay. They were polite and extremely efficient and helpful, yet remaining friendly. well done.