The Grand Brighton

The Grand Brighton is an exceptional destination venue that perfectly embodies the essence of the British seaside. Conveniently located just an hour from London and 35 minutes from Gatwick airport, it offers effortless accessibility for both local and international guests. A recent renovation has thoughtfully preserved its 160-year heritage while enhancing the guest experience to meet modern expectations. Bathed in natural light, its elegantly designed interiors seamlessly blend classic charm with timeless appeal. The Grand Brighton’s versatile event spaces cater to everything from large-scale conferences and corporate retreats to gala dinners and intimate celebrations. Whether you are hosting a grand launch or a high-profile conference, every event unfolds against the breathtaking backdrop of the sea, creating an atmosphere that is both inspiring and unforgettable. With impeccable service, state-of-the-art facilities, and a prime location on Brighton’s iconic seafront, The Grand ensures every occasion is flawlessly executed, leaving a lasting impression on all your guests.

The Grand Brighton is a historic landmark on Brighton's iconic seafront, exuding elegance and grandeur. Its intricate Victorian architecture, stately façade and majestic views perfectly balance old-world sophistication and contemporary luxury. This 19th-century grand dame has been thoughtfully preserved throughout a recent £16.2 million transformation that has elevated the property to new heights.

The Grand features 205 beautifully redesigned bedrooms across seven floors centred around the notable grand central staircase. The bedrooms feature bespoke artwork and luxurious finishes that capture the vibrant essence of Brighton. Corporate clients can take advantage of the property's unique position on the seafront to enjoy alfresco break-out sessions or team-building activities such as beach volleyball, kayaking and paddle boarding.

As one of the UK’s premier event venues, The Grand Brighton offers a diverse selection of exceptional event spaces, each with its own unique character. The Empress Suite, the largest on-site venue, accommodates up to 1,100 guests for a standing reception, 900 in theatre style, and 600 for a gala dinner. Perfect for multi-day conferences, it pairs seamlessly with the hotel’s extensive bedroom inventory. For those seeking breathtaking views, the Pavilion event space overlooks the English Channel, creating an idyllic setting for meetings and receptions. The Charlotte Room, with a capacity of 300 for a reception or 250 in theatre style, often serves as a breakout or supporting space for the Empress Suite. Another standout, the Regent Room, features original wood panelling and elegant décor, making it ideal for board meetings or private dining. With a versatile selection of spaces suited to conferences, corporate functions, and social events, The Grand Brighton remains a sought-after venue for any occasion.

Conveniently located just 35 minutes from London Gatwick or an hour from London Victoria by train, The Grand Brighton is effortlessly accessible for both local and international guests. A dedicated in-house events team ensures every occasion is flawlessly executed from start to finish, delivering seamless planning and impeccable service. Bespoke event menus, ranging from conference lunches to intimate dinners, are crafted using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, adding a distinctive touch to every gathering.

With its rich heritage, versatile event spaces, and renowned hospitality, The Grand Brighton sets the stage for truly unforgettable occasions. Overlooking Brighton’s iconic seafront, it provides a striking yet sophisticated backdrop for networking events, conferences, and gala dinners. Blending timeless elegance with modern amenities, and supported by an expert team, The Grand Brighton remains a premier destination for events with character and distinction.

The Grand Brighton has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. Originally built in 1864 as a luxurious hotel, it was designed by renowned architect Robert Lewis Roumieu in a grand Victorian style. The hotel building required the use of 3,500,000 bricks, 12,560 cubic feet of stone, 450 tons of wrought and cast iron, 23,500 cubic feet of timber and 30 miles of flooring. The original hotel had 300 bedrooms and was the tallest building in Brighton. The construction cost was thought to be around £100,000.

Known as the 'Palace by the sea' the hotel quickly became a popular destination for high society, attracting notable guests and figures from across the country who were drawn to its elegant bedrooms and prime seafront location. Over the years, The Grand Brighton has hosted numerous prestigious events, from royal visits to grand balls, becoming an iconic part of Brighton’s history.

In the early 20th century, The Grand Brighton underwent significant renovations to update its facilities and accommodate the growing demands of luxury travellers. These changes included the addition of modern amenities such as electric lighting, steam heating, and private bathrooms in guest rooms, which were considered state-of-the-art at the time. The Grand was the first hotel to install lifts outside of London, known as ‘omnibuses’ which went up to the fifth floor and were powered by huge water tanks situated on the seventh floor. The lifts were a significant source of interest and generated a great deal of attention.

During the 20th century, The Grand Brighton also played a role in the cultural life of the city, hosting performances by renowned artists and musicians, and serving as a venue for political gatherings and conferences. In 1933 a young Indian Prince and his wife enjoyed a long stay at the hotel, occupying the whole of the first floor. During their stay, a new Indian prince was born becoming an heir to one of the wealthiest areas of India, Khairpur State.

In 1974 ABBA graced the stage at The Brighton Dome for the Eurovision Song Contest with a rendition of Waterloo and were crowned the winners. Undoubtedly, it was a moment in their musical history that helped to catapult the group to worldwide fame. Following the contest, they headed back to their Suite at The Grand to celebrate their success. Ten years later, in 1984, The Grand Brighton was catapulted into the global spotlight again following an IRA bomb attack during a Conservative Party Conference. Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was the target but remained unharmed. A mere few hours after the attack, the conference took place and ran to schedule despite the traumatic events of the night before.

This prestigious venue holds more than two centuries worth of stories. The hotel has featured in several adverts, documentaries, films and television shows; including Only Fools & Horses and the iconic Brighton cult film Quadrophenia. The Grand Brighton is set to nurture more incredible stories in its propsperous years ahead.