Brighton's BEST Staybridge Suites? (IHG Review!)

Staybridge Suites Brighton By IHG Brighton and Hove United Kingdom

Staybridge Suites Brighton By IHG Brighton and Hove United Kingdom

Brighton's BEST Staybridge Suites? (IHG Review!)

Staybridge Suites Brighton: A Frankly Honest & Disheveled Review (IHG Edition)

Alright, listen up, fellow travelers! I'm back from a Brighton adventure, and I've got the lowdown on the Staybridge Suites. Forget those perfectly polished travel blog reviews - this is the real deal, warts and all. Prepare for some opinions, some rambling, and maybe a few unexpected tangents. Here we go…

First Impressions & Accessibility:

Okay, so first of all, finding this place was a bit of a comedy of errors involving GPS, seagulls, and a near-miss with a rogue double-decker. (Brighton, ya know?) But once I actually found it, the exterior wasn’t exactly knocking my socks off with curb appeal. It's… functional. Kind of like a well-organized Lego set. But hey, we're here for the inside, right?

Accessibility: This is where Staybridge generally scores big points. Wheelchair Accessible? Yep! The lobby, common areas, and elevator felt pretty accessible. And the rooms? Well, let's get to those…

(Side note: I am not in a wheelchair, but I paid close attention to the details).

Getting Around? The Car park [on-site] was a godsend, especially with luggage drama that I experienced. No, really, I lost my phone, my wallet, and my sanity within the first hour. (Brighton, are you sensing a theme?) The Car park [free of charge] is a bonus! Airport transfer? I did not use it, but it’s handy to keep in mind for future trips.

Rooms: My Temporary Fortress of Solitude (and Chaos):

Right, let’s dive into the room!

Available in all rooms: The good stuff! Air conditioning (essential, trust me!), Alarm clock, Bathrobes (luxury!), Coffee/tea maker (lifesaver!), Free bottled water (double lifesaver!), Hair dryer (duh!), Internet access – wireless (essential for the digital nomad life!), and Ironing facilities (because sometimes you try to look presentable). Non-smoking rooms? Blessedly yes. Wi-Fi [free]? Absolutely, and thank God it worked without a hitch! (Unlike my life, apparently.)

The Bad, the Meh and the Mess…

Carpeting: felt a little worn. Seriously, I may have even tripped on a loose thread.

Soundproofing: Could've been better. You could hear everything from the seagulls outside to what sounded like a family of tap-dancing elephants above me. (Brighton…again?)

The Good Stuff:

The Seating area was awesome, perfect for collapsing after a long day! The Sofa was comfy – I pretty much lived on it. Desk and Laptop workspace? Yeah, I was forced to do some work…sigh. The Refrigerator was super convenient for stashing those little bottles of wine (and the emergency chocolate) you know you need.

Bathroom: The Separate shower/bathtub was a great combo. Toiletries? Adequate, nothing spectacular, and the Mirror was big enough to ensure I looked at the mess I had become by the end of the trip. ** CLEANLINESS & SAFETY – The "Germaphobe’s Dream"**

Okay, okay, let's talk about the COVID era. Cleanliness and safety were clearly a huge priority. There were signs everywhere, and the staff seemed vigilant. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Hand sanitizer? Abundant. Individually-wrapped food options? Mostly, yes. The whole place felt… clinically clean, which, honestly, was comforting in the current climate. Room sanitization opt-out available? Yes, smart move. Rooms sanitized between stays? Obviously. Staff trained in safety protocol? More than evident. I felt safe, which is a massive plus in these times.

Dining, Drinking & Snacking - The Breakfast Shuffle:

Oh boy, breakfast. The infamous Staybridge Suites breakfast.

Breakfast [buffet]: Yep, it was there. Breakfast service daily. The Breakfast [buffet] was… well, it's a buffet, so keep your expectations realistic. There were the usual suspects – eggs, sausages, pastries, some sad-looking fruit, the occasional hot dish. I’ll be honest, it wasn’t gourmet, but it did the job of filling my stomach before the day's adventures.

Things to Do (or Not Do) in the Hotel – Meh Zone:

Let's be honest, beyond eating and sleeping, the hotel itself wasn’t exactly a destination.

Fitness center: I peeked in. It looked… functional. I, however, am not.

Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Steamroom, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Sorry, none of those. Not a luxurious spa getaway.

Services & Conveniences:

Cash withdrawal: Yes. Convenience store: There’s a teeny-tiny one. Good for last-minute snacks and forgotten essentials (like toothpaste, apparently). Daily housekeeping: Yes, and they were efficient. Laundry service: Yes. Luggage storage: Yep, a lifesaver, especially after my luggage drama.

Internet, Internet, Internet – The Lifeline:

Internet access – wireless? Absolutely. The Wi-Fi in the rooms, and throughout the hotel, was surprisingly reliable. Internet access – LAN? Possibly, wasn’t something I explicitly used. Wi-Fi in public areas? Yep, worked well.

The Bottom Line (and My Emotional Verdict):

Pros:

  • Generally accessible.
  • Clean and felt safe.
  • Free breakfast, even if it wasn't Michelin-star quality.
  • Comfy rooms, spacious enough for a solo traveler (and their chaos).
  • Reliable Wi-Fi.
  • Friendly enough staff, helpful.

Cons:

  • Exterior not exactly stunning.
  • Soundproofing could be better.
  • Amenities are fairly basic.
  • Location: a bit of a hike into Brighton's heart, sometimes.

Overall:

Staybridge Suites Brighton is a solid, reliable option. It's the type of place you book when you prioritize convenience, cleanliness, and a decent enough place to crash. It's not a luxury experience, but it's functional, safe, and generally a positive stay.

Would I stay there again? Hmm… if I was on a budget, needing accessibility and reliable amenities, and wasn’t looking for fancy extras, yes. It's a good basecamp for Brighton exploration. Just be prepared for the seagulls, the potential for tap-dancing elephants, and maybe, just maybe, a little bit of your own personal chaos, too.

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Staybridge Suites Brighton By IHG Brighton and Hove United Kingdom

Staybridge Suites Brighton By IHG Brighton and Hove United Kingdom

Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to embark on a Brighton adventure. And honestly? I'm flying by the seat of my pants on this one. My itinerary? More like a "suggestion box" filled with things that might happen, depending on the seagulls, my caffeine levels, and whether or not I accidentally packed the wrong socks. But hey, that's the fun, right?

Staybridge Suites Brighton – The HQ (Because, let's be real, I need a good base of operations for this mayhem.)

  • Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and…Fish and Chips (Probably)

    • Morning (ish): Land at Gatwick. Breathe. Try not to hyperventilate about the sheer volume of people. The train journey to Brighton should (in theory) be smooth. Cue the inevitable "lost in translation" moment when I try to order a coffee at the station. Pray the barista understands "a proper cuppa" and not some weird American concoction.
    • Afternoon: Check into Staybridge Suites. I've heard good things. Hopefully, the bed is comfy because I'm going to need all the sleep I can get. Unpack, unpack, unpack… wait, did I bring my charger? Panic sets in. Locate charger (thank God). Then, quick recce around the hotel. Find the gym (pretend to use it). Check for a decent coffee machine. Assess the general vibe: cozy or clinical? Verdict pending.
    • Late Afternoon/Evening: The holy grail: Fish. And. Chips. Gotta get my seaside staples in. Research time! Where's the best chippy? Recommendations welcome! Expecting a glorious, greasy feast, maybe with a side of mushy peas (I'll try, I promise). And then, a stroll along the pier. Prepare for the inevitable sensory overload: the flashing lights, the arcade game sounds, the sheer, unadulterated joy of seaside chaos. Hopefully, I win a giant stuffed animal for reasons I can't explain.
    • Evening (ish): Back to the hotel. Collapse on the (hopefully) comfy bed. Mentally prepare for the next day. Journal. Wonder if I should try to learn a few Brighton slang words. "Chav"? "Proper job"? This could be fun. Or a complete disaster. Both options are equally likely.
  • Day 2: The Royal Pavilion and Regret (Possibly)

    • Morning: Breakfast. Hopefully, the hotel has a decent spread, and I don't accidentally eat all the pastries. Then, the main event: The Royal Pavilion! I've seen pictures, and it's bonkers. Utterly, delightfully bonkers. Anticipate being gobsmacked by the sheer extravagance. I hope I take plenty of photos… and maybe I get a sense of the history too.
    • Late Morning/Afternoon: Explore The Lanes. This is what I'm really looking forward to. Lose myself in the winding streets, the quirky shops, the vintage boutiques. Resist the urge to buy everything. Fall in love with a ridiculously expensive scarf. Maybe justify it with the fact that I'm "supporting local businesses."
    • Afternoon (Rambling Section): Okay, so, I've been reading about Brighton's history. Apparently, it was once a tiny fishing village. Then, the Prince Regent (later George IV) decided to make it a playground. Talk about a glow-up! And now it's this vibrant, quirky, and slightly bonkers place. It's fascinating, isn't it? Makes me want to read more. Or, you know, just wander aimlessly. Depends on the mood.
    • Evening: Dinner somewhere. Somewhere cute, somewhere with a view of the sea. Maybe (fingers crossed) a pub with live music. Avoid anything too fancy. I want to blend in, not stick out like a sore thumb. Or, if I'm feeling particularly adventurous, try a local curry (because, Brighton!). Drink too much. Laugh too loud. Maybe make a new friend.
    • Evening (ish): Back to the hotel. Post-dinner reflections. How's it going? Am I enjoying it? Or am I secretly wishing I'd stayed home and watched Netflix? (Never.) Journal. Remember the scarf (potentially regretting purchase).
  • Day 3: Beach Bliss (and Maybe a Minor Meltdown)

    • Morning: Beach! Okay, I'm not the biggest beach person, but it's Brighton! Gotta do it. Stroll along the pebbly shore. Admire the colorful beach huts. Dip my toes in the (probably freezing) water. Take a lot of pictures of seagulls. Possibly get dive-bombed by a seagull. Consider that a rite of passage. Start to embrace the chaos.

    • Late Morning/Afternoon: (This is where it gets messy.) The pier. The rides. The food stalls. The general pandemonium. I'm both thrilled and terrified. Ride a rollercoaster (or at least, try). Eat a doughnut three sizes too big. Win a ridiculous prize (again). Embrace the silliness. Then, a minor meltdown. This much is going to be guaranteed. I will probably feel very overwhelmed at some point. Maybe I'll just sit on a bench and watch the world go by. Or maybe I'll go screaming into the sea. Either way, it'll be an experience.

    • Afternoon / Evening: Wandering. Exploration. Last-minute shopping. The sea again. A final pint. Say goodbye to the sea.

    • Evening (ish): Back to the hotel. Pack up. Think of all the things to bring home. Then to the airport. Bye bye Brighton!

Food Notes:

  • Fish and chips are a MUST.
  • Look out for independent cafes and coffee shops.
  • Don't be afraid to try something new (unless it smells really weird).
  • Embrace the pub culture!

Mental State:

  • Excited. Anxious. Curious. Slightly overwhelmed.
  • Prepared to embrace the chaos. (Maybe.)
  • Ready for a good time!

The Imperfections:

  • I will get lost.
  • I will probably buy too many souvenirs.
  • I will take about a million photos.
  • My hair will be a mess. Always.
  • I'm aiming for a C+.

Overall:

This is not a meticulously planned, perfect itinerary. But it is a promise to experience Brighton in all its messy, glorious, and slightly bonkers glory. Wish me luck! And if you see a slightly frazzled person wandering around, looking lost but happy, well, that's probably me!

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Staybridge Suites Brighton By IHG Brighton and Hove United Kingdom

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Staybridge Suites Brighton: The Unfiltered Truth (IHG Review!)

Okay, spill the tea! Is Staybridge Suites Brighton REALLY as good as everyone says?

Alright, alright, settle down! The "good" part? Yeah, it's got a *lot* going for it. Seriously, the free breakfast is legendary. Pancakes, eggs, sausage, the works! My first morning, I think I ate enough to fuel a small car for a week. The suite vibes are also top-notch. They're spacious, you've got a little kitchen, a proper living room… it's like, LIVING! Not just existing in a shoe box of a hotel room. Plus, the staff? Generally lovely. Always a smile, always helpful. I remember one time, my phone charger decided to stage a dramatic death. The front desk lady, bless her heart, went above and beyond to find me a replacement. Pure angel.

BUT (and there's always a but, isn't there?), let's not paint a perfect picture. It's not a five-star experience. Think more… comfortable glamping.

What's the biggest win for the hotel? What will you remember MOST?

Hands down, the space. I'm a claustrophobe, alright? Tiny hotel rooms freak me out. Being able to spread out, have a dedicated "lounge" area, a proper desk to work from… that was a lifesaver. I spent a week there on a work trip and honestly, it made all the difference. I'm talking night, not just morning-after, a huge difference. Like, the difference between me wanting to spontaneously combust and actually enjoying my time. Then there’s the free breakfast crowd… it’s a social event on a Sunday. Like, a small convention of very polite, slightly disheveled people. That’s a win.

What about the downsides? Were there any dealbreakers?

Dealbreakers? Hmm… thankfully, no. But there were a few quirks. The air conditioning was a bit… temperamental. One minute freezing, the next, it felt like a sauna. I'm talking, like, the kind of sauna that makes you reconsider your life choices while sweating through your pajamas. And the gym? Let's just say, it's functional. Not exactly a state-of-the-art fitness facility. Think a couple of treadmills that look like they predate the internet and a weight rack that probably saw more action in the 90s than in the last decade. The one thing I did take note of… the elevator. I once spent 6 minutes trapped in it! Not fun. Not fun at all.

The location! Is it easy to get around Brighton from there?

Location-wise, it's pretty darn good. Not smack-dab in the middle of the madness, which is a *good* thing, believe me. You're a short walk from the pier, the shops, the restaurants... everything you need. Public transport is also easily accessible. I think my personal record was a brisk 15-minute walk to the beach. And if you're driving… good luck with parking! Brighton's a nightmare for cars. But that's not the hotel's fault, is it? It's Brighton!

Tell me about that breakfast, again, for real this time.

Okay, okay, the breakfast. I'm biased, I love food. It’s a highlight. It's a buffet, so you can graze. The choices are, like I said, pretty fantastic. The pancakes were fluffy and perfectly cooked. The bacon was crispy. The eggs… well, you know, eggs are eggs. But they had a waffle maker! A WAFFLE MAKER! I almost lost my mind. I'm actually getting hungry talking about it. They have all the usual suspects - cereal, toast, fruit, yogurt... and did I mention the coffee machine? Because the coffee was pretty decent too. This is what’s keeping me alive. Seriously, it's worth the stay just for the breakfast. It’s breakfast-as-a-therapy. It’s breakfast as a religion.

Is the hotel family-friendly?

Yep! Seems like a really good option for families. Space is key, right? Having a separate living area and a kitchen to make snacks and even basic meals, takes the pressure off. I saw lots of families enjoying themselves. The suites are big enough that you won't be tripping over each other. Plus, the pool (and yes, the pool!) is a winner with the kids. Free breakfast is a godsend for parents too, right? Less hassle, more sleep, which is gold when you're traveling with the little ones.

What about noise? Was it a peaceful stay?

Surprisingly quiet. I’m a light sleeper, and honestly, I slept like a log. You’re not right in the heart of the action, which helps. Didn’t hear much street noise, which is a massive win. The walls aren't paper thin, either. Now, I DID hear a bit of… uh… activity from the room next door one night. But, hey, it's a hotel, what can you do? Just close the door and turn up the telly. Overall, though, pretty peaceful.

Would you stay again? And if so, what's your 'must-know' tip?

Absolutely! I'd definitely stay again. It's a solid choice, especially for a longer trip or if you need more space than a standard hotel room. The breakfast ALONE is enough to get me back in the door. My MUST-KNOW tip? Request a room on a higher floor, away from the elevator. And… download a fun app if you’re going to be in the elevator as a precaution!

Anything else we should know? Anything we might be missing?

Okay, the pool is a thing. It’s a definite bonus. It’s not Olympic-sized, but it’s clean, and a decent size for a leisurely swim. The staff are genuinely lovely, as I mentioned before. I had a little issue with my bill once, the front desk sorted it out immediately and apologized profusely. It's the little things, right? It's not the Ritz, people, but it's comfortable, it's convenient, it's got amazing breakfast and space. For a fairly reasonable price, I'd say it's a winner. Brighton is expensive, so finding a decent-sized room with helpful staff is a definite plus. Jet Set Hotels

Staybridge Suites Brighton By IHG Brighton and Hove United Kingdom

Staybridge Suites Brighton By IHG Brighton and Hove United Kingdom

Staybridge Suites Brighton By IHG Brighton and Hove United Kingdom

Staybridge Suites Brighton By IHG Brighton and Hove United Kingdom