Metropole the ideal base for short break in Brighton

When I took my family to the popular south coast city we enjoyed live music on the seafront, explored the pier, played golf, wandered around the harbour and supped cocktails while watching the sun go down – thanks to staying at the DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole.

The impressive DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole. (Image: Watford Observer)

The impressive, big red-brick building looks out over the beach, meaning a quick cross of the road and you’re on the famous promenade which is crammed full of bars, restaurants and unique gift shops.

We enjoyed drinks outside the Brighton Music Hall and were treated to free live acoustic music for the couple of hours we were there.

Andrew and his family enjoy drinks and live music on the seafront. (Image: Watford Observer)

In fact, drinks formed a real highlight of our stay as we enjoyed cocktails in the hotel’s Metropole Bar in the evening, watching the sun disappear over the sea.

The Bar is big and lively, but has comfy chairs and tables in quieter areas too, making it equally good for larger parties, families and couples.

Cocktails in the Metropole bar as sunset approaches... (Image: Watford Observer)

They also have a great selection of bar food too.

The hotel has an excellent pool and spa, and the rooms are big, bright and extremely comfortable.

The inviting pool at the DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole. (Image: DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole)

My two boys are 22 and 19, but parents of younger children can have pop-up tents in rooms (space permitting), and the hotel also offers children’s afternoon teas.

It’s a hotel that felt quite grand and impressive, but certainly not stuffy and pretentious: after all, any hotel that gives everyone hot cookies when they check in is making a winning start!

A King Suite with sea view at the DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole. (Image: DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole)

We spent an evening on Brighton’s famous Pier, which juts more than 1,700 feet out into the sea and has been a landmark since 1823.

With its mixture of fairground rides, amusements and eateries, it’s one of those things that makes visiting the British seaside quintessential.

Further along the coast is Brighton’s marina, which as well as the huge array of boats you might expect, boasts a large selection of shops, bars and restaurants.

Brighton Marina has plenty of boats - and much more besides. (Image: Watford Observer)

While my wife and I enjoyed a coffee and tea, my two sons spent a couple of hours at VGolf, which was a quite brilliant golf simulator and very reasonably priced at £10 an hour per person.

Clubs are provided and because VGolf not only has tees to play from, but also simulated fairways, rough and even bunker sand, it is extremely realistic and one of the best indoor golf venues we’ve found.

Andrew's sons Aidan and Liam enjoyed VGolf in Brighton's Marina. (Image: Watford Observer)

No trip to Brighton would be complete without a gentle stroll around the famous Brighton Lanes, a real maze of shops, jewellers and a true mixture of places to eat, drink and do a spot of people watching.

The Lanes date back to the 16th century, and are an enchanting mix of the old – like the Cricketers Arms which was built in 1545 – and the new, with outlets offering organic ice cream or the chance to dine on a roof terrace.

The best thing of all, though, was family time. Because the DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole is so central and the beach is so close, it was easy to just pop out and wander along the prom – skimming stones into the sea while chatting as a family is important when work and University mean you don’t always get that chance.

The Metropole Bar - perfect for a get together at the DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole. (Image: DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole)

And it’s so easy to get to Brighton from the home counties: we travelled from St Albans, where a direct train takes you through the centre of London and south past Gatwick Airport on a journey that lasted less than two hours.

And, at less than £60 for four adult open returns, it’s not expensive either.

It was a great few days, we were able to do so much – but that was due to the perfect base, the DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole.

Prices start from £115 per night for single guest room or £139 per night for queen guest room. Visit tps://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/bshmedi-doubletree-brighton-metropole/ for more details.