A trip to Brighton comes with a conundrum: with so many brilliant restaurants and bars, do you really need a hotel stay? Or should you book an AirBnB and risk a less-than-pleasant break? Step forward Regency Square Suites, a new collection of apartments that bridges the gap nicely. Interiors are fit for a five-star, done up in gentle beige, blues and greens with lighting and cabinetry from local makers and toiletries by The White Company. Meanwhile, this being a strictly self-catering stay, there are kitchens for snacks and breakfasts stocked with Bird & Blend teas, Grind coffee, oils, herbs and – in some apartments – even cocktail bars, complete with books to help guests whisk up exotic tipples.
There are a variety of configurations here. In the basement, the newest apartment will be geared to bridal parties (though equally suitable for families) with a make-up station adjoining what may be the world’s most glamorous dorm-style room configuration. For romance, Suite Three is the one to book, with its grand bay window, soaring ceilings and cosseting bedroom, but there are two-bedroom suites for families too.
Overall score – 8/10
The setting – 8/10
Directly opposite Brighton’s famous i360, this once-grand, 19th-century piazza is a popular place to stay – the Regency Square Suites joins two hotels at its slightly scruffy edges. Book a sea view room for impressive views of the Big Blue and the ruins of West Pier (the property’s town-facing studios are designed for the conference crowd). The city’s pebbly beach is right on the doorstep and Hove’s villagey High Street is westwards, while the cafes and boutiques of North Laine are a slightly longer stroll away. The only downside is the walk from the train station – a 15-minute traipse through some of the city’s less salubrious bits.
© James FrenchEat – 7/10
Though the property has no restaurant, it can organise for platters to be delivered from Antipasto By The Sea. Our brunch (£64) from the company was a feast of sesame bagels stuffed generously with smoked salmon, as well as lemon granola with yoghurt and blackcurrant and fresh, outsized pastries that set us up for the whole day. The company can also cater for afternoon teas, slap-up shellfish suppers and more, while Brighton’s buzzy restaurant scene is right on the doorstep.
Sleep – 9/10
With Hypnos mattresses that all three of us deemed to be of the perfect level of squishiness, as well as incredibly soft pillows and duvets, nights were a highlight – helped by the excellent shower, which comes with two pressure options. Light sleepers may, however, find the green lights just above the beds (linked to alarms of some sort) disturb their slumber. Surprisingly for a listed building in busy Brighton, the soundproofing is excellent and our apartment felt incredibly peaceful. Touches such as snuggly towels and cosy cushions up the comfort factor.
© James FrenchValue – 8/10
For a special occasion treat, the suites feel spoiling – but, if you normally check into hotels, note that revamped rooms at Brighton’s only five-star, The Grand, can be cheaper than this one’s seaview options in peak season and don’t come with a two-night minimum stay. Apartments sleeping up to four cost from £286, self-catering.
© James FrenchAdditional information
Website: sigmaplushotels.co.uk
Address: Sigma Plus Regency Square Suites, 29 Regency Square, BN1 2FH
Phone: 01273 328296
Accessible: No
Family-friendly: Yes
Dog-friendly: No
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