Overview

This is a grand hotel from a time gone by, wonderful high ceilings and the most amazing grand staircase with stairwell going all the way up to the top floor. Despite being on the busy seafront, there is a drop off layby in front of the hotel with an awning that comes all the way to the kerbside to protect you in the rain, although not the wind! The hotel is undergoing extensive renovation so there are still a few areas needing attention but very pleasant with easy wheelchair access. There are different sizes of accessible rooms, ours was mid-sized with both bath and accessible shower in the large bathroom. Tables were wheelchair friendly and staff very helpful. Only reason not 5 star is because of renovation works. As a Hilton there is a Hotel Accessibility Pack with further details available on the website at http://www3.hilton.com/resources/media/hi/BSHMETW/en_US/pdf/en_BSHMETW_Hotel_Accessibility_Pack_Aug_2014.pdf

Transport & Parking

There is a drop off layby at the front of the hotel with double yellow lines so not abused by non-blue badge holders as a general parking bay. There is a drop kerb directly in front of the entrance and ramp access to one side. The hotel has its own car park but the daily charge of £20 is, in my opinion, excessive, even if in keeping with local commercial car parks. Brighton has excellent free 24hr Blue Badge parking and there are bays immediately around the corner at the top of Cannon Place. See http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/parking-and-travel/parking/disabled-parking

Access

While the main entrance is via a revolving door, this can be removed for easier access, however the ‘Access Ramp’ on the right side of the entrance has its own entrance door, which should be sufficient. The ‘Concierge Team’ are happy to assist you if there are any problems. There is also a back entrance from the car park in Queensbury Mews. To access the car park take the first left after the Hilton Brighton Metropole into Cannon Place then left again to St Margaret’s Place. The car park has eight disabled bays on the lower level close to the exit. If you require further assistance, there is a phone located at the exit barrier which will automatically connect you to reception. The hotel pool has a hoist, if required, to access the pool.

Toilets

The accessible toilets for both public use and in guest rooms are of a good size and well fitted. Some, as in our room, are yet to be fully refurbished and consequently showing signs of wear, although perfectly serviceable.

Staff

Staff very helpful and friendly.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

We have stayed in this hotel on many occasions over the last 15 years, it is well worth getting a sea view room in the summer as the hotel is right on the sea front. It is also worth joining their loyalty program as we only booked the smaller room and got a room upgrade because of our membership. Every little helps!

Photos