Archive for the Brighton category
Monday, Aug 11th, 2008
Categories: Brighton
Once upon a time (aka the middle of July) not so far away, the sun was shining and Hostelbloggers skipped their way down to Brighton for a spot of sun, sea and sand (well, pebbles).
With its lively, arty atmosphere and proximity to the capital (London to Brighton is just an hour on the train), the town has long been a popular seaside resort with both Brits and travelers alike. Having suffered somewhat recently thanks to cheap flights jetting holidaymakers off to hotter climes, it’s now making a bit of a comeback.
This south coast town has all the ingredients for a great budget weekend - a decent stretch of (albeit pebbly) beach, vibrant nightlife and a handful of cheap Brighton hostels near the coast.
As soon as the sun comes out, the main beach near the center of town fills up quick but we lucked on to a quiet sunbathing spot in the rather eerie shadow of the old pier. We admit we only managed a quick dip in the water, though - it may have been refreshing but the temperature left a lot to be desired for mid-July…
Food and drink is pretty good value (especially when compared with London) and there are plenty of great eateries to fill up in after a long day lazing by the sea. Pints average at £2.80 and a pub meal will set you back about £6.
Along Western Road (and all the side streets leading down to the beach from here), there’s an excellent range of international restaurants, from Mexican to Lebanese.
They’re all mostly affordable, although our takeway picnic on the beach came in even cheaper - we plumped for the obligatory British seaside meal of fish and chips which was surprisingly tasty considering the town’s large tourist trade.
Brighton is also renowned for its lively nightlife and in summer the town buzzes with an eclectic crowd drinking al fresco along New Street and around the Pavilion.
There’s a host of clubs and late night bars in the center of Brighton but the best atmosphere is arguably along the seafront, where venues line the edge of the beach and music and revelers spill out for a quick breath of sea air.
If the sun comes out to play again this year, we thoroughly recommend the town for a great cheap break from the hubbub of London.
Sunday, Feb 18th, 2007
Categories: Brighton
Originally we had two properties to see before taking the train back to London however one of them had to cancel so we went to see the later one first. We met with Hafed who manages the Beach Hotel. It’s a lovely hotel in a great location. Again it’s as many of the other properties are in Brighton, lovely and clean and tidy and in a great central location.
The two days in Brighton went really quickly. I was considering staying on for the weekend but was beginning to feel a little under the weather. We took the train back to London at around 14:30 in the afternoon, feeling exhausted from all the walking and the heavy night before both feel asleep on the train and only awoke once prodded on our arrival back in London
Sunday, Feb 18th, 2007
Categories: Brighton
Shane and I were meant to meet at Brighton train station at 9 on that Thursday morning. As thing go however the trains weren’t running to schedule so I ended up arriving early and Shane a half hour later so when I arrived I found a coffee shop in the station and waited for him there.
It was a gorgeous sunny day in Brighton but bitterly cold and windy which made walking around from hostel to hostel taxing.
The first appointment was with Hawken who took us to see both The Heathers and Willow Guest House. Both properties were lovely, although The Heathers is in a much better location as it’s just off the main road next to the beach.
Apart from the St.Christophers Hostel in Brighton there are few actual hostels. For the most part we visited B+B type accommodation as most are converted from homes.
From there we went to Budgies Guesthouse where we met with Frank. Again this guest house is in a brilliant location within a minutes walking distance to the beach. This guest house is impeccably well kept and both Frank and his wife are incredibly warm and welcoming.
By now it was lunch time and we went to the Amsterdam Café on the beach front for a burger and some hot drinks as we were still pretty frozen from having walked outside. The food was amazing and so was the view. Brighton in the summer months is bliss but I am not too sure I would recommend it in the winter.
The next appointment was at Gullivers Hotel where we met with Herve. This property is again in a great location right near the beach and also very well kept and well designed with lovely furniture and art work around the property.
The last two appointments for the day were at the Westbourne Hotel and Brighton Beach Hotel. Vishal and Anthony took us around, the Brighton Beach Hotel is actually on Marine Parade which is the main beach front road in Brighton so its location couldn’t be any more central.
By around four in the afternoon we had visited all the required properties and managed to squeeze in visiting a couple of other properties to potentially sign up.
Our original plan was to stay the night at the St.Christophers Hostel but we ended up having a night out on the town and staying on the couch at a friends place. Needless to say, waking up on the Friday morning wasn’t easy.
We went to a number of cheesy clubs and bars in Brighton and danced until about four in the morning. Having had about 10 tequilas we were well on our way. It was a brilliant night!
