Channel view to die for
I have stayed at some wonderful hotels over the years and I realise how lucky I am to be able to call this work. Often, I’m asked to write about bolt holes with an already thriving reputation that sees the punters coming back time and time again.
However, occasionally I visit a hotel in need of a little TLC. That’s exactly how I felt when I spent the night at the Princes Marine Hotel in Hove a few weeks ago. That’s not to suggest that it needs a dramatic makeover, because while the exterior may not be the prettiest the city has to offer, the discerning among us know that beauty is only skin deep and it’s what’s inside that truly counts.
The TLC in question here has more to do with spreading the word and letting others just what it has to offer. Its Hove location perhaps puts the Princes Marine off the radar for out-of-towners who head for the centre of Brighton when looking to book, perhaps believing they are better off right in the thick of things, but they couldn’t be more wrong.
For starters, there’s the £89 per double room price tag and the fact that they take one-night bookings when the rest of the city insists on two-nights as a minimum booking at weekends during the high season. And from your room, you will get the best un-interrupted sea views for miles around so you’ll experience all the benefits without the downsides of staying in the centre of town. Besides which, there’s always the lively side of Hove there to experience within walking distance, complete with excellent restaurants and more pubs than you’ll have time to visit.
Scratch beneath the surface of the hotel and a whole new picture emerges. The hotel has been run by the same family for 20-odd years, a jovial father-and-son team head up a staff who look relaxed and as if they enjoy their jobs. What a relief this is, compared with the clock-watching, brusque approach of some of the larger chains.
The hotel is traditional, the staff warm and service excellent.
You can’t help suspecting there’s a distinct chance that they will remember your name on your second visit. The 48 rooms are undergoing renovation to bring them all up-date-date – a costly exercise and no mean feat for an independent 3-star without multinational financial backing. Even now, all rooms have flat-screen TVs, free high-speed internet access and all the mod cons we’ve all come to expect.
Attracting business folk and holiday makers alike, the Princes Marine has both conference and function facilities. Something that many aren’t aware of is the Penthouse Suite, which can cater for 60 to a sit down wedding breakfast or 80 to 100 if you go for the buffet. It also has a magnificent terrace just perfect for pre-reception drinks. At the top of the hotel, as the name suggests, the suit has its own bar, loos and serving area so you’ll be out of the way of other guests.
The Kingsway Bar is open throughout the day to enjoy drinks or a light snack, while taking in the splendid sea views, or if you fancy something more substantial, the Channel View Restaurant will satisfy hunger with an array of modern British dishes.