As an iconic seaside destination, Brighton is already a popular option for staycations this summer, with families and day-trippers flocking off the train from London’s Victoria station.
Local businesses here report a steep increase in visitors over the last few weeks as the weather has improved and international travel seemed riskier.
As British holidaymakers in Spain experienced in July, going on a trip abroad at the moment can come with concerns that the getaway could be called off or the destination hastily removed from the government’s air corridor list.
Many people simply cannot risk 14 days of quarantine on their return to the UK – so a British staycation is their only option for a summer escape.
Some travellers are understandably concerned about staying in hotels right now. With social distancing measures in place and the breakfast buffet long gone, many hotels do not look the same as they did pre-coronavirus.
Where to stay in Brighton
But at the Artist Residence hotel, based in Brighton’s Regency Square, it is hard to notice the difference. The most obvious signs are the hand sanitiser on arrival and the advice on the narrow staircases of the property, built in the 1820’s, urging visitors to keep their distance.
You can tell there has been a lot of preparation behind the scenes by the hotel staff. You must book a time slot for check in and breakfast in advance so the arrival of guests is spread out.
The hotel rooms are also deep cleaned between each stay. But all in all, a slight lack of spontaneity seems a very fair price to be able to go on holiday once again.
The Artist Residence is covered by artwork at every turn and this reflects its unique history. Justin Salisbury, the co-founder, dropped out of university to help out the family bed and breakfast in Brighton.
As part of the refurbishment, they invited artists to live there for free in return for paintings and murals. The concept for the hotel was born and later expanded to Cornwall, Oxford and London. There will soon be another Artist Residence hotel opening in Bristol.
The relaxed charm of the artist is apparent throughout the hotel. The service is chilled out and friendly. There are lots of luxury and thoughtful touches all over, like the organic Bramley toiletries, tea from Joe’s Tea Co, fluffy bathrobes and an enormous freestanding rose gold bathtub. Could Heaven Ever Be Like This by Idris Muhaammad plays on the stereo. All these little touches soon make you feel relaxed.
Keep going on your arty tour with another welcoming option for a Brighton staycation. Hotel Una, on the other side of Regency Square, features a series of original artwork from local Brighton artists.
The rooms inside the Regency townhouse are also just as relaxing as ever, with big bright windows, waterfall showerheads, White Company toiletries and fancy fittings throughout.
Breakfast is plentiful, too, including the millennial favourite smashed avocado on toast and unlimited tea and filter coffee. You can also order your breakfast as room service if sharing a room with other guests is a concern. The staff are kind and very mindful of issues such as that.
There are more obvious signs of coronavirus prevention at Hotel Una. There is a glass screen at reception, social distancing stickers on the floor and hand sanitiser on arrival.
This approach is different, but may make some guests feel more settled and relaxed. It does depend how much you want to be reminded of the coronavirus pandemic during your trip. Personally, I find it more relaxing to not be nudged about it. But many of the steps are essential to limit the spread and keep guests safe.
What to do in Brighton
There is plenty to do once you are ready to get out from the hotel in Brighton. The pebble beach is a good starting point for some sunbathing or a swim in the sea, although it is slightly too windy to brave a dip when I visit.
Looking after Brighton’s beaches
Around 11 tonnes of rubbish was dumped on Brighton and Hove’s beaches on a single day in June.
Clean-up operations have also been launched on Brighton beach busy weekends.
Weekdays are much quieter, but do make sure you take all litter home with you if you visit.
The Brighton Lanes have always been some of my favourite streets to wander down, hopping between one of the many independent coffee shops and the little boutiques. Street art, including Banksy’s ‘kissing coppers’, decorate the walls.
The more traditional sights of the British seaside are here too, if that is your thing. Brighton Rock is plenty and you will see a fish and chips takeaway on every other street. The iconic Palace Pier and its slot machines are back open for business, but I don’t find the idea of touching levers very appetising right now so I give it a miss.
What is new in hotels as a result of the pandemic
- Hand sanitiser on arrival
- Advise the hotel before arrival of your check in time to stop queues of guests
- Plastic screens at reception
- Staff wear masks
- Pre-booked breakfast or room service
- Deep cleans between stays
- There may be social distancing markers on the floors
- Digital menus
Where to eat in Brighton
When I visit Brighton it is the first two nights of the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme. The town is heaving with diners and over 20 customers are turned away when I head to the Curry Leaf cafe in Brighton Lanes, which offers vibrant South Indian food – and craft beer.
It may take some time for businesses to adjust to the demand of the scheme and as a result, when I visited the staff are extremely busy. Despite this, the quality of food is high.
The spinach and onion pakoras are seriously moreish, as are the chickpea chaats. The aubergine kuzhambu curry is another highlight.
Things are just as busy at The Chilli Pickle, another Indian restaurant in the centre of town. It takes almost twenty minutes for our drinks to arrive and the staff look overwhelmed by the number of customers. The demand is certainly flattering, it’s clearly a very popular option for Brighton locals.
The BBQ Padron Peppers are a new and welcome addition to the menu, followed by their famous chicken jalfrezi curry.
Over time the restaurants in Brighton will get used to the well-needed and encouraged extra customers from Eat Out To Help Out and hopefully there will be many more visits to follow.
How to get to Brighton
Trains from London Victoria to Brighton are an hour long and leave every half an hour, with fewer trains at the moment. Tickets start at £19 per person one way.
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