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| Our lovely sea-facing room |
Wanting to go to Brighton to visit my new baby niece, we booked a room at The Thistle Hotel, right on the sea-front.
And what a brilliant choice it turned out to be. Sometimes you read the blurb on hotel websites and things don't always live up to your expectations. The Thistle Hotel in Brighton, though, well exceeded all our preconceived opinions.
The fact that it was on the seafront, near the grand old Pier and right near The Lanes, for shopping and generally mooching around, was an added bonus, it's got to be said. Checking in at Reception went smoothly and the man on the desk, whose name escapes me now, was friendliness personified. He told us all about the Otium Leisure Club downstairs and booked our table in The Promenade Restaurant for later that evening.
We went up to our room on the third floor expecting a standard chain-hotel room but what we had was a revelation. The first thing that struck us both was the amazing view. We were fortunate in that the sun was shining, but I swear it was picture-postcard spectacular. We had the most fabulous view over the sea-front which just about rendered us both 'gobsmacked'. We just about threw our bags down on the floor and simply sat on the chairs by our bay window and watched the world, his wife and numerous seagulls go by. The sun was shining, the blue, blue sea was glinting in the sunlight and I really thought that I could do a week's Summer holiday here quite happily. Forget Spain and the rest of The Med, Britain when the weather's good is unbeatable.
Eventually we did unpack our bits and bobs and went down to the swimming pool in The Otium Club. The pool was overlooked by the Gym where a multitude of very virtuous people were running, cycling, sweating and generally doing everything they could to 'keep fit'! We had a leisurely swim and then 'did' the sauna and steam room before going back to the room to get ready for dinner, feeling extremely relaxed and chilled.
The Atrium Bar at The Thistle Brighton is a real focal point. It says on the website that it brings the outside indoors and it cetainly seems that way. Forget plastic plants and artificial trees - this bar has the real thing!
A few G&Ts in the Bar mellowed us even further and we appreciated the staff's ability to sense when we were ready to order and when we wanted to be called to our table. So often in hotels, the staff are over-keen and simply won't leave you alone for five minutes. Here when we said we needed at least twenty minutes before even considering what we wanted for dessert, the waiter simply disappeared and duly came back when he thought we were ready.
The Promenade Restauarant is a lovely, casual, open-plan place and is appropriately located on the promenade with brilliant views of the sea and the famous Brighton Pier. The menu had plenty to choose from, the food was excellent and everything was served promptly.
When we had breakfast the next day, we did both comment that perhaps the ThistleBrighton could 'up it's game' here. But although breakfast wasn't quite as good as our evening meal, there was still more than enough to choose from and we both ate far more than we needed before going out for a wander round The Lanes to walk it all off.
So ten out of ten for The Thistle Brighton! A superb well-run establishment, immaculately clean, great friendly staff, wonderful guest rooms, good food and to top it all a great Leisure Club. If you're visiting Brighton, whether for a Weekend Break or a family holiday, you really will not do better than The Thistle Hotel.
Oops - nearly forgot to say, my new little niece Caitlin is absolutely gorgeous and we will just have to go back to Brighton soon for another cuddle.
Kathryn Crawford, Editor
May 2010Thistle Hotel BrightonWhether you’re with The Thistle Brighton for a well-earned break, business or a big occasion, travelling light or with the whole family in tow, they have everything you need for a relaxing, comfortable stay. You can choose a Standard, Deluxe or Executive room, or even a Suite with a private roof top hot tub, we have something to suit everyones needs and budget.
All of their rooms have natural daylight and offer views of the sea and Pier, the famous Lanes or our spectacular Atrium. Some of the rooms have been recently refurbished with a simpler, more contemporary colour palette, complemented by bold, vibrant fabrics, giving them a more informal, spacious and welcoming feel: BT Openzone wireless connection comes as standard throughout the hotel for you to catch up on emails or surf the net.Family PackageIf you need a Family room, they have those too Thistle has 33 hotels nationwide and they have just launched the new Family Package to help families across the UK have fun-packed, family-friendly city breaks from just £80 per room per night including breakfast.
As part of the family package, Thistle is also offering 50% off an additional room, and under 12s eat from the main menu at 50% discount too.
The best bit for the kids though is that on arrival all kids will be given their own Goody Bag! Whoopidoo you may say but the kids love stuff like that as we all know! The Goody Bag includes novelty treats like a magic expandable flannel and folding toothbrush, as well as pencils, an activity sheet and a notepad so it should hopefully keep the kids happy and entertained for at least 15 more minutes!Otium Health and Leisure ClubsAll families staying will also be given free use of Thistle’s heated indoor swimming pool in the Otium Health and Leisure Clubs , many of which offer a dedicated kids’ Splash Time. What with saunas and steam rooms and contented kids, mum and dad are bound to end up feeling nice and relaxed too.
As far as food is concerned, Thistle has recently launched a new organic children’s menu with a choice of organic local produce including British Cottage Pie, Mild Chilli and Rice and Classic Lasagne - so most tastes are catered for.
For more information visit www.thistle.com
Some Thistle Hotel Facts
 Thistle Hotels has 33 hotels nationwide, including 10 in central London with over 5,000 bedrooms at convenient locations across the UK
Thistle Hotels is the perfect location for business and leisure travellers!
Thistle is committed to fair value, without compromise. They are constantly reviewing standards to ensure guests are given exactly what they need at a fair price.
Thistle has recently launched a new flexible dining experience, offering healthy, home-cooked favourites and indulgent snacks for guests that can be ordered 24 hours a day to rooms
The Kingsley by Thistle has been lovingly restored to its former Edwardian splendour following a £10million refurbishment and restoration programme
The Parc by Thistle in Cardiff has the award winning HAMON’s Restaurant and Champagne Bar, which boasts the largest choice of champagnes in the city. The hotel recently scored four stars for the second year running in the AA Quality Standards and has the highest star rating of all hotels in Cardiff City Centre
Adjacent to the iconic Liver Building, The Atlantic Tower by Thistle in Liverpool boasts impressive views from the French and Oriental meeting rooms on the 12th floor which overlook the world famous waterfront
Thistle Glasgow’s newly refurbished ballroom, The Grand hosts up to 1,500 delegates and is the largest meeting and events room in Scotland
Thistle Bristol is one of the oldest hotels in the city. The bar has the city’s only existing water well, which you can walk over and take a look down
The County by Thistle in Newcastle is a stunning mix of old and new, being a Grade II Victorian listed building which has been restored and brought right up to date. Located in the heart of the city, it boasts a superb location for business and leisure travellers alike
Thistle Brands Hatch in Dartford delivers spectacular views of the world famous Brands Hatch Grand Prix track. |
Bluestone Wales
