Mercure Brighton Seafront Hotel

“Didn't quite hit the mark but worth a stay if you grab a good deal.”

I booked our stay with the Mercure through Secret Escapes. The reason for this was that it was cheaper than going direct and included late check out (1pm), a free cocktail for both of us and also included breakfast and dinner. Although there was a sign on arrival which stated "apologies we are not… more

I booked our stay with the Mercure through Secret Escapes. The reason for this was that it was cheaper than going direct and included late check out (1pm), a free cocktail for both of us and also included breakfast and dinner. Although there was a sign on arrival which stated "apologies we are not looking our best" I was very impressed with the decor initially in the main reception area, foyer, bar and breakfast bar (see photos). After that it was very disappointing and the hotel really needs re-carpeted throughout all these areas (extremely worn). I was also not a fan of the lilac look throughout the cold corridors leading to our room in the Mews. The staff were all brilliant throughout our stay and Nancy (bar staff) and Billy (breakfast staff) were extremely polite and accommodating. Piper was also nice when checking us in. We liked the bar, choice of drinks and the service although be aware if having dinner and sat beside the windows there is a slight draught which can add a chill to your dining experience. Breakfast was really good and I have no complaints at all on this option. Dinner choice is limited with only 4 starter choices (two of which are fish based), 4 mains and 4 puddings (see menu photo). On the first evening my wife and I opted for the fish main and the coq au vin main (loved this deconstructed version of coq au vin) and we were extremely impressed. The sticky toffee pudding was a nice finish. The second night was a different chef (confirmed by the bar staff) which was extremely evident as we ordered the same mains and the coq au vin was plated completely differently to the evening before and included extras not added the evening before with the sauce already poured even though the couple beside us had their sauce in a sauce pot. Add to this that we witnessed a customer return their fish as it was cold for the staff member to state they had placed their hand on it and it appeared warm; at this stage I stepped in to remind the staff member that probing was the only way of confirming temperature which he admitted he had not done so I requested he re-considered his reply to the customer who thought his fish was cold. I opted for the cheese board for my pudding and it was a shame that there was only 3 pieces of bread/cracker vs 8 large pieces of cheese. Certainly needed more cracker/bread vs cheese and I would have been more content with one less cheese choice (4 types) or smaller portions to match cracker/bread availability. Lastly my wife ordered the Sussex Pond Pudding which was an extremely huge disappointment. It was a half lemon surround by some pastry (she didn't realise until cutting into it and wondered why it wasn't cutting so puled it apart to find a half lemon piece and nothing else inside the casing) and did not hit the mark at all. I would advise the executive Chef, Dean Heselden who apparently produced this menu to quality assure his resident chefs on occasion, especially for Friday 3 January 25. It was also slightly frustrating to learn after we ordered dinner on the 2nd evening that we could have ordered from the bar menu as a replacement choice as long as we didn't go over the £20 set menu price for 2 courses. Lesson learned there. Just a reminder that you will need to consider requesting a time for your room to be made up and not leave it to chance. Our maid turned up at 1715hrs to complete the room make up but we were in and getting changed for the evening. When we mentioned this at reception they highlighted that they will try and make it clearer to guests. We arrived by train so cannot comment on parking although other reviews do highlight their thoughts. The room was okay (located in the Mews) but lacked sound proofing (creaky floorboards and could hear couple next doors TV and those above us getting up to stuff. The A/C unit is quite noisy if in use as well. I did like the Nespresso coffee machine, safe and the bed was quite comfy. Bathroom was quite modern with nice shampoo, conditioner and body wash provided. Overal, a really pleasant stay due to location and the need to be able to walk into Brighton for sightseeing. With a few tweaks this could have been a 5 star review.

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“Brighton Mercure. Honest opinion. ”

The hotel is easy to find, but parking can be a challenge. The car park is under the hotel and can be quite hard to park if you have a large car. Booking in was a sinple and pleasant experience. The staff are very nice and helpful. Big shout out for Paul the maintenance man. As i was in a wheelcha… more

The hotel is easy to find, but parking can be a challenge. The car park is under the hotel and can be quite hard to park if you have a large car. Booking in was a sinple and pleasant experience. The staff are very nice and helpful. Big shout out for Paul the maintenance man. As i was in a wheelchair, he was so helpful. He helped us park then took our bags up to our room. Thank you!! Getting to the room in my wheelchair was a little difficult due to the narrow corridors and sharp turns. Our room was lovely and comfy. I have never seen such a big bed! 7 foot wide i believe. Nice big bathroom. Unfortunately we had to leave early due to a family illness. We ate in the bar one evening and had the burger and fries. Very nice. Altogether a very pleasant stay. Thank you to all the staff. They made us feel quite welcome.

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