More about Hotel du Vin
What stuck up staff
by A TripAdvisor Member
I would certainly not revist this hotel as the staff were so stuck up that our party were made to feel we were doing them a favor by staying there. Yes decor ok but rooms very small with massive beds but smalller beds and more room would work more. Myself and friends will say for all the ranting about this hotel the staff would have been more friendly at the local travelodge!!!!!!!!! So unless you arrive in a flash car, wear a rolex watch and have LV luggage dont expect a great welcome!!!!!
OK, but beware
by TripAdvisor Member I_need_a_hols
The Hotel is far better than most in Brighton – but that’s not saying much considering the opposition. This is a perfectly comfortable hotel, the rooms and baths etc are fine, and the staff are friendly.
Food is bistro style, above average for Brighton, but very average compared to what you can find on any street in London. Wine selection is OK.
The real problem is that this is a very public place – i.e. all the locals use the bar and restaurant – that in itself is not a problem, but on a steaming hot Friday night, even as early as 7 pm, we could not get a seat anywhere in this non air-conditioned hotel – if you want a seat at this hotel, your room is the only place you’ll find one.
Again annoying that the pretty open terrace was closed to anyone out of respect to the neighbours…
Note prices for rooms rise at the weekends, though this is not made public in their brochures – naughty. And check out time is only 11 pm.
Great hotel!
by A TripAdvisor Member
We spent a couple of nights here as a last getaway before our baby arrives. Having read the reviews I was worried that it wouldn't be that good. However we found the staff to be incredibly friendly and helpful.
We stayed in a superior room and whilst it was on the small side, it was well appointed, had a small terrace and had everything that you could need. The bathroom was large with a lovely deep bath and huge walk in shower. The mini bar was the best we'd ever seen. They could do with some new towels though as they were rather worn.
We had the continental breakfast but noted that the full English was freshly cooked to order, and you don't get that very often nowadays.
We ate in the bistro and thought the food was excellent. We managed to get a seat at the bar too, but it was a Sunday/Monday night so can't comment on what it's like at the weekend.
We thought the hotel had an excellent vibe about it. It was also incredibly clean. Hopefully we can go back again next year.
Gorgeous hotel, locals the problem
by A TripAdvisor Member
Have just come back from a two night stay at the hotel du vin and was pleased to say that we had a gorgeous time.
Was a little concerned after reading some of the previous reviews on this site, particularly relating to the attitude of the staff, but couldn't fault them in any way as from beginning to end we felt that they couldn't do enough for you.
As it was our anniversary, we treated ourselves to the Loft suite which truly was out of this world - lovely huge bed, 8ft wet room and a sea-facing terrace. If you want to push the boat out, I think the room is definitely worth the price as you could pay so much more in London for less quality.
First downside is that as the hotel does not benefit from lifts, they cannot offer the luxury of full room service - which may be a shame if you want to dine in and enjoy your room. The Bistro did however make up for this and I thought the food was excellent.
Secondly (and I feel the major problem) is that some of the other guests/locals who frequent this hotel are just particularly pretentious. After waiting for more than 2hrs to get on the billiard table, we were almost ushered off by a bar maid who told us that only hotel residents were able to use the billiards table after 10:30pm. I quickly assured her that we were in fact also guests of the hotel, to which she replied with the fact that she was sorry however as we were wearing casual clothes (jeans etc!), she assumed differently. After enquiring further I found out that one champagne swigging group of 40 something’s had asked for our departure as they had assumed we were not eligible to be there. Enough said!
Essentially, I shouldn't really have taken this to heart as it really is not the hotels fault. It is one of the nicest hotels in Brighton and as such it will appeal to a certain type of clientele, I just get frustrated at the generation who feel that if you are not outwardly gleaming money, that you are not suitable to be there.
I will return but will perhaps go in a group next time - safety in numbers!
Stylish hotel with excellent food
by TripAdvisor Member JLCgladstone
We stayed for one Sunday night as part of a Tony Laithwaite Wine Club members' wine tasting group booking. The hotel had a very welcomimg and stimulating atmosphere, with stylish and interesting public spaces.
Location was good and easy to find. Valet parking was efficient and stress free.Our modest ( in comparison to what else was available)room (on the ground floor off the courtyard)was modern,well furnished and the bed very comfortable, but at an 30 degree angle to the wall, coming out of a corner, that created a strange configuration.
The bathroom was excellent, the TV good and the mini bar well stocked with very(too?) tempting and sensible goodies.
The room was nice and quiet though I had my doubts about the courtyard in summer re noise ( despite the 10.30 closure rule)and how that would have effected use of the room window as it opened on to the 'yard.
Our group had a meal in a room in a separate dining room and the food was very good. Breakfast in the bistro ws excelllent in terms of service, atmosphere and the quality of the food. The menu for the bistro looked excellent and we would definately consider going back for an evening meal there.
I can understand why previous reviewers were concerned about the lack of space for residents in the bar area but i cannot agree with reviewers who complained about poor service. The receptionist staff were excellent - efficient and friendly, without being ingraciating- throughout.
I'd heard good things about the Hotels du Vin and this one lived up to its repuatation I would definately consider staying at others for a treat.
Not quite as good as it should be
by TripAdvisor Member Rebecca004
Bedrooms big and stylish (although king-size beds actually two singles pushed together) with some nice touches - free DVDs, big products in bathroom, champagne the room named after in the minibar. Good ambiance and decor in restaurant and bar. Staff friendly and helpful. Two big "buts" though: restaurant food HUGELY over-priced when of very average gastropub standard (meal for two: £90 when should have been about £50) and incredibly intrusive house-keeping staff who ignored do-not-disturb sign and tried to get in three times before 10am - once actually barging in (!) and then hung around outside the room clunking hoovers. As the sound insulation is virtually non-existant, it was not conducive to a restful morning. At check-out, staff dealt well with the complaint, but it shouldn't have happened at a place with the H du V's reputation - and price-tag.
brilliant wedding
by A TripAdvisor Member
I must admit that I am very surprised there are any bad reviews for this hotel. We got married at the Brighton pavilion and had our reception at this hotel, we and many of our guests also stayed here.
In the run up to the wedding the hotel staff we dealt with, made sure that they did everything in their power to ensure we had everything we asked for (i feared that i may be turning into bridezilla but they assured me i wasn't)
During our entire stay we were made to feel that the staff couldn't do enought for us. The meal was delicious (which we made them change many times to suit us, which they did happily), all rooms were excellent (our suite on the night of our wedding was beautiful, as was the congratulations bottle of champagne from the hotel).
All of guests were very impressed with the overall service given to the party, can't wait to go back for our first anniversary (hint, hint)
Excellent hotel
by TripAdvisor Member JKTravel
We spent two nights at the hotel and ate in the restaurant. The food was excellent and the decor is extremely tasteful, Our room was well furnished and the extra details that you should expect in a hotel of this standard were there.
The hotel staff were extremely helpful and we would certainly use the hotel again.
The location is excellent and if you book early you can obtain a car parking space which in this part of Brighton is worth gold.
just lovely
by TripAdvisor Member chdeli
after working like mad for the last few months we decided to treat ourselves. we booked the cristal suite and were not dissapointed. the 8ft sqaure bed was great, so was the 42" plasma screen tv which you could siwvel round and watch while each in your own roll top bath. we gulped a little at the £310 price but once in the price was forgotten and the room was enjoyed, including breakfast in bed in the morning. if you want some time to yourselves in your own luxurious room then this is definitely for you.
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