Blanch House review

The hotel industry have been knocked sideways by the coronavirus restrictions and Blanch House is leading the way in demonstrating resilience and true British spirit in adapting and re-thinking their business to maintain their top reputation amongst the Brighton elite.

In my view, Blanch House is Brighton’s best original boutique hotel. The hotel has juxtaposed style and modernity with the luxurious feeling that only comes from a grade II listed building in a historical Georgian town house. The fact that the location is so close to the centre of Brighton is such a massive bonus that this is fast becoming my all-time favourite hotel. Situated in a quiet street, it has all the benefits of a city break yet with the intimate feel of a Cotswold country cottage.

I have reviewed this hotel before and was interested to see if and how they were able to manage the changes required of them in the current climate. I was blown away to observe that not only have they managed to achieve a safe, clean, carefully regulated hotel, but that this has not in any way affected the quality of service and attention to detail to deliver a high end, decadent experience like no other.

I visit many hotels as part of my reviews but I find myself comparing even the largest, seemingly highest rated hotels in Sussex with this one, and they consistently fail to meet Blanch House’s high standards. It is hard to articulate just how they manage to present rooms with a warm home from home feel, balanced with modern state of the art décor which would sit proudly on any influencers’ Instagram feed.

I visited with my partner and I arrived exhausted and ready for a rest. Whilst I have high standards, I would not expect a hotel to bear the brunt of changing my entire mood overnight. But it genuinely, almost immediately, felt like I had arrived home, and someone had given me a warm loving hug and a hot chocolate. In this case it was cleverly disguised as a glass of champagne which we enjoyed at the Champagne and Cocktail bar downstairs before we settled in.

We were placed in the Legacia Room, coincidentally perfectly chosen for a lover of Art Deco like me. The finer details found in the lamps, pillows and even the excellently chosen old wardrobe were just magnificent. It is obvious that the interior design is carefully thought through and flows logically and consistently throughout the room. I was delighted to discover a side-view of the sea, a truly welcome surprise.

The room also delivered on every other level. Wi-fi, flat screen TV, teas and coffees and even a hand made selection of fresh shortbread suggested that the owners think of everything their customers might need or want to enjoy their stay.

The bathroom was another realm to discover with a huge roll top bath and modern waterfall shower, both of which I had the luxury of using whilst I was there. There were complimentary Aromatherapy Associates toiletries to use, as well as warm fresh towels and soft fluffy bathrobes. All of these combined were so welcome and a fantastic way to unwind and relax into the huge crisp-sheeted bed for a most excellent night’s sleep.

To get up to a delicious continental breakfast with amazing fresh coffee in a large breakfast room was just divine and finished off what was a perfect, much needed break.

The breakfast room, named the Belle Epoque Suite doubles as a business conference room and the hotel are still safely managing to run small wedding ceremonies in a true testament to their spirit and their resolve to “keep calm and carry on.”

True credit must be paid to the owners of this fine establishment who are a beacon of hope for all of us during these difficult times. I am sure that hotels in Brighton have struggled during this time if they are not able to ensure guests feel safe and cared for. Blanch House staff, in my observations, provide meticulous attention to detail when it comes to cleanliness and maintaining a COVID secure environment. The trick seems to me, which other hotels overwhelmingly fail at, is to provide this, yet still maintain a homely, welcoming atmosphere. Blanch House is leading the way in setting a path for us all to follow in returning to a new normal. It is clear to me in these trying times, and through Blanch House’s example, that despite the cold, clinical, inflexible procedures we all have to follow, there is still room to show care and compassion for each other. Blanch House has that in abundance which is why it is my top recommendation for Brighton hotels.

Relax in style and enjoy the exclusive Blanch House experience. Whether it is for business or pleasure, we believe that nothing is too much trouble for our guests. Visit www.blanchhouse.co.uk