With an enviable position on the seafront, I wasn’t surprised to find a long queue at check-in when arriving at DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole. Almost directly opposite the Brighton i360 and within half a mile of the pier, the Royal Pavillion and buzzy shops, boutiques and bars of The Lanes, the hotel is in a prime location. Since opening in 1890, this former esteemed abode has entertained numerous noteworthy figures including Sir Winston Churchill and Princess Margaret.

Retaining original Victorian architectural features, the hotel recently underwent a revamp to the tune of £26 million and is once again dazzling guests. The chic new look is impressive, especially in the lobby area, where guests are greeted by glitzy chandeliers hanging from high ceilings, grand seating places with plush furniture, and a sweeping marble staircase.

With the friendly check-out complete and in possession of the complimentary Double Tree warm cookie (part of the experience), I shunned the lift in favour of the staircase. Sauntering up and down grand staircases of this magnitude felt regal.

All 321 rooms have been redesigned by London-based studio Atellior. However, unlike the main hotel, the decor is conservative and takes its hue cues from the seaside setting. Think white, blue and pale grey against a backdrop of green leaf wall coverings. The furniture is modern and more than comfortable while the bathrooms, although perhaps on the small side, are modern and equipped with Crabtree & Evelyn goodies.

The showstopping rooms are the ones overlooking the sea complete with iron-wrought balconies. But guests wanting to really push the boat out should check into the huge presidential Topland Suite. The exquisite space offers three king bedrooms with sea views, four bathrooms and a sumptuous living area.

Diners have three options: The Saltroom and the Metropole Bar & Terrace are two of them (more on the third later). The former is a high-end seafood restaurant that is perfect for those with a discerning taste. The all-day dining Metropole on the other hand has a more relaxed chilled-out vibe. It offers an air of grandeur with ornate ceilings and expansive windows showcasing the spectacular sea views. Its terrace is filled with outdoor seating under parasols making it ideal for closer people-watching action.

Guests here can choose from a bottomless brunch, an afternoon tea or order from the all-day menu. The food is more akin to gastro pub-grub but with plenty of choices. I do enjoy fish and chips when I’m visiting a seaside town but only the ones that come wrapped in paper. So, I selected the chicken curry instead complete with rice and papadums after my generous starter of lamb koftas. Pro tip, if you have a sea view room, you may want to indulge in a sweet treat with a takeaway dessert from the menu.