A Birthday Treat to Bohemian Brighton

Last week, I was treated to the ultimate birthday surprise after Paul had done much research to take me somewhere memorable.

We had to stay semi-local due to the train strikes so a trip to London was out of the question.  It stands to reason that Brighton would be the next place on the list.  Home to some of the most open-minded communities, thanks to its bohemian atmosphere and eco-friendly spirit.  I love both London and Brighton for exactly the same reasons and am just as comfortable in both places.

After a 24-hour warning that we would be spending the next day (and night) in Brighton, I couldn’t wait to get going!

We had a traditional pub-grub lunch at a place that was recommended to us, ‘Seven Stars’, I opted for the Macaroni Cheese as I wasn’t actually very hungry, but it was the biggest serving of pasta I think I’ve ever seen!

We couldn’t check into the hotel until 3pm so made the most of our free time in Brighton. We strolled through North Laine and The Lanes – two unique shopping areas that each exude their own charm despite being located only a short distance apart. It was an amazing way to start off the stay!

North Laine is the place to be for an eclectic evening out – its vibrancy and bohemian charm draw in crowds looking to take advantage of everything it has to offer. From voracious veggie cafes, hip vintage stores, and glitzy jewellery stalls, all nestled near Brighton’s awe-inspiring Royal Pavilion; one can put their feet up after a night at Komedia filled with musical comedy or performing arts.

Whereas, with its upmarket restaurants, quaint tea rooms and traditional pubs tucked away in narrow walkways and mysterious alleys; The Lanes is a vibrant neighbourhood that’s home to a unique assortment of independent jewellery stores coupled with top-notch antique boutiques.

After a morning of shopping and enjoying a delightful lunchtime beverage, we set off for our mysterious destination. I had been asked to keep my expectations open – what kind of accommodation was in store?

A short stroll away from the Regency Square car park, we arrived at our destination, The Hotel Pelirocco – a regal cream townhouse that could easily be mistaken for any other in Brighton. While its façade appeared clean and tidy upon first glance, I still found it quite underwhelming aesthetically.

I stepped into the hotel and suddenly found myself in an entirely new world. Eclectic furnishings, artfully clashing wallpaper and carpets made a perfect backdrop for iconic Britpop album covers as well as original pieces by Young British Artists – creating a quirky yet chic atmosphere!

Even though we were initially overwhelmed by the clash of bright patterns, the staff’s enthusiasm was infectious. We were welcomed with a gush of warm excitement by the blue-haired, punk t-shirted young girl and immediately felt at home.

We slowly navigated (because slowly is the only way possible) through the museum-like atmosphere to our room, the route, which was filled with a breathtaking array of mementoes.

Every step along our path showcased an increasingly eclectic collection, from memorabilia on the ground floor expanding upwards past sight as we left the historical and nostalgic trail on the first floor.

Our accommodation was an extraordinary experience, with each room themed differently.

Our room was the Koibito Love – one of the hotel’s latest suites featuring a circular bed on bamboo stilts (we had to go upstairs to bed!) and geisha graffiti – to its Japanese-style ‘ofuro’ bath and rainfall shower; we had it all!

Not only that, but we also enjoyed breathtaking views from our balcony overlooking West Pier.

By day, the hotel looked like all the other properties in the row to look at from the outside – rather uniformed and underwhelming, but as soon as night descended, it was breathtakingly transformed.

The bright blue and green lights illuminating the outside and the red lights shining from inside made for an inviting entrance that could entice even the most grounded person to come inside!

We revisited Gars, that delightful Chinese restaurant tucked away in the Lanes. We were not disappointed, once again we enjoyed a truly exquisite meal! 

We then jumped across the road to The Mesmerist, an edgy pub also in The Lanes.  The pub was rocking with an eclectic mix of middle eastern sounds, that would have been too avant-garde for our hometown, however, this unique style of music evidently belonged right here in Brighton.

A very comfortable night was had, it was rather fun climbing the stairs to bed!

The next morning we enjoyed breakfast, which was served downstairs in the cocktail bar and lounge downstairs, which is included in your booking when you book through the hotel directly.

Relax amidst bold décor mingled perfectly with a wild array of monster wallpapers – which upon closer inspection is mirrored on the soft furniture pieces!

The breakfast buffet boasts cereal, fruit & yoghurts to get you going for all that lies ahead; while the hot menu offers something for everyone – from full English fry-ups to boiled eggs – it’s sure not to disappoint.

And of course, the standard tea and coffee as well as fruit juice.

Before we departed, it was important to read the reviews of other guests who had stayed in this room.

Every note took time and effort – their enthusiasm for a unique experience filled with entertaining times and whimsical touches really was endearing!

The Hotel Pelirocco featured some quirky and bonkers details, for this was not only a sight to behold given some of the themes of the other rooms in this establishment, but it was also a cosy space, that really stood out from what you typically find at ‘vanilla’ hotels: for instance, each visitor even received their own curly-wurly as an extra special touch!

Final Thoughts:

I had a truly unforgettable birthday at this idyllic spot near my own home town.

Who knew that a secret trove of absurdity and marvellousness existed right by one of the UK’s most beloved and picturesque coastal cities was hiding in plain sight?

This seaside wonder is the hidden gem tucked in an otherwise familiar city – making for an unmissable journey full of nostalgia and discovery!

I had been introduced to an unforgettable stay-cation bursting with surprises, but more importantly, in this fast-paced world, a place to just get away and forget all about the hustle and bustle of the outside world, just for a day.

We will definitely revisit in the future!

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All photos belong to Viktoria Cowley and are subject to copyright, unless stated otherwise. Copies may be obtained upon request.