No.124 by GuestHouse

No.124 by GuestHouse in Brighton and Hove stands as a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property, offering a luxurious and charming escape on the vibrant Sussex coast. This boutique hotel, spread across four Georgian and Regency townhouses, consistently receives high praise for its elegant design, exceptional service, and prime location directly opposite the iconic West Pier ruins.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

No.124 by GuestHouse, Brighton consistently garners an impressive overall rating of 9.4 on platforms like Booking.com, reflecting its commitment to providing an exceptional guest experience. Guests frequently describe their stays as "Wonderful" and "Exceptional," highlighting a "delightful stay" and a "beautiful" property. The hotel is lauded as a "classy 'shabby but chic' enclave" and a "boutique beauty," offering a serene yet sophisticated atmosphere. It's particularly recommended for those seeking a chic city break or a romantic getaway due to its luxurious edge.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several aspects of No.124. The stylish and inviting atmosphere, coupled with meticulous attention to detail in the decor, creates a warm, home-away-from-home feeling. The friendly, helpful, and welcoming staff are a recurring highlight, with many guests noting their exceptional hospitality. Its prime beachfront location, offering stunning views of the West Pier, is also a major draw.

Unique amenities include a complimentary "Pantry" stocked with sweets, homemade cakes, crisps, fruit, and even ice cream, which guests can raid at any time. Rooms are equipped with record players and a vinyl library, adding a nostalgic and personal touch. The on-site Pearly Cow restaurant, the chic bar with its signature cocktails, and the serene Field Trip Spa featuring a copper cove experience are also frequently praised. The hotel also offers convenient services like luggage pickup from the train station via a bike.

3. Room Quality

The hotel boasts 32 exquisitely designed rooms and suites. Each room features stylish yet neutral furnishings, often with natural touches, creating a calming ambiance. Artwork from local artists adds to the unique charm. Guests can expect luxurious "sink-into-me" mattresses with 200-thread count cotton linen bedding, complimentary Frette bathrobes and slippers, and Wildsmith toiletries. Modern amenities include air conditioning, private bathrooms, smart TVs, Bluetooth Roberts Radios, and tea/coffee facilities whimsically tucked away in a doll's house.

Many rooms offer breathtaking sea views, with some featuring balconies and floor-to-ceiling French windows. The Hideout Suite is particularly notable, offering a freestanding bath, lounge area, a private outdoor hot tub, and a secret entrance. Binoculars are provided in some rooms to enhance the sea view experience.

4. Dining Experience

The Pearly Cow restaurant at No.124 is a significant highlight, specializing in locally sourced shellfish and flame-cooked meats. It also caters to various dietary needs with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. Breakfast is consistently described as delicious, available à la carte, and can be enjoyed with outdoor seating on the sunset terrace. The bar offers a curated selection of local ales, fine wines, and creative signature cocktails, such as the Fig Old Fashioned. Guests can also enjoy small plates and nibbles at the bar or on the terrace. The complimentary "Pantry" is a much-loved feature, providing an array of snacks and homemade treats throughout the day.

5. Service & Staff

The service at No.124 by GuestHouse is consistently praised as exceptional. Guests highlight the staff as incredibly friendly, helpful, and welcoming, often going above and beyond to ensure a comfortable stay. The check-in process is described as informal and personable, creating a feeling akin to walking into a stylish friend's home. The personalized touch extends to services like luggage collection from the train station.

6. Location & Accessibility

No.124 by GuestHouse boasts a prime seafront location on King's Road, directly opposite the evocative ruins of the West Pier. This central position offers beachfront access within a two-minute walk to Brighton Beach. Major attractions are easily accessible, with the i360 Observation Tower just 656 feet away, Brighton Pier a 12-minute walk, the Brighton Centre a 5-minute stroll, and The Lanes a 10-minute walk. Brighton railway station is approximately a 15-20 minute walk or a short taxi ride, and the hotel offers a luggage pick-up service for convenience.

While there is no on-site parking, several nearby public car parks, including Regency Square and Churchill Square Green, are within a few minutes' walk and offer electric charging bays. The hotel features a lift and has one accessible room with a roll-in shower.

7. Value & Pricing

No.124 by GuestHouse is considered a premium choice in Brighton, with room prices averaging between $351 and $400, compared to the city's average of $151-$200. Despite the higher price point, the hotel generally receives a good value for money rating of 8.8 on Booking.com. Rates can start from around $196 on some platforms. Breakfast is typically not included in the room rate and costs approximately £20 per person. Guests bringing pets should note a charge of £25 per night. Late check-out can be arranged, though a guaranteed extension incurs a £50 charge.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring criticisms have been noted. A significant concern is the noise from the four-lane road situated between the hotel and the beach, particularly affecting sea view rooms and potentially disturbing sleep. Some guests have suggested that the windows could benefit from better glazing to mitigate this issue. Another minor point of frustration mentioned is the lack of clear instructions for operating the showers, leading to initial confusion for some guests. There have also been isolated instances of perceived inflexibility or abruptness regarding requests for complimentary late check-outs. Lastly, guests frequently mention the generally high cost of parking in Brighton.

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