As you part the heavy curtains and make your way into the reception of The Artist Residence, to your left you will spy a trendy little bar with equally hipster looking staff adorned with smiles.
The hotel is full of creative bohemian character. Each of the 24 rooms is a riot of quirky original artwork and local character, with eye-popping sea views over Brighton seafront and the iconic West Pier.
I check in, make my way up the winding stairs with quirky art trailed alongside me, and discover my room which overlooks Brighton beach and the new 162-metre observation tower.
While gazing out the window on the (luckily) very sunny day, I glance to my right and discover a grand old fashioned bath awaiting me – but first, into the sunshine.
The British Airways i360 carries you up 450 feet into the air, where you can enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of Brighton and the south coast. If it is your first time in Brighton it is well worth a visit.
If you’re not new to the city then you may be somewhat underwhelmed, although I do believe a few cocktails at 45 feet is a worthy experience wherever you are.
The biggest ‘must-see’ in my opinion are The Lanes - once the heart of the fishing town of Brighthelmstone, The Lanes Brighton is the city’s historic quarter with a fabulous maze of twisting alleyways.
Here you will find niche shops, vintage and retro boutiques, and quirky restaurants and cafes (with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options of course).
Next on the list should be the quite incredible Royal Pavilion. Also known as the Brighton Pavilion, it is a Grade I listed former royal residence.
Built as a seaside retreat for George, Prince of Wales, who became the Prince Regent in 1811, construction began in 1787, and was completed in three stages.
It is built in the Indo-Saracenic style prevalent in India for most of the 19th century, and so the design is reminiscent of the world famous Taj Mahal. The current appearance of the Pavilion, with its domes and minarets, is the work of architect John Nash, who extended the building starting in 1815.
The third and final necessity on your list of things to do is simply to wander down the pier. The Brighton Palace Pier, commonly known as Brighton Pier or the Palace Pier, is a Grade II listed pleasure pier, located in the city centre opposite the Old Steine.
Outside you will find buskers and fish and chip stands, inside you will find a spectacularly large arcade followed by a teeny tiny theme park with rollercoasters for beginners and the fearful such as myself, who will never go on it again nor any other.
In the evening I have three favourite bars: East Street Tap, Dead Wax and Mash Tun. I am always a little wary of bars in case they are full of students from the university, but at these three spots you’ll be rubbing shoulders with other adults.
Visit artistresidence.co.uk.
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