A Fantastic Brighton hotel (Alvia Hotel (Brighton))

Member Name: annieboo

Product:	Alvia Hotel (Brighton)
Date:	02/04/09 (131 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Modern, claen and comfortable. Great location

Disadvantages: None

I had never been to Brighton before and even though I knew I had to find and book a hotel. I was a bit worried about this, the reason for the concern about this was that my booking was far from straightforward. Firstly, I really needed a early check in(a very early check in!) as I was travelling through the night(via Ipswich) and would arrive in Brighton with the dawn!

I initially tried the usual value hotels their check ins were 3pm not good! I then tried Brighton tourist information who were worse than useless. I was getting seriously worried by now as I HAD to find a hotel that would let me get some sleep in the day but also one that wasn't stupidly expensive either.
I then had a flash of inspiration and asked on the Money Saving Expert site. I wasn't disappointed and got loads of advice(all I knew was that I needed to be in the Kemp town area) including the Alvia. I looked on the website and really liked the look of the hotel.
When I made the initial enquiry the lady was helpful and didn't think I was odd! She did agree to a very early check in but did warn me that it was dependant on room occupancy the previous evening which I fully understood. However she did say that even if the room was not available I could at least arrive and wait. This was good enough for me and I booked the room.
So fast forward to October everything went well the day before and having travelled through the night I arrived in Brighton about 6.45. The hotel is about a ten minute walk from the Brighton Dome. I arrived just before 7, totally exhausted, desperate for a shower and a sleep in that order.
I was met with a huge smile and made to feel so welcome. I was allocated a room in the basement as the owner felt that I would be able to get a decent sleep without being disturbed. She told me that nobody would disturb me. She very kindly carried my bag down the stairs and let me into the room, wished me a good sleep and left me.

Upon entering you are in a small vestibule type area. There is a large full length mirror and coat hooks. Directly ahead is the bathroom, it is a decent size, fully tiled with loads of space to put make up etc on with a large shower, and loads of loo paper! The bathroom is very clean and welcoming. There are two large dispensers one with body wash/shampoo and the other has body lotion. I am sorry that I can not remember the name of the products other than to say that they were of very high quality, were made by a company in Peterborough and were available to purchase for £10 per bottle from reception.
Going out of the bathroom the bedroom is to the right. Despite my being totally exhausted I was struck by how nice this room was. The bed was large, very inviting and had four very plump pillows and a beautiful silky burgundy cover. The bedding was clean and plentiful. There was extra bedding in the wardrobe should anyone need it. As the room was warm and had a very cosy feel I would doubt that you would.
There are beautiful burgundy full lenth curtains covering hte large bay window. The feature wall(opposite the door is a taupe shade and the rest of the walls cream. Very modern and tasteful. Such a stylish room.
There was a TV and kettle with plenty of supplies(including a couple of very tasty bickies) two cups and two glasses. A desk with lots of information about Brighton in general and the services the hotel could offer. There were two very comfortable chairs in the room and bedside lights that cast a warm glow.
The wardrobe is large with loads of hangers. There is also a safe hidden in the wardrobe. Also I noticed a CD player on the mantelpiece. The print on the feature wall was large and very modern. Perfect for the room.
The shower was delightful and I sank into bed. It was as comfortable as it looked. I slept well and was not disturbed in any way.
I woke about 11am and felt great. I didn't really see many members of staff for the rest of the day as I was in and out but when I did see anyone was greeted warmly.
Again I slept very well & honestly was delighted with the quality of the bed.
Breakfast is served in the dining room at the front of the hotel. There is a choice of full English or continental. My waitress was very attentive and took no time to bring my piping hot coffee. You serve yourself with cereals and juices. I was given the choice of white or granary toast and even better she listened to how I wanted my egg(I hate runny fried egg)
The breakfast room was clean and modern. The crockery was all white and ultra modern. The wave pattern from Vilceroy and Booth. The food was well cooked and there was more than enough. A request for a coffee top up was greeted with a smile and took no time at all to come.
When it came to check out time it was problem free. I was chatting to the owner who is lovely. Nothing was too much trouble for her. I mentioned that I had bought a pint of milk (I didn't feel it would be fair of me to expect extra milk given that I was there for essentially an extra day) she said I should have got milk from the hotel and it would have not been a problem.
This hotel is really a gem. The hotel is about two minutes from the sea which is at the bottom of the road. I loved it and can't wait to return. I would have no hesitation in recommending this to anyone. Also as a lone female traveler I felt safe and comfortable at all times.

Summary: A real find. Fantastic.