Thistle Brighton Hotel
, Brighton, United Kingdom
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Thistle Brighton Hotel
Rooms: 207
Kings Road
- Brighton - England - BN1 2GS - United Kingdom
| 44 08703339129
508
Traveller
Reviews - Thistle Brighton Hotel
Read 508 additional reviews of Thistle Brighton Hotel at TripAdvisor.
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Historical Traveller Reviews of Thistle Brighton Hotel
AVOID
from BelsizeSteve
We spent the first weekend in March here. We came here years ago when it was a Radisson. And it's been downhill all the way. Why? Here you go!:
i) Dirty and shabby. The communal areas, the atrium, the room.
ii) The room was an 'executive' with a sea view. The windows were dirty. The mini bars have been ripped out, so not even a fridge for my partner's insulin, or anywhere to store cool drinks. The bedroom had the dingiest colours I have seen and was quite depressing with cheap wardrobe and cabinets. The bathroom was dirty, the door to the bathroom had old splash marks and stains on both sides. Very poor toiletries. Dreadful shower. And the towels had big black marks on them. Cheap bathroom furnishings - just plain white paint and tiles, showing all the marks.
iii) The pillows were flat and the bedding a bit worrying. The carpet and curtains stained. Overall the room was dark and unhealthy - you can't open the windows so no fresh air.
iv) The corridors are dark, with dark/dingy deep terracotta paint and carpet that does not match. It's also a labyrinth with no signs to the lifts.
v) The fire alarm went off in the middle of the night. False alarm, but no apology.
vi) The food was inedible for us. We ordered a steak pitta sandwich and French fries. We couldn't eat it. Tough, chewy, cold and soggy. I saw other room service trays outside rooms in the mornings with food just left mostly uneaten.
vii) Breakfast was like something out of Little Britain. The toaster was not working. The hot food sat quivering under hot lamps covered by cling film. Microwaved sausages and bacon - all undercooked and cheapest quality. A very dodgy 'cook' fried eggs. One at a time. Always under cooked - runny and gelatinous. I'm sorry to say this, but the 'cook' looked to us like he had just got off an asylum seekers boat! His hands were dirty and he looked most unsavoury. And he kept disappearing.
viii) Despite paying £150 a night, we were told when we got to breakfast that it was not included. We then got stung an outrageous amount for inedbile breakfast. The cold buffet was pathetic, individually wrapped cheeses, a pile of white bread and baps, cheap cereals.
ix) In the breakfast restaurant a few white sheets covered up broken areas and delipated bits. The tables were crammed together with non-matching crockery out of the arc. Ancient metal chairs which did not match. Dirty cups and cutlery etc. The trelissing covering the walls was ancient, dirty and falling apart. The murals were old and looked naff. They have not been renewed for donkeys years as they were there when we first went over 15 years ago.
x) The staff are all foreign and don't give a damn. When we said that our stay had been very poor, the guy on reception laughed and said we should report it because everyone was complaining! He meant it well because he could do nothing about it and we respected his honesty. It must be very demoralising working somewhere like this where not a penny is spent on anything.
xi) Incredibly the decor is exactly the same as it was over 15 years ago in the breakfast area and atrium, so you can imagine the state it was in. The sofas in the atrium were stained and dirty.
xii) We saw a cleaner 'cleaning'. Poor old soul could hardly get up the steps never mind use his duster!
xiii) There is supposedly a health club. The swimming area stank as you approached it. So we didn't go in so we can't comment on it. I went to the spa to book a massage. Booked up all weekend. Then I saw why: an old white sheet was drawn across a corner of the room. Behind it, one clapped out old massage bed.
xiv) The hotel locks its doors at night so you have to ring to get in. And I can see why. Brighton has gone so downhill. Gangs roam and loiter the seafront at night and we did not feel comfortable walking after about 8.00pm so it was nights in the room watching the TV.
If you think that I am a neurotic then read my other reviews of other hotels on TripAdvisor. I am ashamed that this is a British hotel. Heaven knows what Americans must think arriving at this so called 4 start dump. My advice to foreign tourists: stay away from Brighton and this hotel.
It is a disgrace and we will never go back. Avoid this hotel at all costs and go to a clean Bed and Breakfast at a fraction of the cost if you must visit Brighton. Be warned though, a romantic, saucy weekend retreat Brighton no longer is. An overcrowded, unsafe, delipidated, dirty town that doesn't spend a penny on its communal buildings or public spaces, with dreadful downmarket English yob families and lager louts it is. And the marina is a deserted dreary affair dominated by an Asda, McDonalds and petrol station.
i) Dirty and shabby. The communal areas, the atrium, the room.
ii) The room was an 'executive' with a sea view. The windows were dirty. The mini bars have been ripped out, so not even a fridge for my partner's insulin, or anywhere to store cool drinks. The bedroom had the dingiest colours I have seen and was quite depressing with cheap wardrobe and cabinets. The bathroom was dirty, the door to the bathroom had old splash marks and stains on both sides. Very poor toiletries. Dreadful shower. And the towels had big black marks on them. Cheap bathroom furnishings - just plain white paint and tiles, showing all the marks.
iii) The pillows were flat and the bedding a bit worrying. The carpet and curtains stained. Overall the room was dark and unhealthy - you can't open the windows so no fresh air.
iv) The corridors are dark, with dark/dingy deep terracotta paint and carpet that does not match. It's also a labyrinth with no signs to the lifts.
v) The fire alarm went off in the middle of the night. False alarm, but no apology.
vi) The food was inedible for us. We ordered a steak pitta sandwich and French fries. We couldn't eat it. Tough, chewy, cold and soggy. I saw other room service trays outside rooms in the mornings with food just left mostly uneaten.
vii) Breakfast was like something out of Little Britain. The toaster was not working. The hot food sat quivering under hot lamps covered by cling film. Microwaved sausages and bacon - all undercooked and cheapest quality. A very dodgy 'cook' fried eggs. One at a time. Always under cooked - runny and gelatinous. I'm sorry to say this, but the 'cook' looked to us like he had just got off an asylum seekers boat! His hands were dirty and he looked most unsavoury. And he kept disappearing.
viii) Despite paying £150 a night, we were told when we got to breakfast that it was not included. We then got stung an outrageous amount for inedbile breakfast. The cold buffet was pathetic, individually wrapped cheeses, a pile of white bread and baps, cheap cereals.
ix) In the breakfast restaurant a few white sheets covered up broken areas and delipated bits. The tables were crammed together with non-matching crockery out of the arc. Ancient metal chairs which did not match. Dirty cups and cutlery etc. The trelissing covering the walls was ancient, dirty and falling apart. The murals were old and looked naff. They have not been renewed for donkeys years as they were there when we first went over 15 years ago.
x) The staff are all foreign and don't give a damn. When we said that our stay had been very poor, the guy on reception laughed and said we should report it because everyone was complaining! He meant it well because he could do nothing about it and we respected his honesty. It must be very demoralising working somewhere like this where not a penny is spent on anything.
xi) Incredibly the decor is exactly the same as it was over 15 years ago in the breakfast area and atrium, so you can imagine the state it was in. The sofas in the atrium were stained and dirty.
xii) We saw a cleaner 'cleaning'. Poor old soul could hardly get up the steps never mind use his duster!
xiii) There is supposedly a health club. The swimming area stank as you approached it. So we didn't go in so we can't comment on it. I went to the spa to book a massage. Booked up all weekend. Then I saw why: an old white sheet was drawn across a corner of the room. Behind it, one clapped out old massage bed.
xiv) The hotel locks its doors at night so you have to ring to get in. And I can see why. Brighton has gone so downhill. Gangs roam and loiter the seafront at night and we did not feel comfortable walking after about 8.00pm so it was nights in the room watching the TV.
If you think that I am a neurotic then read my other reviews of other hotels on TripAdvisor. I am ashamed that this is a British hotel. Heaven knows what Americans must think arriving at this so called 4 start dump. My advice to foreign tourists: stay away from Brighton and this hotel.
It is a disgrace and we will never go back. Avoid this hotel at all costs and go to a clean Bed and Breakfast at a fraction of the cost if you must visit Brighton. Be warned though, a romantic, saucy weekend retreat Brighton no longer is. An overcrowded, unsafe, delipidated, dirty town that doesn't spend a penny on its communal buildings or public spaces, with dreadful downmarket English yob families and lager louts it is. And the marina is a deserted dreary affair dominated by an Asda, McDonalds and petrol station.
Not recceommended
from ber24
Have just stayed here for 2 nights.
Tried to check in at 1.45 and were told we couldnt check in until 2.30, eventhough check in was supposed to be 2.
The breakfast was cold- with very little vegetarian options. We complained and were told no one else had mentioned it (and made to feel WE were being awkward). The manager didnt apologise, didnt smile and was very defensive.
I definately would not reccommend this hotel- given the price and star rating, it disappoints greatly.
Tried to check in at 1.45 and were told we couldnt check in until 2.30, eventhough check in was supposed to be 2.
The breakfast was cold- with very little vegetarian options. We complained and were told no one else had mentioned it (and made to feel WE were being awkward). The manager didnt apologise, didnt smile and was very defensive.
I definately would not reccommend this hotel- given the price and star rating, it disappoints greatly.
Not 4 * standard
from A TripAdvisor Member
This hotel is ok but is not 4*.
I booked for one night on easter weekend for £120 - which is expensive but as it was supposed to be 4* I did not mind paying.
The staff were very friendly but the hotel could do with renovating although our room (230) was ok.
The let down was that we tryed to order '24 hour' room service at 11:30pm and nobody picked up the call and also the film service was not working. The food we did manage to have in the hotel was ok but over priced.
This hotel is ok but needs improvement.
I booked for one night on easter weekend for £120 - which is expensive but as it was supposed to be 4* I did not mind paying.
The staff were very friendly but the hotel could do with renovating although our room (230) was ok.
The let down was that we tryed to order '24 hour' room service at 11:30pm and nobody picked up the call and also the film service was not working. The food we did manage to have in the hotel was ok but over priced.
This hotel is ok but needs improvement.
Pleasantly surprised
from A TripAdvisor Member
We booked this hotel and after reading other reviews was somewhat worried. We need not have been. We booked the cheapest double room they could offer which cost £94pn plus £15pn for car parking. Ok, personally i think that is expensive but compare to other hotels in Birighton it is below average.
The room, 233, was on the second floor and was inside facing so had no external view, the window faced into the hotel. We asked and received a nice kingsize double everything worked including the air con. The staff were ok. If you expect super friendly staff dont stay at these types of hotels.
The breakfast was buffet style and had everything you could ask for and served till 11am at weekends which gives you a chance for a lay in.
The gym was small with a couple of resistance machines, cv machines and pool and sauna.
The best thing about the thistle has to be the location. Out the front door and you are on the beach. Out the back door and you are in the lanes. I dont think you will find a better located hotel in Brighton.
I will just say as i was checking out my partner overheard some people complaining of items in their rooms not working. But i can only comment on what i experienced and overall i will have no qualms about returning. And lets be honest how many times can you say that about an English hotel?
The room, 233, was on the second floor and was inside facing so had no external view, the window faced into the hotel. We asked and received a nice kingsize double everything worked including the air con. The staff were ok. If you expect super friendly staff dont stay at these types of hotels.
The breakfast was buffet style and had everything you could ask for and served till 11am at weekends which gives you a chance for a lay in.
The gym was small with a couple of resistance machines, cv machines and pool and sauna.
The best thing about the thistle has to be the location. Out the front door and you are on the beach. Out the back door and you are in the lanes. I dont think you will find a better located hotel in Brighton.
I will just say as i was checking out my partner overheard some people complaining of items in their rooms not working. But i can only comment on what i experienced and overall i will have no qualms about returning. And lets be honest how many times can you say that about an English hotel?
Excellent Leisure Break
from simonquarrell
Thistle is ideally located right on the seafront overlooking Palace Pier and next to the "Lanes". The service in the hotel is excellent particularly the Concierge. We stayed in a recently refurbished bedroom with seaview. Car parking is a bit steep at £15 but seems to be the going rate in Brighton. We took advantage of a special late departure offer that meant that I got some extra shopping done in the afternoon. Thoroughly recommend
Most enjoyable
from A TripAdvisor Member
I have just returned from a four day Christmas break in the Hotel Thistle- and was somewhat concerned to see some of the previous comments (which I read only a couple of days before we were due to go when someone mentioned this website!).
We were actually most impressed with our stay. The main foyer was spectacularly lighted and decorated for the season, and the staff could not have been more pleasant and obliging. We were in Room 422, which I would heartily recommend, being on the front of the hotel and overlooking the sea and the pier. The food was excellent throughout our stay.
The rooms were cleaned daily, and the housekeeper checked this each time. I did overhear a couple of people complaining about being too hot or too cold in their rooms, but we had no problem at all. I would recommend it - at least if you can nab room 422!
We were actually most impressed with our stay. The main foyer was spectacularly lighted and decorated for the season, and the staff could not have been more pleasant and obliging. We were in Room 422, which I would heartily recommend, being on the front of the hotel and overlooking the sea and the pier. The food was excellent throughout our stay.
The rooms were cleaned daily, and the housekeeper checked this each time. I did overhear a couple of people complaining about being too hot or too cold in their rooms, but we had no problem at all. I would recommend it - at least if you can nab room 422!
Poor
from A TripAdvisor Member
Booked a weekend at this hotel, thought it would be quite good since it is a chain. Staff were very friendly but the accomodation was poor...room smelt of smoke, towels dirty and very very noisy. We asked to changed rooms and the staff did it very efficiently but no difference...still very noisy and smelly. Had no sleep for 2 nights! Breakfast was good tho and the location was excellent but definetly lots of room for improvement. Will not return in future...have stayed at the brighton hilton metropole since and would highly recommend staying there (30 pounds cheaper than what i paid at the thistle too and got a free upgrade!!)
Very Sad
from A TripAdvisor Member
Checked in for a romantic weekend with not too much problem, although there was a queue of 6 at the desk. Room seemed great (view over the seafront) lots of space.
On closer inspection though wallpaper torn in a few places, fabric on furniture worn badly, chips on woodwork, broken door lock, broken dressing cupboard door, very dusty etc.
Room very warm as nice sunny day. Turned on what we thought was the aircon. This however made the room even hotter. Reported at 1800, again at 1900, 21:30 and 22:30. Eventually moved to similar room that was cool, having gone down to reception to demand change.
Dinner in hotel excellent and very good value. Breakfast should be avoided at all costs.
All in all, great location, great potential, some excellent staff, very disappointing. Won't be going back.
On closer inspection though wallpaper torn in a few places, fabric on furniture worn badly, chips on woodwork, broken door lock, broken dressing cupboard door, very dusty etc.
Room very warm as nice sunny day. Turned on what we thought was the aircon. This however made the room even hotter. Reported at 1800, again at 1900, 21:30 and 22:30. Eventually moved to similar room that was cool, having gone down to reception to demand change.
Dinner in hotel excellent and very good value. Breakfast should be avoided at all costs.
All in all, great location, great potential, some excellent staff, very disappointing. Won't be going back.
Disgusting
from A TripAdvisor Member
Do not stay here!! I was appalled by the awful condition of my room and terrible customer service and food received during my stay at the Brighton Thistle on 16th October 2004. To begin with we arrived 1 hour early and were told before we even made it to the desk we could not check in. We returned 5 minutes before due check in time and were made to wait until the exact minute before we could check in. (Actually 5 mins later than check in) 4 Members of staff were standing there chatting and laughing together. We were running late for a wedding so I decided to go to the ladies lavatory to make up - but it was shut!!! When we finally checked in, the room was shabby and the bathroom was dirty - to my horror when we returned after the wedding in the early hours of the morning - I pulled back the bedspread to find a 3inch dried blood stain on the underside. As you can imagine this made me feel extremely uncomfortable. Had room service breakfast. I ordered Smoked haddock and surprise, surprise recieved kippers!! And cold toast. (Well cold everything actually) The hot chocolate was served in a plastic throwaway beaker -just powder - add your own hot water - but no teaspoon!! . All in all I was disgusted - this is meant to be a 5* hotel but I feel it is the worst hotel I have ever stayed in. Let me repeat Do not stay here
Room for improvement
from dancer62
As my company has an office here, I have stayed here now 3 times as we have a good company rate with them (although this may change...) Next time, I'm trying the Hilton West Pier.
The hotel could be good, if it weren't for some basic faults.
A tip - if you don't like your room, complain. The earlier you get there, the better chance of having a choice. Reject 442 - it has a mouldy bathroom (apparently also 432 - see other reviews).
The room I finally ended up (222) in had a sea view (at no extra charge) & a nice new clean bathroom!
If you stay here in summer, a word of warning - THE WINDOWS DON'T OPEN! This would not be a problem if the aircon control buttons weren't missing in most of the rooms (e.g in 222 & 401). Check before you acept the room.
Breakfast is exactly as others have said - cold. Yes, even the "hot" food. If they actually cleaned the dust off the rails that run around the resturant and the sloping windows, it would be nice. When I complained to the resturant manager about the dust, he said the windows were cleaned every 2 weeks. Well, either they aren't, or they need to be cleaned more often because I could see the layer of dust. He then got flippant with me, which I found unnecessary.
The check in desk was manned by Trainees every time I passed by, without any back-up from senior staff. I feel for them.
Good luck to all who choose this hotel - you may get lucky and have a nice stay.
The hotel could be good, if it weren't for some basic faults.
A tip - if you don't like your room, complain. The earlier you get there, the better chance of having a choice. Reject 442 - it has a mouldy bathroom (apparently also 432 - see other reviews).
The room I finally ended up (222) in had a sea view (at no extra charge) & a nice new clean bathroom!
If you stay here in summer, a word of warning - THE WINDOWS DON'T OPEN! This would not be a problem if the aircon control buttons weren't missing in most of the rooms (e.g in 222 & 401). Check before you acept the room.
Breakfast is exactly as others have said - cold. Yes, even the "hot" food. If they actually cleaned the dust off the rails that run around the resturant and the sloping windows, it would be nice. When I complained to the resturant manager about the dust, he said the windows were cleaned every 2 weeks. Well, either they aren't, or they need to be cleaned more often because I could see the layer of dust. He then got flippant with me, which I found unnecessary.
The check in desk was manned by Trainees every time I passed by, without any back-up from senior staff. I feel for them.
Good luck to all who choose this hotel - you may get lucky and have a nice stay.
Top Local Tips for Brighton
Brighton Thistle If you are checking in early, ask to leave your bag with the conceige and they might check to see if a room is ready for you. The front desk just say "check in is from 2pm"
Bus to major airports The hotel is located a short, 3-min. walk from the bus depot. Very convenient if you choose to take bus to Gatwick or Heathrow.
You can get around cheaply Buy a bus ticket for the day you can get them on the rail station, some shops or on the bus. Once bought you can travel around all day. £10 for the week. We used it for Brighton and Back and when we got back we used it around until midnight. Good value
- (hotels)
Other names for Thistle Brighton Hotel
- thistle hotel brighton
- thistle brighton
- brighton thistle hotel
- brighton thistle
- brighton hotel thistle
- brighton hotel in thistle
- Address: Kings Road - Brighton - England - BN1 2GS - United Kingdom
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- (hotels)
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