History

Boomtown. Brighton took off in the mid 19th century, following the arrival of the new fangled steam railway. The Grand opened in 1864, providing luxury accommodation for the massive increase in visitors to the town. All 201 rooms were taken for the first night. Guests were welcomed to a hotel with all mod cons: There was a billiard room, a ball room, a smoking room, a library and one of the first hydraulic lifts in the country - referred to as an ascending omnibus!

The hotel has attracted the great and good from the UK and abroad. Everyone from Gordon Brown to JFK.

An assassination attempt on Margaret Thatcher in 1984 caused significant damage. The hotel reopened in 1986, restored to its former glory, but with many additional modern features.

The magnificent Grand is a popular location for films and television shows. Coronation Street, East Enders and Only Fools and Horses have all shot episodes in the hotel.

Political conferences started here 75 years ago, and the Grand is still a favourite venue today.

Brighton has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years. The city feels young and vibrant and The Grand is a central part of the cosmopolitan atmosphere and a real centre piece in the future of Brighton.