Since 1995 proprietors Catherine and Douglas Beard have been running The Lanes Hotel. A Grade 1 listed building Situated on Brighton seafront. This traditional red brick Victorian hotel boasts character and historic facts. Famous icons had stayed and lived in these buildings, from Ivor Novello to Tommy Trinder. To this day many celebrities reside at this hotel, for its grand décor and for its in house facilities available to all guests.
The Lanes Hotel provides a great Cocktail & Champagne bar with trained and qualified staff within mixology at hand ready to pour yourself a drink or two.
A large relaxing lounge named the Cowards suite, again named after the iconic performer and play writer whom, interestingly wrote one of his plays in this precise room.
There are a range of different rooms, sea facing, rooms which have a balcony overlooking the sea and the famous Brighton Pier. Larger rooms are available for group bookings and events too.
This Large privately owned Hotel also offers a Beauty Room ran externally by ‘Lookin Good.’
The Novello restaurant, named after Ivor Novello, a Welsh composer and actor who became one of the most popular British entertainers of the first half of the 20th century, whom again once lived at this property.offers exquisite breakfast with service only to be described as outstanding.
The view from the Noel Cowards Lounge suite is spectacular. Direct Sea view; sun shining, happy smiles walking around, what else could one want in a city!
The Lanes Hotel, offers guests with a limited free car park – ‘Which is great and rare in Brighton’, A short walk from the city centre. The staffs are attentive, friendly and make you feel really comfortable.
Within their busy schedule, Mrs Catherine Beard took the time out to talk about this historic Hotel and her experience as an Hotelier.
What attracted you to become the Proprietor of one of Brighton’s largest hotels?
When we first heard of the Lanes Hotel it was a bankrupt sale and terribly run down. The frontage – windows, balconies and all woodwork were falling apart with dry rot. It was virtually derelict on the upper floors with electrics and plumbing everywhere needing to be replaced and updated. In fact everything, everywhere had to be renewed. It has a long history of being a hotel and famous people had connections to it in the past. -eg Ivor Novello. It is the only red brick hotel in Brighton and has many original features. From the maple lined Dining Room, large victorian tiled fireplaces, original arch shaped window frames to coloured glass leaded windows to name a few! It seemed very sad and dejected indeed and a challenge!
How have you gained the experience to run a successful and popular Hotel in the heart of Brighton?
My parents owned and run a hotel in Brighton so I was brought up in this industry. This is our Third hotel in Brighton. The 1st when I was 23 years old so I have gained experience and knowledge with 50 years of living in, working and running them.
When staying at The Lanes Hotel, what will your guests expect?
Apart from excellent value for money. We have Polite and helpful staff 24 hours a day and spotlessly clean. All bedrooms have all modern facilities along with en-suite bathrooms. We have no single beds – all double – so many single guests find this very comfortable and unexpected!
Is there any exclusive Parties or celebrations; The Lanes Hotel will be putting on 2016? If so, are Absolute Magazine invited?
We have made no arrangements for any yet, but Absolute Magazine will be invited when we do.
What does The Lanes Hotel Offer, for it to be continuously busy?
A lot is down to the people who work with us, most have been there for 10 years or more and because of what we offer, we have a tremendous level of regular repeat guests.
In your opinion and experience, what makes a good Hotel?
A Good Hotel is one that I would like to stay at – why expect any one of our guests to accept anything less?
I would recommend you stay at the hotel, or stop by for champagne cocktail whilst relaxing on the decking gazing at the sea, minutes walk away from Brighton Pier.
Mathew Parr
Twitter: @mparr3101
Instagram: MPARR3101