The Claremont – Staying at a Victorian Villa (Review)
At the beginning of October 2024, I traveled to Brighton for the first time to attend the annual BrightonSEO conference.
I spent three nights and two full days in the city – one day for the conference, and the other dedicated to exploring the sights.
Naturally, I needed a place to stay, and anyone who knows me knows I always prefer the charm of small, intimate hotels over large hotel chains.
With only eleven rooms and set in a classic English Victorian villa, The Claremont felt like the perfect choice.
But did I make the right decision? What was my stay really like?
Let’s find out!
(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking.)
🌟 Book Your Stay at The Claremont Now! 🌟
First Impressions & a Surprising Welcome
I arrived at The Claremont just after 6 pm, after a full day of travel from Austria to London Heathrow by plane, followed by a two-hour National Express journey.
Since the reception closes at 6:00 pm, I informed them in advance that I might not arrive on time. Fortunately, they have an easy solution for late arrivals like me: a key box by the entrance, accessible with a code they emailed me beforehand.
The door was already locked, so I used the key from the key box. I had barely stepped inside when I heard a voice greet me – someone was still there!
While key box check-ins are convenient, there’s something truly welcoming about being greeted in person, and I always appreciate it.
Alicia, the Assistant Manager, warmly welcomed me and guided me through the guest sheet I needed to complete. It was a quick and easy process, which I really appreciated after such an exhausting day, and soon I had the key in my hand.
Before heading to my room, I asked Alicia if she could recommend a good place nearby that offers vegan options. She enthusiastically suggested a Vietnamese restaurant just around the corner, raving about their vegan Pad Thai – her favorite dish since, as it turns out, she’s vegan too!
As if that wasn’t already perfect, she also promised to take care of breakfast the next morning, offering to prepare a delicious, fully vegan meal just for me.
At that moment, I knew I arrived at the right place!
The Room or “The Royal Chamber”
Each of The Claremont’s eleven rooms is uniquely designed, offering a variety of categories to suit your stay. You can choose from classic double rooms, superior double rooms, deluxe double rooms, single rooms, or four-poster rooms.
My room was a Traditional Four Poster room located on the second floor. As soon as I entered, I was amazed by its spaciousness – it felt far larger than the 22 square meters mentioned on the website.
At its heart stood a stunning red-toned four-poster bed, the true centerpiece of the space.
Surrounding this elegant feature were thoughtfully arranged furnishings: a roomy wardrobe with a fridge conveniently placed beside it, a decorative fireplace topped with a large mirror, and a chest of drawers offering ample storage.
On the chest sat a carafe of water and a tray filled with delightful amenities – a large glass jar of sweets, cookies, cups, coffee, and a kettle.
A small TV perched on a sleek shelf with black glass and metallic supports added a bit of a modern touch.
Completing the room’s cozy charm, a large sofa and a plush armchair with armrests in rich red velvet made it feel like stepping into my own royal chamber!
The bathroom was just equally impressive, featuring its own decorative fireplace. It was equipped with a bathtub that included an integrated shower, along with the essentials – a toilet and a stylish washbasin with a mirror.
What I found coolest, however, was the cohesive black-and-white theme that ran through the entire room. Both the floral wallpaper and the tiles showcased this striking color scheme, tying everything together in such a beautiful way.
Both the bathroom and the main part of the room were adorned with various works of art by local artists, most of which were available for purchase.
Breakfast to Suit Everyone’s Needs
I’m (unfortunately) not much of a breakfast person, but I can’t start my morning without a good cup of coffee. Since I prefer a latte macchiato with oat milk instead of black coffee, finding a decent one on the go can be quite a challenge.
Fortunately, I had no problem at The Claremont – because the coffee was simply heavenly!
Besides coffee, breakfast at The Claremont features a small buffet with fruit juices, fruit salad, water, and various spreads. The main dishes, however, are ordered directly from the breakfast menu.
In addition to the classic Full English breakfast and Eggs Benedict, you also have the choice of a vegetarian Full English breakfast, Eggs Royale, as well as lighter options such as fruit muffins, savory croissants, or porridge.
I opted for the latter, as I prefer something sweet in the morning and it didn’t take long before a steaming bowl of porridge with fresh strawberries on the side arrived.
YUM!
Such a great start to the day! It was no problem at all for them to make anything vegan – they even offered a completely plant-based Full English breakfast. I wished my stomach could handle more in the morning …
Final Thoughts
I had an absolute blast staying at The Claremont and honestly wished I could have extended my stay for a few more nights.
I loved the intimate, familial atmosphere, the spacious room with its royal interiors, the cozy feeling of staying in my very own Victorian villa, and, of course, the delicious plant-based breakfast – simply everything!
Yes, the room could have been a bit warmer for my taste. Despite turning the radiators up, it still felt slightly chilly – but to be fair, I’m susceptible to the cold, so it likely would have been perfectly comfortable for most others. 😉
But all in all, I can wholeheartedly recommend The Claremont to anyone seeking cozy, welcoming accommodation and a truly unique experience!
As for myself, I wish to come back next year in spring to enjoy the lovely garden, where I can already see myself sitting with a cup of English tea …
🌟 Book Your Stay at The Claremont Now! 🌟
Check out my reel for more impressions from my stay!
This blog post was written in cooperation with The Claremont and is based on my personal experience.
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Thank you for sharing this wonderful review of The Claremont! Your experience truly captures the charm and warmth of this Victorian villa. I love how you highlighted the personal touches, like the warm welcome from Alicia and the thoughtful vegan options, which make The Claremont feel more like a home than a hotel. The room sounds absolutely stunning, especially with its luxurious four-poster bed and elegant decor. It’s great to hear that breakfast, including the coffee, met your needs—it’s always nice to start the day off right. I’ll definitely consider staying here on my next trip to Brighton!
Thank you for reading my post and I’m more than happy you consider The Claremont as the place to stay when you’re in Brighton. It’s truly the best choice!