BRIGHTON is a city frequented by royalty and politicians, but is just as famous for battles between mods and rockers and the original 1960s “dirty weekend”.

The city was used by King George IV for regenerative purposes and that walk along the Brighton’s extensive seafront certainly does the trick.

The imposing Grand which, alongside the pier — formerly two — and the Royal Pavilion and museum, is one of the south-east coast resort’s most famous landmarks, and the centrepiece of the seafront.

Just minutes away from the centre, the lively labyrinthian Lanes and the burnt-out remains of the West Pier, this hotel offers the kind of old-style luxury that provides a perfect accompaniment to this Regency resort.

First up, after a four-hour drive, we were shown to our room and were amazed by the expanse of sea view available by opening up the windows and wandering out on to the balcony.

As well as an enormous flat-screen TV, magnificent power shower and two sinks in the bathroom, it boasted a huge bath behind the bed in the main room, offering a view of the water while bathing.

We enjoyed a night out in the bars in and around the Lanes, a collection of narrow streets, boasting independent arts and crafts shops, family-run restaurants and endless snug pubs and bars in a location not dissimilar to central Bath.

We also ate in Terre á Terre, a restaurant regularly voted one of the best vegetarian eateries in the country and understandably so. Recommended.

On returning to the Grand, we sampled a couple of drinks in the bar, before a good sleep in the sublimely comfortable bed.

Breakfast in the morning offered a choice of Continental or a full-English affair, and was self-service, so it was up to you how much you wanted.

The choice was excellent and set us up for the day, which included a long walk along the seafront to Shoreham and back, the highlight of which was sitting outside a beach bar with a glass of wine each — yes, it was actually warm enough.

Before visiting another bar, we thought we had better take in the delights of the Royal Pavilion and the exhibitions in the museum. It is amazing that the tranquil gardens in which they are set are just a minute’s walk away from the central shopping district.

We returned to our hotel to get ready for our evening meal.

The huge but welcoming King’s Restaurant, with its opulent chandeliers, fits perfectly with the Grand’s reputation for past glories, but this is no faded glamour. It has been brought up to date very tastefully, and if you are lucky enough to be given a table with a sea view, the experience is a wonderful one. The menu is British with a contemporary twist, using fresh local ingredients.

My butternut squash risotto and Mediterranean Vegetable Tortellini in a cream and smoked cheese sauce were both gorgeous, while my partner's chicken liver pate on melba toast with red onion marmalade and “a la carte” take on fish and chips was perfect seaside fare. We shared sticky toffee pudding and a rhubarb crumble to finish — and all washed down with a fine bottle of wine from the extensive wine list.

After our meal, we enjoyed a couple of brandies in the Victoria Bar before returning to our room and a final look at the sea with a nightcap on the balcony. Bliss.