Two nights in Brighton, UK.

lots of info here https://www.theguardian.com/travel/brighton

Don't miss the Royal Pavillion - bling at its best!

Definitely the Royal Pavilion. Wander The Lanes and the Pier. I would have to search for it but Jennifer once posted a nice list of things to do.

I stayed at the Cappadocia Guesthouse, which definitely qualifies as quirky.

Don't miss the Royal Pavilion - bling at its best!

Or, its worst, LOL. Love it or hate it, it's definitely over the top!

I'm not saying to skip it, but I toured the Pavilion and ended up feeling so disgusted at the crude display of self-indulgent excess that I didn't linger, and found the quickest way to the exit. Didn't even pause in the gift shop. All of that's unusual for me. I've toured several stately home type properties at home and abroad, seen plenty of extravagant decor and furnishings, but never felt the revulsion that I did in the Pavilion. I really like the exterior, TBH. I just kind of wish I'd never gone inside.

As to Brighton overall, I've been there a few times and really like it. My first visit was a day trip walking tour with London Walks, a happy memory all these years later. Then, a friend and former neighbor moved there, and I've visited a few times since. So, yay to Brighton, and don't miss the Pavilion. I'd be interested to know what others have thought of it.

Sorry that I don't have hotel recommendations, but I've either been there on day trips from London, or stayed with my friends.

I think Suz that is the whole point of the Royal Pavilion - it was designed to be completley OTT and very much a status symbol "Look how wealthy and important I am". It sums up "Prinny" (Prince Regent aka George IV) and his excesses to a T. You need to understand a bit of the history of the Georgian period and the inter relationships of the main players of the time.

Thanks all for your input, very helpful information. I too can feel repelled by the OTT of many sites, including "castles" and mansions, etc. But the context is everything, and I view a lot of it as a "safari" into another time, and another level of privilege.

I think Suz that is the whole point of the Royal Pavilion - it was
designed to be completley OTT and very much a status symbol "Look how
wealthy and important I am". It sums up "Prinny" (Prince Regent aka
George IV) and his excesses to a T. You need to understand a bit of
the history of the Georgian period and the inter relationships of the
main players of the time.

I know. I've read a lot of British history, and was quite aware of the history of good old Prinny and his disreputably dysfunctional family when I was in the Pavilion. As I said, I was surprised by the repulsion I began to feel as I walked through the rooms. I've always thought it was caused by my negative opinion of that Hanoverian crew, lol. When I heard that Queen Victoria didn't like the Pavilion, I had no trouble believing it! She who famously vowed, "I will be good," and rescued the reputation of the royal family from the gutters where Prinny had helped to drag it.

As I said, the Pavilion is definitely worth a look. It's just that my reaction was so odd that I've not forgotten it.

That is brilliant Nick and really sums it up!

Apart from trying to dissociate herself from the lavishness of George IV, Queen Victoria was also worried there wasn't enough space for her family in the Royal Pavilion...

The Pavilion was sold empty by Queen Victoria with the furniture and decorations removed, most of which ended up in Buckingham Palace as it was enlarged. Over the years various surplus items have been given or loaned back. Currently it has the most original pieces as items have been loaned from BP East Wing whilst it is being renovated.

Hi RovingCarole,
My hotel recommendation is: Artist Residence, 34 Regency Square, Brighton:
https://www.artistresidence.co.uk/our-hotels/brighton/
This information is left over from my planned visit to Brighton that did not happen because Covid hit and cancelled all our vacations for that year. Have not stayed there. Wanted to stay there. Art throughout the place and a good restaurant on-site. Good location.
Great reviews on Trip Advisor.
It may be exactly what you're looking for.