Standing proudly on Brighton’s iconic seafront, DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole is a landmark venue where heritage architecture meets modern event delivery. As the largest residential conference and events venue in the South East, the hotel has played a defining role in Brighton’s development as a conference destination for well over a century.
Originally opened in 1890 as the Hotel Metropole, the building quickly established itself as a focal point for large gatherings and social occasions. A pivotal moment came in 1959, when the hotel’s then owner recognised that Brighton’s future lay in conferencing and events, transforming the Metropole into the town’s first residential conference and exhibition centre. That legacy continues today, strengthened by a £26 million refurbishment completed in 2023, which has refreshed guest spaces, meeting rooms and public areas while respecting the building’s historic character.
Brighton itself brings a strong sense of identity to every event hosted at the Metropole. Often referred to as “London by the Sea,” the city is known for its creative energy, independent spirit and vibrant cultural scene. Delegates are surrounded by a destination that blends coastal relaxation with a lively urban feel, offering everything from galleries and live music to wellness experiences and an eclectic food and drink scene.
Accessibility is one of Brighton’s key advantages. The city is around an hour by direct train from London Victoria and approximately 30 minutes from Gatwick Airport, making it straightforward for both UK-wide and international delegates. Once in the city, award-winning local transport and a walkable city centre make moving between venues, hotels and attractions simple and stress-free.
The hotel’s central seafront location places delegates within easy walking distance of some of Brighton’s most recognisable landmarks, including the Royal Pavilion, Brighton Palace Pier, Brighton Dome, the British Airways i360 and The Lanes. These surroundings create opportunities to enhance event programmes with destination-led experiences, from beachside walks and informal networking to cultural visits, private tours and food-focused activities that showcase the city’s character.
Where DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole truly distinguishes itself is scale. The hotel offers 321 guest bedrooms and 24 meeting and event spaces, providing more than 6,000 square metres of event space under one roof. This capacity allows the venue to accommodate a wide range of formats, from intimate leadership meetings and training sessions to exhibitions, conferences and large multi-day programmes for up to 3,000 delegates.
At the centre of the events offering are the interconnecting Oxford, Cambridge and Durham Suites. These are the hotel’s signature spaces and among the largest conference suites in the region. Together, they create a highly adaptable environment suitable for high-impact conferences, exhibitions and creative productions. The Oxford Suite alone can host up to 1,247 delegates in theatre style, offering a flexible, blank-canvas setting that can be tailored to a wide range of staging and production requirements.
Technical delivery is supported by the hotel’s on-site AV partner, Encore. With a permanent presence in the building, the team provides in-depth knowledge of the spaces, responsive on-the-day support and efficient pre-production planning, helping organisers deliver complex events with confidence.
For smaller meetings and breakout sessions, the Renaissance Suites — introduced as part of the 2023 refurbishment — provide a modern, purpose-built environment. This collection of six meeting rooms features contemporary interiors, natural daylight and built-in AV as standard, along with a dedicated breakout area designed to support productive discussions and smooth event flow.
The Metropole’s historic character adds a sense of occasion that sets it apart from more conventional conference venues. The Clarence Suite is a standout example. Originally a chapel dating back to 1819, the space later became home to the UK’s first licensed continental-style casino in the 1960s. Today, its vaulted ceiling and grand chandeliers create a dramatic backdrop for gala dinners, awards ceremonies and weddings, offering a setting that feels both elegant and distinctive.
Another unique space is the Chartwell Suite, located on the hotel’s top floor with panoramic views across Brighton’s coastline. The suite has its own wartime history, having been used by rooftop gunners during the Second World War. Now, it provides an atmospheric setting for senior meetings, private dining and receptions, combining historical significance with sweeping sea views.
Beyond meetings and events, the hotel offers a comprehensive range of facilities to support residential programmes. Leisure amenities include an indoor heated swimming pool, gym, jacuzzi, sauna and hair salon, giving delegates opportunities to unwind between sessions. Dining options include the sea-facing 1890 Restaurant, a historic breakfast space, and the Metropole Bar & Terrace, which offers all-day dining, cocktails, afternoon tea and bottomless brunch in a more contemporary setting.
Sustainability is embedded into the venue’s approach. As part of Hilton’s wider responsible business strategy, DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole offers carbon neutral meetings at no additional cost. Using Hilton’s LightStay platform, the hotel measures the carbon footprint of events — including energy, water and waste — and offsets this through carbon credits invested in verified reduction projects in partnership with ClimeCo.
Bringing together heritage, scale, flexibility and a prime seafront location, DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole continues to build on its long-standing reputation as a cornerstone of Brighton’s events scene. With modern facilities, experienced in-house support and a destination that consistently inspires, it remains a confident choice for organisers seeking events that feel both impactful and memorable.
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