Brighton might be synonymous with summer, but I’ve always thought there’s something rather lovely about the British seaside when the temperature drops. The crowds disappear, the cafés become even more enticing and there’s something wonderfully restorative about a windswept walk along the coast.
As it turned out, we’d chosen quite the weekend. Storm Austen was sweeping across the south coast, with waves so powerful that part of Brighton’s historic West Pier collapsed into the sea.
Not exactly the weather we’d ordered, but from the comfort of our gorgeous apartment overlooking the seafront, it was wonderfully atmospheric. We were here to check out the newly opened Sigma Plus Regency Square Suites.
A Regency Townhouse With A New Lease Of Life
Overlooking the gardens of one of Brighton’s most beautiful squares, Sigma Plus Regency Square Suites occupies a stunning Regency townhouse dating back to the 1820s.
The square itself has quite a history. Developed between 1818 and 1828, it was designed to attract Brighton’s fashionable tourists, offering elegant townhouses with sweeping views towards the sea.
Two centuries later, number 29 has been given the 5* glow-up. Formerly a rather tired seaside hotel, the property underwent an extensive restoration before reopening in June 2026 as ten individually designed, self-contained luxury suites.
Led by local interior designer Melanie Barnes, the project has reinstated much of the building’s original character, from soaring ceilings and beautiful cornicing to ceiling roses and enormous windows. Melanie showed us around during our stay, even sharing photographs of the property’s rather questionable former interiors. The transformation is remarkable.
What particularly impressed me was the commitment to local craftsmanship. Bespoke lighting comes from Sussex-based Spark & Bell, kitchens from Hove’s Kitchens by Khan and wardrobes from A G Joinery. Wool rugs have been sourced from Brighton-based Mister Smith Interiors, while artwork comes from local makers and galleries.
Even the curtains and cushions were made in a Brighton workshop, while much of the furniture and bedding was sourced from smaller British manufacturers. It’s a lovely way of supporting the local creative community, and ensures the apartments feel distinctly Brighton rather than like somewhere you could find in any city.
Suite Three: The One To Book For The Best Views
We stayed in Suite Three, a first-floor, one-bedroom apartment overlooking Regency Square Gardens, the Brighton i360 and the remains of the West Pier.
Huge floor-to-ceiling windows fill the open-plan living space with natural light, with a wonderful large sofa perfectly placed to make the most of the sea views. It’s the kind of room that immediately makes you want to cancel your plans and put on your pyjamas.
Inside, soft neutrals, natural wood and beautifully textured furnishings create a calming atmosphere, while the original Regency detailing adds a sense of regal glamour. A generous kitchen island hits you as you walk in, while bespoke and modern pendant lighting hang overhead.
It’s luxurious without feeling OTT. Everything is beautiful, but it’s also somewhere you can genuinely relax.
It’s So Well Equipped, You Could Move Right In!
Unlike many self-catering properties, the kitchen is equipped with practically everything you could need. Olive oil, herbs, spices, a coffee machine, blender, mixing bowls, baking equipment. My sister joked that we could quite easily bake a cake.
There’s also a dishwasher, washing machine, filtered drinking water and a proper workspace, making it just as suitable for a longer stay.
The bedroom was another highlight, with an incredibly comfortable bed layered with plush cushions and blankets. The bathroom was equally impressive, particularly the enormous rainfall shower with multiple settings, which was heavenly after a day battling the elements. The White Company toiletries and wonderfully soft towels completed the experience.
The Ultimate Girls’ Night In
We arrived fairly late on Friday after work and, rather than heading straight out, decided to make the most of our gorgeous surroundings. A quick trip to the nearby Marks & Spencer provided everything we needed for a homemade stir-fry, plenty of snacks and a few drinks.
Back at the apartment, a beautiful welcome hamper from local business Antipasto by the Sea was waiting for us, complete with Champagne, local gin, chocolates and sweet treats. The fridge was also stocked with essentials like milk and sparkling water, while Grind coffee and Bird & Blend teas were ready for the following morning.
Within an hour, we were enjoying dinner before settling onto the enormous sofa for an evening of Disney films, Uno and a much-needed sisterly catch-up. With the wind howling outside, the lights dimmed and the curtains left slightly open so we could watch the storm, it was genuinely lovely.
And that’s what I think Regency Square Suites gets so right. You have the space, privacy and freedom of your own apartment, but with all the thoughtful touches of a luxury boutique hotel.
Breakfast Delivered To Your Door
Another lovely addition is the option to arrange breakfast delivery from Antipasto by the Sea. Each morning, owner Tash personally delivered a beautiful selection of freshly prepared treats, with a slightly different menu each day.
We enjoyed smoked salmon bagels, warm pains au chocolat, savoury filled croissants and delicious little granola pots layered with honey, berries, lemon curd or chocolate orange.
Rather than rushing out, we spread everything across the coffee table, put some music on and spent a leisurely hour enjoying breakfast overlooking the sea.
Brighton On Your Doorstep (Plus Amazing Food Options)
Of course, when we eventually ventured outside, we couldn’t have been better located. The beach is just a couple of minutes away, The Lanes around ten minutes on foot and Brighton station approximately fifteen to twenty minutes away.
What I hadn’t realised was just how good the immediate neighbourhood is for food. Preston Street, practically around the corner, is packed with independent restaurants. There’s Halisco, the Mexican favourite recently ranked fifth in Time Out’s list of the UK’s best restaurants, alongside its sister margarita bar, Bar Halisco.
Japanese favourite Bincho Yakitori is another local hotspot, while Ventisei serves authentic Neapolitan pizza. I also spotted the lovely-looking Tamarind Thai Restaurant, which immediately went onto my list for a return visit.
And that’s before you’ve even reached The Lanes, where you could happily spend an entire afternoon exploring independent boutiques and coffee shops. We particularly enjoyed a stop at Komodo Coffee for coffee and banana bread.
Dinner on Saturday was at Dishoom’s Permit Room, a more relaxed, cocktail-led take on the much-loved Indian restaurant. With atmospheric lighting, delicious curries and street-food-inspired small plates, it was the perfect refuge after a particularly windswept afternoon.
A Suite For Everyone
Although Suite Three was perfect for us, we also had a sneak peek at some of the other apartments.
Suite One, the expansive three-bedroom apartment on the lower-ground floor, particularly caught my attention.
Sleeping up to ten guests with sofa beds, it’s wonderfully playful, with rich burgundy tones, colourful Brighton-inspired artwork, a freestanding bathtub and a fabulous dedicated getting-ready area complete with individually illuminated mirrors. I could immediately imagine a group of girlfriends spending a birthday weekend here, or perhaps a bride getting ready with her bridesmaids before a wedding.
It’s a completely different atmosphere from our peaceful sea-view suite, but each apartment has been designed with a different kind of stay in mind.
A Go To Spot For A Brighton Staycation
Sigma Plus Regency Square Suites captures everything I love about the British seaside, but with a level of luxury and attention to detail that makes it feel rather special.
More than anything, I loved that so much of Brighton had been incorporated into the experience, from the locally made furnishings to the little independent businesses supplying our morning coffees and breakfasts.
It’s a beautiful reminder that Brighton isn’t just for summer. Sometimes the best seaside weekends involve a good storm, excellent food, a gorgeous place to stay and absolutely no pressure to leave it.
And, of course, the right company!