The Grand is a Victorian hotel in Brighton, on the south coast of England.

More than a hotel, this is an institution, an iconic piece of British history, perched contentedly at the centre of one of the most famous seafronts in the world.

Grand by nature, welcome to old world luxury. There is nothing boutique here; this is opulent splendour, style, and service from another age. The Grand is simply a lesson in extravagance.

The hotel was designed by architect John Whichcord Jr., and built in 1864 on the site occupied previously by a battery house. It was originally built for members of the upper classes visiting Brighton and remains one of the most exclusive hotels in the town.

Amongst its advanced engineering features at the time was the “Vertical Omnibus”, a hydraulically powered lift powered by cisterns in the roof. This was the first lift built in the United Kingdom outside London, where only two others had been installed.

The building itself is an example of Italian influence in Victorian architecture.

Focal Journey (by Gustavo Espinola)