Will the Royal Albion Hotel be rebuilt?

It was sad to watch the demolition of western part of the hotel following the fire in July 2023. Previously known as the Lion Mansions Hotel and incorporated into the Royal Albion in 1963 this Grade II Listed building is now lost to the city.

The middle part of the hotel was structurally affected by the fire as well but, thankfully, the eastern side of the hotel is the least damaged. Built in 1826 in the Regency style it was Grade II* listed in 1952. Offering character and style, its location is in a premier position directly opposite the Brighton Palace Pier and is considered to be a landmark of significance in the city.

This is the second time a major fire has occurred at the hotel. It was severely damaged in 1998 by a fire which started in the kitchen.

The council has spent £1.7m to ensure the safety of the site and the owners, Britannia Hotels, have only paid back £500,000 so far.  Nearly two years since the fire, the council is still trying to recover the £1.2m it is owed from Britannia Hotels. We hope that when it is rebuilt it will be of a traditional style to harmonise with the remaining part of the Grade II* hotel in order to retain its historic interest.