Q&A with Rekha Sohun, general manager of Doubletree by Hilton Brighton Metropole
- Nick Mosley
- Jun 12
- 5 min read
The Doubletree by Hilton Brighton Metropole is one of the two grand dames of the city’s seafront, writes Nick Mosley. With a rich history, the property has recently undergone a comprehensive refurbishment overseen by general manager Rekha Sohun. Nick asks the questions…
Tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m the general manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole, a beautiful seafront hotel with over 125 years of history. Leading its recent transformation – a multimillion-pound refurbishment and rebrand – has been one of the most rewarding challenges of my career. I’m passionate about breathing new life into heritage properties while creating memorable experiences for both guests and our team members.
My journey began in South Africa, where I had the privilege of managing two iconic destinations: Emperors Palace in Johannesburg and the Fairmont Zimbali Resort on the KwaZulu-Natal coast. Those roles taught me the value of operational excellence, resilience and how to lead large, diverse teams with clarity and heart.
Hospitality has always felt natural to me — I love the pace, the people and the chance to make a real difference every day. Whether it's coaching a team member, welcoming a returning guest or navigating the unexpected.
I’ve been with Hilton for just over three and a half years now, and it was actually joining Hilton that brought me to Brighton. What really sold me on the role was the location of the hotel — right on the seafront.
Having grown up in a coastal town in South Africa, I’ve always had a strong connection to the ocean. There’s something about being close to the water that just feels like home to me, so the chance to work at such a historic property, in a city with that same coastal energy, was an easy yes.
The hotel has undergone a spectacular refurbishment over the past couple of years, can you share what you’re particularly proud of?
The property’s refurbishment has been a major project over the past couple of years and seeing the transformation has been incredibly rewarding. One of the elements I’m particularly proud of is how we’ve managed to honour the building’s heritage while bringing in a fresh, modern feel.
The redesign of our public spaces – especially the lobby and bar areas – has really changed the energy of the hotel. They’re now much more open, welcoming and connected to the character of Brighton. We've also fully refurbished all of our guest rooms and conference spaces, adding comfort and contemporary touches while keeping a nod to the hotel’s history.
It’s been a true team effort and it’s great to see guests responding so positively to the changes.
Are there any historical stories about the Metropole that you can share?
The DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole has been a striking presence on Brighton’s seafront since it opened in 1890. Originally designed as a grand Victorian hotel, it was ahead of its time in luxury – featuring taps that pumped fresh seawater directly into guest bathrooms, offering a unique coastal experience long before modern spa treatments.
The hotel also housed Brighton’s first casino, adding to its reputation as a hub of entertainment and high society. During World War II, the Metropole played an important role as accommodation for military personnel and government officials. Winston Churchill himself stayed here, adding a notable chapter to our history. Remarkably, the building survived the Blitz largely unscathed despite Brighton’s vulnerability as a coastal city.
Over the decades, the Metropole welcomed many distinguished guests, including members of the British royal family and famed entertainer Gracie Fields, who frequented the hotel during her tours.
The grand ballroom became a focal point for glamorous balls, charity events and political gatherings – making it a cornerstone of Brighton’s social and cultural life.
Today, the hotel honours its storied past while embracing modern comforts and design, creating a space where guests can enjoy both history and contemporary hospitality right on the coast.
You’ve put a lot of effort into food and beverage. Can you share any key offerings?
Food and drink have definitely been a big focus for us, and we’ve worked hard to create spaces and menus that locals and visitors can genuinely enjoy.
Our Metropole Bar is the heart of the hotel – open all day for everything from coffee meetings to evening cocktails. We offer a full all-day dining menu, so whether you’re in for a quick bite or something more leisurely, there’s always a fresh and seasonal on offer.
We’ve also introduced weekend brunches, which have been really popular, and our Afternoon Teas are a great way to enjoy a classic treat with a view of the sea.
For the summer, we’re excited to launch our Tequila Terrace – a relaxed outdoor space perfect for a drink in the sun, right on the seafront. Our Jude’s Ice Cream Parlour opens in July.
Another exciting addition is Le Petit Chef, which offers a unique interactive dining experience combining storytelling and food – it’s something truly special that we’re proud to have brought to Brighton. Guests can experience Le Petit Chef from early October until end of March. We also offer this experience for private bookings of up to 60 guests.
You’re due to reopen the rooftop sea-facing Chartwell Suite. How does this fit into your wider function space offering and why is it a great space for events?
We’re really excited about reopening the panoramic rooftop sea-facing Chartwell Suite as a summer pop-up. It has always been a fantastic space offering and fits perfectly with the other venues that we have for meetings, private dining and events.
Right now, we’re in discussions with a beverage supplier about a potential summer partnership and hope to finalise those details soon. For this summer, the Chartwell Suite will be used as a pop-up bar, taking full advantage of the incredible views.
What opportunities – and challenges – do you see for Brighton’s visitor economy this year and into the future?
Brighton’s visitor economy presents strong opportunities for hotels and tourism businesses, especially as local partnerships drive growth and diversify visitor experiences. There’s growing demand for sustainable tourism and year-round attractions, which can help reduce the typical seasonal peaks that put pressure on resources.
Additionally, the city’s reliance on tourism means businesses need to adapt to changing visitor trends and focus on delivering unique, high-quality experiences.
For hotels like ours, the key objective continues to be balancing growth with sustainability, offering diverse events and dining options, and creating memorable stays that encourage repeat visits beyond the summer months.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you to my team for their continued support and dedication to making sure our hotel consistently exceeds guest expectations. I also want to thank our community for their ongoing support – your trust and engagement mean a great deal to us.
Doubletree by Hilton Brighton Metropole, Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2FU
01273 775 432 • www.hilton.com
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Brighton's culinary scene flourishes with Metropole Bar's diverse offerings and weekend brunches. Summer brings the Tequila Terrace and Jude's Ice Cream. Le Petit Chef provides interactive dining, a uniquely special experience. Evenings can be exhilarating, much like a Moto X3M run on the beach! All aimed at creating enjoyable experiences for all.