For a weekend full of colour and eccentricity perfectly topped off by luxury and elegance – look no further than Brighton and the Hotel du Vin.

My girlfriend, Laura, and I have been threatening to go to the Sussex seaside city for ages and when an opportunity to make the one and a half hour journey came up, I decided it was too good to miss.

We arrived at the hotel and were met by a striking exterior; a quaint wooden and brick archway sitting between two quirky pistachio green gothic-style buildings.

It really is located, to coin an overused phrase, a pebble’s throw away from the seafront, nestled into Ship Street just behind The Lanes shopping quarter.

After stepping into reception we were greeted by both friendly staff and 15 clocks, each one showing the time in the Hotel du Vins located around the UK.

We checked in and left to explore.

After slotting 2p’s in the coin pusher, winning juggling balls with our 200 tickets from Brighton Pier’s arcades and losing ourselves in the range of independent shops and cafes on North Lane, it was time for dinner.

We had booked into the hotel, excited by the prospect of a good meal and good wine. I, of course, had checked the menu before we left.

And as we entered the bistro we were struck by the plush teal-clad sofa, lined by marble tables that formed an oval in the centre of the room.

I was in France just last month and the newly-refurbished restaurant felt more like Paris than Paris itself.

Quotes from famous characters and people throughout history adorn the walls, some paying homage to wine of course and others giving you a more inspiring outlook on life.

It is a very easy place to settle in, there’s enough space to be completely unbothered by any other party yet still close enough to feel like you’re in an intimate Parisian restaurant.

There’s nothing better than starting off a meal with warm freshly-baked homemade bread and that is exactly what we did.

After almost filling up on too much delectable sourdough it was time for the main course and I decided to go with sole meunière – it was cooked to perfection and the fish fell from the bone.

Laura opted for the fillet steak which, while perfectly cooked, didn’t represent the same value for money as other options on the menu.

I finished off the meal with a pear and almond tart with honeycomb ice cream – it was a real treat. However, Laura comfortably won dessert round with an incredible sea salt and caramel fondant – which I implore you to try.

By the time the plates were removed we were both captivated with the sommelier.

A charming and charismatic Frenchman who, of course, had more than enough in his armoury to answer any of my questions about what wine might go with what meal.

A decision I could hardly make on my own of course, with a mere 600 bottle plus wine list - a feature, clearly crucial to the Hotel du Vin, which did not go unnoticed.

And on that note - make sure you take a trip downstairs to see the wine cellar.

We spent the night in the room named Beachy Head – the furnishings were luxurious, with Egyptian cotton sheets, a fantastically comfortable bed, fluffy bath robes and a double shower.

However, the pièce de résistance was the large stand alone bath, tucked neatly in the bay of the window overlooking the sea. It’s a novel way to lose half an hour... or an hour, while casually dropping gourmet popcorn into your mouth – trust me.

For those of you that might like to straighten or dry their hair in front of a mirror however, there was a lack of conveniently located plugs in the room but that was a minor blemish on what was a thoroughly impressive place to stay.

Breakfast the next morning was another enjoyable experience and again the kitchen was on form with a tasty salmon eggs Benedict and delightful French brioche toast with bacon and maple syrup delivered to our table.

The Hotel du Vin granola and the freshly delivered pastries from a local bakery were a real treat and the buffet selection meant you really were spoilt for choice.

I found the 8am breakfast start quite a pleasant change to the usual 6.30am. It makes you stay in bed longer – which believe me you will want to do.

And honestly, the next time I stay in Brighton, a room reservation here will be top of my list.

Hotel du Vin & Birstro, Ship Street, Brighton offers a wide choice of rooms and meal options as well as package deals. For further details see www.hotelduvin.com/locations/brighton/