As the weather was great, I decided to make the trip down to Brighton. Almost all the hotels were booked, and those that weren't, were easily over £250 night, including the Old Ship. Luckily I found a last minute same day rate via HotelTonight for £115 at the Old Ship.
I can't complain too much as my rate was cheap, but I could never imagine anyone paying £275 (the rate on expedia) for the Old Ship. It's a definite 2-star establishment badly in need of refurbishment. The hotel website and signage claims 4-stars but that is only because they offer an on-site bar/restaurant with room service or else they made up that rating themselves.
The carpets were quite soiled both in the hallways and the room. The water pressure in the small stall shower was ok, but the shower head was damaged and it leaked everywhere. My room was reasonably quiet and cool despite no air conditioning (it had a operable window and a ceiling fan) and rather high (27C) day-time temps! The hotel is rather large, with an odd layout, expect to take a small dirty lift up to your floor and then navigate up and down steps, opening countless fire doors along the way. The halls were grotty and need to be cleaned if not completely redone.
Location is quite good, a stone's throw from the Brighton Pier and easy access to the beach and all the restaurants and shops of the coastal city. Some of the rooms should have pretty spectacular views.
Wifi was free but capped at 516K speeds---basically dial-up speeds. This is 2013, not 1998, seriously Old Ship, upgrade your infrastructure to the times.
I do not recommend the Old Ship until it is majorly redone...it's shocking that they try to charge £275 for this place! read more