Opened in 1864, The Grand Hotel in Brighton (often called the "Palace by the Sea") was designed by architect John Whichcord Jr. on the site of the former West Battery.

It is infamous for the 1984 bombing by the IRA during the Conservative Party Conference. The blast killed five people and caused catastrophic structural damage. Much of the rebuilt section at the front is characterised by the lack of balconies and railings.

The hotel underwent a massive £16.2 million refurbishment in 2019 to restore its Victorian façade and update its interior.