FANCY a relaxing weekend away that won't break the bank? EMMA BRYANT headed to her favourite city of Brighton, but decided to do things differently this time . . .

WITH the recession hitting all our pockets, snatching a weekend break abroad seems like a distant memory to many of us.

But with Christmas well and truly behind us, I decided a chilled out break was just what I needed.

Talk of a trip to Rome, Paris and even New York were soon put to bed by my new year credit card statements, so I decided a jaunt closer to home was in order.

I have visited Brighton on many occasions, mainly for the nightlife and, I have to confess, the shopping, but I thought I would try something a bit different this time round.

The Grand Hotel is not usually the sort of hotel I would go for — it conjures up images of afternoon cream teas, traditional and flowery rooms and, well, maybe an older type of clientele.

Most famous as the target of an IRA attack during the Conservative party conference in 1984, this Victorian seafront icon, has more to offer the younger traveller than you would think.

I admit, as you walk in, the long sweeping staircases and chandeliers make you think of Miss Marple and her sleuthing at Bertram's Hotel, but once I checked into my room all my stereotypical expectations were blown away.

The suite was modern, chic and above all luxurious. It had one of the biggest beds that I have ever seen, a large television, long French windows opening on to a balcony overlooking the sea, and perhaps the most unusual touch — an enormous bath behind the bed where you could sit and relax while watching the waves — pure decadence.

And although it was tempting to spend the rest of the day immersed in bubbles staring at the sea, trying to forget about how much I had spent over the festive period, I dragged myself away to begin exploring the city.

Brighton is a very eclectic city and however you like to spend your time there is plenty to do.

And despite my credit card threatening to snap under overuse I headed to the higgledy-piggledy streets of The Lanes.

The Churchill Square shopping centre houses many of my favourite high street brands, but I decided window shopping was probably for the best. I satisfied my retail urges by gazing at The Lanes' smaller gift and antique shops which all have bags of character.

Shopping isn't the only thing Brighton has to offer however.

The Palace Pier is a must-see with its fun fair, arcades, fair rides, and fortune tellers, and despite the Arctic conditions — it didn't lose any of its charm or appeal.

Brighton also boasts tranquil parks, museums, art galleries and a variety of bars and restaurants, but time flies when you're having fun and there was a cocktail with my name on it waiting for me back at the Grand.

After a rather bracing stroll down the promenade I headed back to my suite for another decadent bubble bath.

A quick sashay down the Grand's sweeping staircases leads you straight into the Victoria bar — the perfect place to enjoy a pre-dinner Bellini while overlooking the sea.

Dinner at the King's Restaurant, as the name suggests, is a very regal affair.

Imposing marble columns and a crystal chandelier create the perfect setting to enjoy the delicious food inspired by local ingredients.

My starter and main course of beetroot salad and halibut were both very tasty, but I would particularly recommend the sticky toffee pudding — it was heavenly.

It seems everything about the hotel is geared towards luxury and indulgence.

Instead of hitting the town as I usually do when visiting Brighton I decided a night in my gorgeous suite was more appealing as the temperature plummeted even more.

I cosied up in my huge bed with a glass of wine and a good book — again, heavenly!

After reluctantly checking out, I consoled myself by heading to the beach across the road to collect a few shells and throw some pebbles into the sea.

The whole experience was a very British one and offered a reminder that while we as a population are quick to go abroad for a relaxing break — myself included — we are incredibly lucky to have cities such as Brighton to escape to.