Mercure Hotel in Brighton

Britain's beaches are seriously underrated and this stylish 4-star hotel, just one minute walk from the beach, is the perfect base of operations for your Groom's last weekend of freedom. Gentlemen of refinement (which of course you all are) will be right at home in the Grade II listed building that dates back to 1864, overlooks the sea and the promenade, and has tonnes of character.

The telly addicts among your party will be happy with the satellite TV in every room so they can keep up with Bake Off and, even more useful, each room has a free WiFi (because Brighton is an instagrammer's dream and no one wants to rinse their data in one weekend). Some of the rooms even boast incredible sea views. There's also room service just in case the night before has left your head feeling a little too tender to face the day. You'll be glad to hear that there are also tea and coffee making facilities for just such an occasion.

You and the rest of the stags can meet downstairs in the bar for practise pint or two and scheme about the various pranks the Groom will have to endure during the evening ahead before heading out into Brighton. Any stags who enjoy a late night (or early morning) feast will be well catered for at the 24-hour restaurant with views over the sea. There is even a 24-hour reception who will be glad to answer any questions you have and who offer a luggage storage service. Parking is also available, a welcome addition for anyone who's just undertaken a long drive to Brighton.

Brighton Pier (yes THE Brighton Pier), The Lanes shopping district and former Royal residence the Royal Pavilion, are just a mile from the hotel. All of these local landmarks, especially the Royal Pavilion, are absolute must sees and will make excellent break points when you all get bored looking at the inside of Brighton's various watering holes. Brighton is a truly excellent place for your Groom's last hurrah so make sure you give him the last weekend of freedom that he deserves.