Brighton became a popular destination for day-trippers after the arrival of the railway in 1841.
Victorians came to bathe in the sea for the good of their health with the women using the bathing machines for modesty.
Gradually men and women were able to bath together in their daring new bathing suits which showed the women’s ankle.
As well as day trippers the city people would get away from the daily grind and take their holidays and weekends in Brighton, as a result there was a call for cheap hotels in Brighton with parking.
The building of major attractions such as the Grand Hotel in 1864 the West Pier in 1866 and the Palace Pier in 1899 would have needed extra labour and the population almost trebled in that hundred year period to 1901.
Population growth by 1962 had reached over 160,000 and the extended modern Brighton and Hove along the coast today has a population of around 480,000. The vast number of visitors each year provide employment and income for the population.
Piers originally were for the purpose of embarking and disembarking to and from ships, but once built were used to provide entertainment for visitors in the form of a funfair, restaurants and arcade halls.
When the weather was inclement holiday makers not wanting to be confined to cheap hotels in Brighton marina would enjoy the entertainment on the pier.
The West Pier, the oldest by 50 years, was closed in 1975 for renovation and deliberately cut off from the shore for safety reasons. The walkway, connecting the concert hall and pavilion, collapsed and fell into the sea during a storm in December 2002 and in January the concert all also fell into the sea. Then in March 2003 it suffered a devastating fire which the fire fighters were not able to reach because of the collapsed walkway. In May another fire broke out consuming most of what was left of the concert hall, re-igniting the following day.Arson, by professional arsonists, was suspected.
June 2004 saw high winds cause the middle of the pier to collapse, making rebuilding almost impossible. As the West Pier is a grade one listed building this poses something of a dilemma.
Brighten Pier built later in 1899 however is still operational and has been known for some time as Palace Pier because of its exorbitant prices.
Visitors staying at cheap hotels in Brighton probably do not frequent this area preferring instead to frequent the seafront bars, amusement arcades, restaurants, and, nightclubs situated between the two piers and easily accessed by the electric railway that runs along the inland edge of the beach from Brighton Pier to Black Rock and Brighton Marina.
Being less than an hour from London by train has made Brighton a popular destination for the night life, musical events and festivals. Cheap hotels in Brighton can accommodate those who are not fortunate enough to be able to afford the more expensive and luxurious hotels, and they can still enjoy the facilities without breaking the bank.