Hotel Pelirocco is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a series of themed events. Samantha Harman finds out more

Brighton’s original boutique Hotel Pelirocco is celebrating its 15th birthday this year and by way of celebration a party is planned at the venue on the 15th of each month.

Pelirocco is one of a kind and this is something worth shouting about.

“The Pelirocco opened its doors in 2000 and quickly created strong artistic and rock n roll credentials,” says manager Marko Gibson who has been at the hotel since the beginning.

“As an employee then, I have seen the progression from original boutique hotel to ground breaking establishment and it’s something I am proud of.

“We wanted to make a big deal about the hotel’s birthday and rather than having one big party that would be over after a night, we thought we would host monthly lookalike competitions instead.

“Entrants are able to take advantage of half price rooms on the night of each competition too as a thank you for celebrating with us.”

Celebrations are hosted in the quirky hotel bar, and the parties are themed to tie in with the 19 rooms at the hotel.

January saw Betty Paige take the spotlight in honour of “Betties Boudoir” which is a 1950s style room, which includes balcony and spa bath large enough for two.

In February the irrepressible Dolly Parton took centre stage in honour of the “Dollywood” room that is reminiscent of a Kitsch country cabin, with a view of Regency Square.

The afternoon featured a Dolly impersonator, honey apple pie cocktails and Tex Mex food.

Compère for the festivities came in the sparkling form of stand up comedienne Charmaine Davies whose impressive CV includes a supporting role for Jo Brand in the West End.

“I had been the compère for Funny Fursdays the popular Monthly Stand up comedy night at the hotel for over a year, when they asked me to host the lookalike competitions for the hotels 15th birthday I was thrilled and jumped at the chance!” says Charmaine.

“I love doing gigs here; the staff are as brilliant as the venue, very welcoming and always attract a lovely crowd.

“Hosting the last two lookalike competitions has been a blast and I can’t wait for the next.”

Guests were treated to a medley of Dolly Parton’s greatest hits sung by Sam Chara, including Nine To Five, Jolene, and an a cappella version of Little Sparrow that raised the roof. Sam (who insisted on being called Dolly at all times), also entered the look-a-like competition and unsurprisingly won first prize, a professional photo shoot in the Dolly room.

“When I won I was allowed to see the Dollywood room which did not disappoint, it’s full of collector’s items and I felt at home straight away!” says Sam.

“The hotel has a warm hearted atmosphere and the bar is amazing, I had a fantastic afternoon.”

Runner up lookalike- contestant Janet Gorden, who was thrilled to be awarded second place said: “I wouldn’t bother dressing up like this in honour of anyone else apart from Dolly; she is one of my idols and a great role model for women.

“I love Hotel Pelirocco and think the monthly events are a brilliant way to celebrate its 15 years in the business.”

The newly decorated punk room “Pretty Vacant” came to the forefront for March’s frivolities and revellers were asked to take part in a Sid and Nancy look-a-like contest. The room was decorated by the infamous Jamie Reid who was one of the pioneers of the punk rock movement.

He found everlasting fame as the creator of the iconic image of the safety pin through Her Majesty the Queen’s nose. It proved to be an alternative Mothering Sunday event, featuring a punk set from resident DJ Mick Pelirocco and an aptly named cocktail featuring Maker’s Mark bourbon; The Dirty Rocker.

n Visit hotelpelirocco.co.uk