HOTEL businesses are celebrating as they can finally reopen today - and Brighton has been named one of the top summer destinations for tourists.

The Hilton Brighton Metropole in King's Road is among those welcoming back guests following months of closure, as Covid-19 restrictions are eased further.

The hotel chain said it is "ready to embrace a pent-up demand for travel" as overnight stays are now permitted for groups of six or two households.

Hilton said its seafront hotel in Brighton is among the chain's most popular destinations across the country, with online searches for leisure stays having risen in recent weeks.

The Argus: A cleaner at the Hilton Brighton Metropole hotel, which has reopened today. Photo: Ciaran McCrickard/PA WireA cleaner at the Hilton Brighton Metropole hotel, which has reopened today. Photo: Ciaran McCrickard/PA Wire

The hotel group has also seen searches for London staycations increase by 20 per cent week on week.

Stephen Cassidy, managing director of Hilton UK and Ireland, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming back leisure guests to our properties in England, after what has been the toughest year in the hospitality industry’s history.

"This is a crucial step to kick-starting tourism activities in the UK, as well as a meaningful recovery for the sector.

"With pent-up demand for a safe summer of travel, we are excited to be able to welcome British holidaymakers back to Hilton hotels once again, offering best-in-class hospitality, cleanliness and booking flexibility.”

It comes after Brighton was named one of the most popular coastal holiday destinations for this summer.

A survey of 2,000 adults by Travelodge found more than four in five were planning a staycation break, mainly because of the impact on international travel due to Covid-19.

Half of respondents said they had not had a holiday since the first lockdown began in March 2020.

Brighton was among the preferred destinations for a coastal holiday, as well as Cornwall, Devon, Blackpool and Bournemouth.

Travelodge estimated the staycation boom could be worth up to £31 billion to the UK economy.

Spokeswoman for the hotel chain Shakila Ahmed said: “We are delighted to reopen all of our hotels across the UK today and we are getting geared up for a busy summer season.”