Brighton and Hove's most famous hotels have been panned in a new tourist guide.

None of the city's big names escaped stinging criticism in the latest edition of Harden's Hotel Guide.

The world-famous De Vere Grand hotel was slated as "trading on a reputation".

The Hilton Brighton Metropole has "tatty" rooms, the Old Ship is "dull" and the Thistle is "vast and hideous".

The 2004 guidebook, based on findings from hundreds of customer surveys, criticises what it calls a culture of complacency among the major players on the city's tourist scene.

But it does find space to compliment the host of new boutique-style hotels which have sprung up in recent years.

Author Peter Harden said: "We do not know whether Brighton's hoteliers have become fat in the two centuries that the city has been a more-or-less fashionable destination but they have certainly become complacent.

"The large hotels, all run by major groups, incited a shamefully high proportion of negative commentary. A new wave of boutique hotels brings the hope of some relief but you really must book well ahead if you want to guarantee escaping the tired clutches of the old guard."

Reports from guests at The Grand included what the book calls an "unacceptably high level of negatives".

Typical remarks, the guide says, include the words "tired", "characterless", "complacent" and "way too expensive".

The Argus made an impromptu inspection of the hotel yesterday and found the staff and guests bemused and hurt.

Angela Lewis, running an international conference for 250 delegates at the hotel, said: "It's fantastic here and perfect for what we required.

"We looked round for some time for somewhere we would fit in. We came to Brighton and as soon as we walked into The Grand we knew this was right.

"The Harden's Guide have got it wrong. We shall be back."

The five-star Grand, with rooms from £105 to the £1,450 Presidential suite, is considered the favourite venue for prime ministers, VIPs and international stars.

Nancy Mollett, the hotel deputy manager, has worked in the hotel industry for 13 years. Seven of those years have been at The Grand during three stints.

She said: "I keep coming back - it has such a friendly atmosphere.

"Guests think so too. Sixty per cent have been with us before and one couple have been coming every year since it reopened in 1986."

She read a letter from one couple from Yorkshire who stayed recently: "The room was fabulous and the food out of this world and all the staff were friendly and helpful.

"It was magnificent - we were treated like royalty."

Miss Mollett said it was possible remarks about The Grand and others could hurt the local hotel industry but she was confident word-of-mouth recommendations would counter the threat.

Deputy city council leader Sue John, who specialises in tourism, said: "Thousands of people enjoying staying at the De Vere Grand and Brighton and Hove's other top hotels each year and many satisfied customers frequently return.

"The people writing the guide may prefer the Hotels du Vin and Malmaison, and these landmark boutique hotels are very popular, but other people may prefer The Grand or a bed-and-breakfast - it all depends on what you're looking for.

"The important thing is Brighton and Hove has such a wide range of accommodation, whether you want a five-star hotel, a smaller hotel or a top-quality B&B."