Yes you are right, dinner is best at Etch for the whole experience and cin cin is very nice for lunch. A few drinks before hand and nibbles at fourth and church perhaps...
I would stay at the Grand - however I wouldn't eat there as the food is only fairly average. I would take a short walk along the seafront into central Hove and eat at Etch on church road. Amazing food and experience. Lovely part of the city as well. Tons of nice places to drink, eat and relax...