The 12 best Airbnbs in Brighton for a short break by the sea

This quirky studio apartment is one of the best Airbnbs in Brighton's city centre, making it a must for those who want to be right in the buzz of it all. Around you, you'll find many shops, restaurants and bars, because you'll be just minutes away from The Lanes. The seafront is a short walk away if it's the beach you're after. You'll find the pier, places to eat that are literally on the pebbles and picturesque views (we recommend taking a can to watch the sun go down over the water). 

Rooms? One. Sleeps two guests.

Mood? Central convenience.

Location perks? In the heart of the city centre, within easy walking distance to the shops and beachfront. 

Budget range? Very affordable. 

If you're splashing out on one of those all-or-nothing romantic getaways, this is the only place you should be staying in Brighton. The Grade II-listed building blends spacious rooms with a stylish aesthetic. It's located in Kemptown, so you've got cracking views and easy access to the beach. In fact, you can see it from the balcony every morning. Inside, you've got a double bed and full bathroom with a fabulously large living and dining space. So when you're not trying out the city's best restaurants, you can host cute date nights with homecooked meals. 

Rooms? One. Sleeps two guests.

Mood? Natural light beauty.

Location perks? Inside, the ceilings are the main draw (all 11ft of them) and outside, you've got a bijou balcony with stunning sea views. Bliss.

Budget range? Well-priced.

Brighton is full of vintage, retro goodness thanks to its quirky vibes and abundance of quaint independent shops down the lanes. This Airbnb cottage is situated in the heart of Brighton, only a five-minute walk from the train station and the beach. Nestled in the Laines conservation area, Brighton's bustling local shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars are all at your doorstep where you can easily spend the day exploring and rummaging for some unique buys and antique treasures. The Airbnb sleeps four guests in a double bed and a sofa bed, making it the ideal stay for friends or a romantic trip away for couples. Your new home away from home comes with everything to make your trip comfortable, including a log-burning stove in the living room for chillier evenings and a fully-equipped kitchen. The interior has an overall country charm to it with hints of retro colour and unique furnishings to give it that Brighton persona. 

Rooms? One. Sleeps four guests.

Mood? Quirky cottagecore.

Location perks? With the train station nearby, and endless independent shops to explore, this is a great central location in Brighton.

Budget range? A great deal for four.

Planning a group trip? This house has enough room for up to eight guests. Decorated with bright colours, stylish furnishings and eclectic original features, it's got all you could need to make lasting memories with your crew. On the ground floor, you've got a spacious living and dining area, along with a balcony – a nice spot for your morning coffee. As for sleeping arrangements, there are three large bedrooms (so no bickering over who goes where) and an additional pull-out sofa bed downstairs. The home is in the Powis Square area, which prime position for exploring the city. 

Rooms? Three. Sleeps eight guests.

Mood? Eclectic beauty.

Location perks? Rare outside space, a few minutes walk from the beach and a truly beautiful place to call home for a few days.

Budget range? Spenny but great for group stays.

Channel your inner movie star at this beachfront babe. Walls come plastered with images of Marilyn and Elizabeth Taylor, while blush pink sofas, patterned wallpaper and stripey tiled floors make the space feel glamorous yet quirky at the same time. Of course, it's all about the view here. So when you're not swanning around like a celeb, you can make the most of sunnier climes by whipping up a cocktail and soaking up the sights of the seafront from your private balcony. It doesn't get much better than that really, does it?

Rooms? One. Sleeps four guests.

Mood? Next-level views.

Location perks? The views. Endlessly beautiful and a real treat for a Brighton beachfront stay.

Budget range? As spenny as it gets – but we'd argue, totally worth it.

This bohemian hideaway is a feast for the senses. The perfect artist's escape, it's brimming with plants, bright furnishings and quirky touches. Found just a stone's throw from Preston Park, the apartment has a blend of vintage and modern vibes going on, from the sunny terrace space to the large bedroom (with a very cushy sleeping setup). It's close enough to the city without all the background noise, giving you plenty of peace and quiet for getting creative. Maybe you could start that novel, after all?

Rooms? One. Sleeps four guests.

Mood? Bohemian opulence.

Location perks? Walking distance to the city centre and Preston Park is just seconds away. Easy peasy. 

Budget range? High-end but great.

Obsessed with the idea of glamping? Check out this charming shepherd's hut at South Downs Rural Retreats. You'll be able to get a little R&R while soaking up incredible views from your idyllic temporary home, which just so happens to be located on a working farm. As well as offering a comfortable bed, open-plan living and kitchen, the stay includes our very own hot tub tucked away just behind the hut. You can wander directly off the farm to the South Downs and Findon village, with Brighton just a short drive away. 

Rooms? One. Sleeps two guests.

Mood? Rural escape.

Location perks? Outdoor hot tub, private garden and endless rolling hills. What more could you need?

Budget range? Worth every penny.

Who doesn't want to live like a king? The Regency residence will have you lapping up a life of luxury, from lounging on plush velvet sofas with bonbons and glasses of fizz to doing gold face masks in the bloody huge standing bath. The townhouse has enough space for 16, yes 16 guests across five large bedrooms. The house retains a lot of its original splendour, so expect to find high ceilings, wooden flooring and grand fireplaces. There is also a state-of-the-art smart home automation system and, this is the best bit, your very own cinema.

Rooms? Five. Sleeps 16+ guests.

Mood? In your Regency era.

Location perks? In the heart of Kemp Town village with stunning sea views and an easy trip into the city.

Budget range? Spenny AF.

The Duck Lodge is just as cute as you would hope. An upgraded log cabin with its own hot tub, this cosy spot in Pyecombe will have you waking up in tranquillity. Have a morning coffee and croissant in a lush green garden, or you know, in a hot tub if that's what you're into (might be a bit soggy though). The space is kitted out with Sonos, Sky TV and Nespresso coffee machines, so you can seclude yourself in style. Around you, you've got the drop-dead stunning countryside of the South Downs. Or Brighton if you need some civilisation. 

Rooms? One. Sleeps two guests.
Mood? Nature's calling.
Location perks? Peace, quiet and a whole lotta garden to explore. 
Budget range? Very affordable. 

Unusual artwork? Check. Black and gold furniture? Check. Erotic library? Double check. This house is probably one of the most unique finds on Airbnb. Behind the hot pink door lies a space that's full of character. From the light-up artwork in the bedroom to the mirrored wetroom, there's definitely a running theme. When you aren't reading DH Lawrence on the decked terrace (the purple hue of the glass roof creates a lovely reading light), you've got a plethora of things to do nearby, including the Royal Pavillion, the i360 and the Lanes. 

Rooms? One. Sleeps two guests.

Mood? Hedonistic bliss.

Location perks? All the bells, whistles and quirks you could dream of living here – but if you venture outside, you'll find the ocean and the city in minutes.

Budget range? A great deal.

This Airbnb rental located right by the station is the epitome of calm - if you're looking for some interior design inspo, this place will give you a run for your money. Featuring two spacious bedrooms, a living room and a kitchen all of which sport a bright, boho minimalist feel that makes for irresistibly cosy evenings and an instant mood boost.  

Rooms? Two bedrooms. Sleeps four.  

Mood? Boho chic. 

Location perks? You're in the prime spot for exploring the city centre's most popular attractions like North Laine, Brighton beach, pubs and restaurants. 

Budget range? A luxe weekend away. 

The chances are you came to Brighton for one of two things: the nightlife or to be by the sea. This seafront apartment is a stunning spot for both of those things. Wake up to the chorus of seagulls each morning followed by seaside views at breakfast -  the windows here are epic, so there's no lack of sunlight here, further complemented by the bright walls and bold sofas for contrast and style. As you gathered, kicking back at the apartment is a cosy affair, and luckily this one is big enough to house six. Ideal for families, a friends' trip or even a base for your bachelorette. 

Rooms? Three bedroom. Sleeps six.

Mood? Bright and airy.

Location perks? Of course, the sea views are a big selling point here, while you're also in close proximity to the trendy North Laine for the flea markets and the restaurants. 

Budget range? Not bad on price when you split the bill.