The best hotels in Brighton

Set across two adjoining Georgian townhouses on Kemp Town seafront, Drakes has long been regarded as one of Brighton's best hotels. This is a blow-the-budget deal, but worth every penny. The 20 rooms are all decrated beautifully, especially those with freestanding baths in the floor to ceiling windows. Its restaurant is one of the city's finest, while the excellent cocktail bar is the perfect place to round off a night on the tiles

Pelirocco describes itself as ‘England’s most rock ’n’ hotel’. It's a moniker that's hard to argue with seeing as it hosts regular gigs, DJ sets and comedy nights, plus has 19 music-themed rooms spread across two Regency townhouses. Dollywould is dedicated to Ms Parton, with patchwork quilts and a log cabin vibe, while Pressure Sounds has Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry wallpaper; romantic/dirty weekends can be indulged in the Nookii room. All have free wi-fi. There’s a cocktail bar too.

A pebble's throw from the picturesque ruins of the West Pier, Artist Resident has a chilled atmosphere that belies its location right in the heart of the action. As its names suggests, the 23 rooms here have been decorated by different artists, ensuring each of them has a distinct character. What they do have in common is free Wi-Fi, TVs and tea and coffee-making facilities; many have sea views, and some have standalone baths in the rooms. The Bunk House has four (bunk) beds and is a good budget option for groups of friends.

The 10 rooms at The Square Hotel are spread across the five storeys of this beaurtiful Grade II listed Regency Townhouse on the New Steine. The beach is a minute away, the city's best clubs a short walk too. The rooms here are opulent affairs, while the superb breakfast means you'll soon be able to shake off your hangover and head into town for excellent coffee and vintage shopping in the North Laine.

At the corner of West Street and right on the water, this boasts 79 rooms, many with sea views. Bright and contemporary-looking, it’s the thoughtful extras here that give this place that extra sparkle: complimentary decanters of gin and sherry and White Company toiletries. The spa – opened in early 2017 – has an indoor pool, hot tubs, a sauna, steamroom, gym and treatment rooms. The in-house cocktail bar is the ideal spot for a pre-dinner tipple.

Tucked away between Marine Parade and the party parade that is St James' Street, Nineteen is an oasis of calm in the middle of Brighton's most buzzing district. Its six rooms are decorated with work from local artists, each one with dark oak flooring, a smart TV and Bluetooth speakers for hooking up your own tunes. There's even a Brighton Gin-branded room for booze lovers, the ideal place to get in the mood before heading to the nearby bars and clubs.

This independently run townhouse hotel has 19 rooms, each with an entirely different character and USP: Danube has a free-standing bath and a view; Aragon has a sauna; Wista is a suite. They all have free wi-fi, Illy espresso machines and contemporary furniture and lighting. Una has its own cocktail bar – although, since you’re in the centre of Brighton near the train station, the rest of the city’s nightlife isn’t far away.

Themed rooms, luxury touches and prices that won't leave your wallet empty when you hit the shops, Sea Spray has become one of Brighton's go-to spots for those who want a chic stay on a budget. There's a New York-style loft room, a Marrakech-inspired double with Riad styling, plus a Venetian suite with a balcony featuring views of the Palace Pier. The location is as good as it gets for those looking to indulge in the best that Brighton has to offer, whether it's clubbing all night, sinking local ales at The Hand in Hand or lounging on the beach all day.

This Kemptown hotel delivers a traditional guesthouse on the outside (it’s in a 200-year-old townhouse), and set of bright rooms with period fixtures, sedate decor and original artworks on the walls. Some of the bedrooms have excellent sea views, and what’s more, window seats where you can sit to enjoy them. Each comes with free wi-fi and water, plus a drinks tray. Breakfast is included in all room rates that you book online.

The most iconic hotel in Brighton, The Grand has been a firm favourite for decades. Following a major facelift in 2019, the vast building is back to its former glory, its tastefully decorated rooms looking right across the main section of the city's beach. The on-site spa and gym are great for kicking back and getting ready to try the superb afternoon tea, while the cocktail bar is excellent for people spotting. It's just a quick stroll to the Lanes, while the station is 15 minutes up the hill.