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The best hotels in Brighton

Check out the best places to stay in Brighton, whatever your budget

Written by
Yolanda Zappaterra
&
Joe Minihane
Contributor
Rosemary Waugh
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Brighton's breezy access from London and its proximity to the rolling countryside of the South Downs has made it an easy go-to for city escapees for decades. And while its myriad pleasures, from chips on the pier to ice cream on the beach, via antiques shopping and trawling for vintage in the Lanes, are readily available on a day trip, it's better to make a night of it. Stay at one of Brighton's best hotels and you can kick back with a cold drink in one of the city's excellent pubs and head to a club and party into the small hours without having to make the mad dash for the last train. Whatever your budget, these are the places to spend the night in the UK's coolest seaside city.

Recommended: the best Brighton Airbnbs
Recommended: the best hotels in Brighton

Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Best hotels in Brighton

Drakes
Booking.com

1. Drakes

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
Booking.com

2. Pelirocco

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.

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Square Townhouse
Image courtesy of Square Townhouse/booking.com

3. Square Townhouse

The 10 rooms at the Square Townhouse 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.

Brighton Harbour Hotel & Spa
Booking.com

4. Brighton Harbour Hotel & Spa

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.

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Hotel Una
Booking.com

5. Hotel Una

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.

The Southern Belle
Image courtesy of The Southern Belle/booking.com

6. The Southern Belle

This little treat of a boutique hotel lets you get your fill of sea-and-beach (it’s right on the seafront) while also offering a great big dollop of old school Sussex cosiness. Each of the Townhouse rooms channel a paired-back heritage aesthetic that will keep you feeling snug when that Brighton wind whips up. Best of all, there’s a Proper Pub serving local ales and a dark-and-storm cocktail bar on the premises. All in: you will want for nothing.

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7. Sea Spray

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.

The Charm

8. The Charm

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.

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The Grand Brighton
Booking.com

9. The Grand Brighton

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. 

 

Ginger Pig
DEVLINPHOTOS

10. Ginger Pig

This charming Hove joint, located near the beach, has a total of 11 rooms across two floors. The rooms here are gorgeously designed: stylish, bold and with nice touches like an imaginitively stocked minibar (check out their premixed ‘Ginger’ cocktails!), a Nespresso machine, kettle and speedy Wi-Fi. Bathrooms make for eye candy here too, with Cowshed toiletries and an oversized shower or stand-alone bathtub. The award-winning Ginger Pig Bar and Restaurant downstairs serves traditional food sourced from local suppliers and an A-class breakfast can be had for an extra charge in the light-filled Orangerie Dining Room.

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