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Brighton is a great weekend destination for fun-seekers and lovers of the British seaside, but for a place of its size and popularity it has relatively few really great places to stay. Packed with independent shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, it is buzzy and jolly and home to a great many creative ex-Londoners and a healthy gay population - don't be surprised to see club-wear or drag in the supermarket.

An endless stream of so-called hip new places to stay keep cropping up, only to turn out as tired and distinctly un-hip as their many neighbours. Kemp Town, with its quirky shops and tight grid of little streets leading to the seafront, is the usual location of these townhouse start-ups, as well as for a plethora of tired-looking b&bs and boarding houses.

Here, we pick out the best and ignore the rest. We also highlight the best of Brighton's larger hotels, while we hope patiently for a revamp of the iconic 19th century Grand Hotel, in prime position overlooking the sea and the famous pier.

The best places to stay in Brighton

• Probably the best-known hotel in Brighton on our list is drakes. Occupying a great position overlooking the pier this boutique property has a 24 hour bar, decent restaurant and freestanding baths in some rooms. Well designed rooms with huge beds.
• The Hotel du Vin in Brighton is as dependable here as its sister establishments all over the UK. There is a wine bar and brasserie and the loft suites have telescopes.
• Una is a B & B with 19 rooms all named after rivers. Excellent breakfasts and a bar where you can plan or reflect on dinner.
• The Kemp Townhouse in one of the most popular parts of Brighton is another B & B where you can also have afternoon tea and there is an honesty bar.
• The town's original boutique hotel, Blanch House, also in Kemp Town has individually designed rooms including the Snowstorm, which houses a collection of snow globes. Home made biscuits on arrival are a popular touch.
• The feng shui aware Myhotel is a decked out with karmic artwork and futuristic furniture and has an informal deli which serves richly delicious ice cream as well as a pleasant restaurant.

Browse through our list of the best places to stay in Brighton and start to plan your stay. Please feel free to call or email a friendly guru for advice. Contact

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  drakes

  Brighton

  Seafront boutique with a 24-hour bar and great sea views from some of the rooms. Decent restaurant, close to the Pier. Large beds, some with freestanding baths.

  20 rooms from $217

  Views  -  In some rooms you can take a bath with a view of the sea

  Sights nearby  -  Close to the Pier

  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Good Hotel Guide, Kiwi Collection, Sawdays, Travel Intelligence
• Enquire direct Online rates

  Hotel du Vin Brighton

  Brighton

  Breezy seaside feel to this stylish edition of the ever dependable boutique chain, one of the first of its type. Some seaviews and brasserie food and wine.

  49 rooms from $208

  Downtown  -  Situated in The Lanes conservation area.

  Beach nearby  -  A stone's throw from the seafront.

  Sights nearby  -  Well located for major sights.

  Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide, Kiwi Collection, Travel Intelligence
• Enquire direct Online rates

  Una

  Brighton

  A stripped down contemporary refashioning of Georgian townhouses, with 19 rooms named after rivers. Well positioned for all the sights, good value, highly popular. B&B only.

  19 rooms from $185

  Bar  -  Great selection of cocktails, whisky, cognac and champagne

  Artworks  -  All rooms feature original contemporary artwork.

  Sights nearby  -  Well located for major sights.
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  Kemp Townhouse

  Brighton

  Stylish compact townhouse hotel of just nine rooms in the centre of town - a boutique for an affordable price. No restaurant, but calming, understated rooms.

  9 rooms from $153

  Romantic  -  Flowers, champagne and "love hampers" can be delivered to your room.

  Sights nearby  -  Just off the seafront and 500m from the Pier

  Recommended by  -  I Escape, Sawdays
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  Blanch House

  Brighton

  Refurbished townhouse hotel a stone's throw from Brighton's seafront - the town's original boutique hotel. Quirky, individually styled bedrooms, b+b plus Sunday lunch offered.

  12 rooms from $135

  Quirky  -  Individually designed bedrooms - all with a different theme.

  Downtown  -  A short walk from both the centre of town and seafront.

  Bar  -  Champagne, wine and cocktail bar.

  Sights nearby  -  Well located for major sights.
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  Myhotel

  Brighton

  Candles, artworks and funky beds create the personality of this colourful, feng-shui-aware MyHotel. Brasserie food, a cool rooftop suite, and town centre as against seafront. Great rates on certain days.

  from $95

  Bar  -  Merkaba is one of Brighton's hottest nightspots.

  Designer  -  Vibrant designs following Feng Shui principles.

  Sights nearby  -  Close to both Brighton Pavilion and The Dome.

  Recommended by  -  Travel Intelligence