|
|
 Brighton Hotels
Brighton's attraction as a perfect weekend destination, particularly amongst young people looking for some fun, as well as it's gay friendly reputation, remains undiminished, but as far as hotels are concerned it's also meant that an endless stream of so-called hip new places 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: Kemp Town House, for it's sophistication and attention to detail, and The Town House, for it's brilliantly executed fantasy, stand out. 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 excellent example of the Hotel du Vin chain remains our firm favourite. The hotels are listed by price category, and their order bears no reflection on our preference.
 Reviews by Fiona Duncan and
Reviews by Marcus Waring |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
| Luxury: Boutique hotel with a 24-hour bar and a great sea view |
| Location: Marine Parade, corner of Lower Rock Gardens; overlooking the sea, close to the Pier |
|
|
|
| Of the ‘new wave’ Brighton hotels that boast boutique luxury and contemporary style, this is our favourite, with the added bonus of its superb seafront location (the Pier is in view from many of the rooms, a splendid sight when lit at night). Bedrooms have been expertly designed, with huge beds; best are circular with freestanding-baths. On the ground floor there’s a 24-hour bar, and in the basement, the excellent Restaurant at Drakes. Service is particularly courteous and friendly. |
|
|
 |
|
| Mid Price: Stylish, elegant townhouse hotel that will suit anyone with taste |
| Location: Atlingworth Street, leading to Marine Parade, in Kemp Town |
|
|
|
| There’s real class about this latest addition to the Kemp Town hotel scene, underpinned by the highest of standards. Claas Wulff and Russell Braterman have superbly renovated (rebuilt, not just redecorated) this pretty, slim townhouse, with an elegant and sophisticated first floor reception room for superb chef-cooked breakfasts, afternoon tea and drinks from the honesty bar. Rooms, in shades of grey and off-white, are calming and understated,with carefully chosen furniture, including chairs covered in black cashmere. Shells, candles and fresh flowers add to the mix. |
|
|
|
|
| Mid Price: A bespoke, boutique, bijou townhouse hotel and restaurant with eight fantasy rooms |
| Location: In New Steine, Kemp Town, just off Marine Parade, 5 minutes walk from the Pier |
|
|
|
| A remarkable hotel, by any standards. International designers Maarten Hoffman and Lionel Dumas have – “several bottles of Chablis later, per room” – created eight fantasy rooms, taking guests from an alpine mountain to outer space, and from a desert Kasbah to the Moulin Rouge with incredible authenticity and attention to detail, with all mod cons in place but imaginatively hidden. Prices, notwithstanding, are extremely reasonable and there’s an excellent basement restaurant. Outwardly, it looks like just another Brighton b&b – a true hidden gem. |
|
|
|
|
| Mid Price: Stylish and characterful member of the Hotel du Vin group |
| Location: Ship Street, a narrow cobbled street tucked back from the seafront in the Lanes area of the city |
|
|
|
| A collection of Gothic revival and mock-Tudor buildings (erected by a wine merchant on the site of an old Brighton inn) make up this member of the stylish Hotel du Vin chain of town hotels. In the main building, bizarre gargoyles watch over a double height hall, now housing the wine bar and heavily carved staircase, which are also overlooked by the billiards and gallery. The 37 rooms have a breezy seaside feel and the Loft Suites each have telescopes for spying boats out at sea. |
|
|
|
|
| Mid Price: Colourful, calm and cool – let feng shui arrange your weekend |
| Location: Next to the contemporary library in the North Laines; close to both the station and the Pavilion |
|
|
|
| From the huge Buddha picture above obligatory candles and cushions to the fish swimming in the fashionable bar and their relatives sizzling in the Zilli Brasserie, this hotel is a tonic for eye and mind. Each floor has fun in-your-face karmic artwork, quiet curved rooms and futuristic beds. The Zilli café is an informal deli with dangerously rich homemade ice cream (surrender your diet to the pistachio) and the restaurant proper has decent wines and delicious fritto di calamari. Splurge on the rooftop Jade studio with Roche-Bobois bed and free-standing bath. |
|
|
|
|
| Mid Price: A stripped pine affair where the 20 rooms are named after rivers and everything flows along nicely |
| Location: Set in the faded but grandiose Regency Square, it’s a central but informal spot close to the sea |
|
|
|
| Note the cocktail bar with comfy leather chairs as you check in – pop back later for a concoction. Eden is a wonderfully spacious room and has a huge flatscreen, compact loo and creaky wooden floors. Lie in the bath behind the antique screen, gaze out through the shutters at the sea and plot where to head for supper. Two luxurious rooms here have saunas and the masseuse is firm but fair. The eggs Benedict in the bright breakfast room makes mornings worthwhile and the staff are friendly souls. |
|
|
|
|
| Inexpensive: Affordable comfort, not luxury or chic, in central Brighton |
| Location: Just off seafront, in Kemp Town, a few minutes walk to Brighton centre |
|
|
|
| The Alvia Hotel is a converted nineteenth-century house in a quiet street, convenient for the conference centre, or the seafront. Rather dated décor (black curtains, wrought iron bedstead), but clean, modern bathrooms and comfortable beds. No bedside phone or air conditioning. Very welcoming, helpful reception. Breakfast hearty rather than fancy. The whole package offers very good value for central Brighton. |
|
|
|
|
| Inexpensive: A useful, carefully decorated b&b that stands out amongst its neighbours |
| Location: In Brighton’s Kemp Town, on the corner of Lower Rock Gardens and Marine Parade, close to the Pier |
|
|
|
| In a street of bedsits and boarding houses, yet conveniently placed between the sea and the shops of Kemp Town, the Amherst stands out. With eight rooms in total, there are two on each floor, and those in the front have original Victorian fireplaces, baths instead of showers and sea views. All rooms are neatly decorated with quirky, fun touches such as funky mirrors and lighting. The owners, Armand and Patricia, are hands-on, friendly and helpful. A good, inexpensive base. |
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
