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 order by which the hotels are listed bears no reflection on our preference.
Written by Fiona Duncan, Marcus Waring
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“Boutique hotel with a 24-hour bar and a great sea view”
- Luxury
- Marine Parade, corner of Lower Rock Gardens; overlooking the sea, close to the Pier
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“Stylish and characterful member of the Hotel du Vin group”
- Moderate
- Ship Street, a narrow cobbled street tucked back from the seafront in the Lanes area of the city
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“A useful, carefully decorated b&b that stands out amongst its neighbours”
- Inexpensive
- In Brighton’s Kemp Town, on the corner of Lower Rock Gardens and Marine Parade, close to the Pier
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“A stripped pine affair where the 20 rooms are named after rivers and everything flows along nicely”
- Moderate
- Set in the faded but grandiose Regency Square, it’s a central but informal spot close to the sea
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“Affordable comfort, not luxury or chic, in central Brighton”
- Inexpensive
- Just off seafront, in Kemp Town, a few minutes walk to Brighton centre
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“Stylish, elegant townhouse hotel that will suit anyone with taste”
- Moderate
- Atlingworth Street, leading to Marine Parade, in Kemp Town
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“Colourful, calm and cool – let feng shui arrange your weekend”
- Moderate
- Next to the contemporary library in the North Laines; close to both the station and the Pavilion
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“A bespoke, boutique, bijou townhouse hotel and restaurant with eight fantasy rooms”
- Moderate
- In New Steine, Kemp Town, just off Marine Parade, 5 minutes walk from the Pier
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