Brighton hotels

Boutique hotel brand Artist Residence now has properties in Oxfordshire, Cornwall, Bristol, and London, but it all started with this Brighton spot. Since opening their doors on Regency Square, the locations have become known for their eclectic design style. Keep an eye out for paintings by French graffiti artist Blek le Rat and collage murals by Maria Rivans lining the walls.
Spanning two Grade II-listed townhouses, the hotel has 25 rooms, all of which exemplify Brighton’s bohemian edge – think hand-picked antique furniture, copper slipper baths and retro Roberts radios. Split into two categories – Arty rooms and House rooms – many of the former come with excellent sea views and private balconies, while all feel gloriously spacious thanks to high ceilings.
My favorite spot in the hotel has to be the tiny-but-perfectly formed bar, where you can relax with a strong cocktail or two.

If you’re looking for a quieter spot away from the hustle and bustle of Brighton’s seafront, The Ginger Pig is the place for you. Located in Hove, it’s a 15-minute bus ride from Brighton’s center, but don’t let that put you off – this charming guesthouse is a destination in its own right. Owned by renowned local chef Ben McKellar, the 11 bedrooms are located above Hove’s hugely popular Ginger Pig restaurant, which is always packed with locals who come to sample the finest Sussex produce.
Despite the food being the main draw for many, plenty of thought has gone into the rooms, which are supremely sleek and stylish. Walls are painted charcoal gray and hung with original artworks by local artists, while quirky retro furniture pieces add pops of color. I particularly love the thoughtful extra touches here, like the pre-mixed cocktails you’ll find in the minibar.

When it comes to Brighton local history, The Grand has it in spades. The vast seafront property is hard to miss – no wonder it was originally named “the Palace by the Sea” in its Victorian heyday. While you’ll find plenty of glamorous Art Deco flourishes dotted around the public spaces, with ornate cornicing on the ceilings, wrought-iron banisters and marble pillars, the interiors have been given a thoroughly modern update, with a soothing color palette of soft neutrals and sleek contemporary furniture in the rooms.
The whole place oozes British charm, from the doormen in their bowler hats and checked trousers to the Brighton-themed photography of striped deckchairs and neon signs in the rooms. Don’t leave without enjoying a traditional afternoon tea at the Victoria Terrace, which overlooks the seafront promenade, or stopping off for a cocktail in the lively bar.

Located on smart Regency Square, Hotel Pelirocco’s classic façade gives no hint of the wonderfully over-the-top rooms that lie within. Billed as “England’s most rock ‘n’ roll hotel”, every room here has a theme, from the wood-clad Dollywood, designed to look like Dolly Parton’s country cabin, to Tropical Paradise, which comes with a romantic four-poster bed and a hammock, where you can lie back and watch the sea roll in.
Everything about this property taps into Brighton’s fun party vibe, so if you’re looking for a quiet getaway this may not be the spot for you. But few places encapsulate the city’s carefree hedonism quite like the Pelirocco, with its karaoke lounge and vibrant bar, home to some of the city’s most popular live music and DJ nights.

With a fantastic location overlooking Brighton Palace Pier, Drakes is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Brighton. Spanning two beautiful Georgian townhouses in bohemian Kemptown – one of my favorite neighborhoods – this is a favorite with A-listers when they’re in town, with everyone from Cate Blanchett to Woody Allen having spent the night here.
It’s not hard to see why: each of the 20 rooms is gorgeously stylish, with chic furnishings and wood paneling. Go for a superior room if you can, where the roll top baths are placed in front of floor-to-ceiling windows to make the most of the stunning sea views.
The hotel restaurant, Dilsk, is a destination in its own right and hugely popular with Brighton natives and visitors alike, who come to feast on Modern British dishes made with local produce.

While Brighton is known for its quirky, offbeat offerings, Square Townhouse might just be one of the most grown-up B&B-style hotels around. Elegant and luxurious, it makes a welcome change from some of the city’s more ramshackle bed and breakfasts.
Located steps from the beach in lively Kemptown, the property is spread across a five-floor Regency townhouse that has been lovingly restored by owner Ginny Porpora. She’s also the brains behind the interiors, which blend striking contemporary pieces with antique furnishings like twinkling chandeliers.
There are 10 beautifully styled rooms to choose from, five of which come with sea views. If you’re feeling particularly flush, opt for the enormous Hemsley Suite, which spans the entire lower-ground floor and has its own kitchen, dining room and lounge. Breakfasts here are known for being some of the best in Brighton:you can order everything from pancakes and Eggs Royale to shakshuka.

Despite its central location a short walk from Brighton Pier and The Lanes, this property is filled with Gallic charm thanks to its French owner. The cozy rooms all feature appealingly retro décor, making it feel like you’ve stepped back in time – think chintz wallpaper, antique mirrors, and vintage lampshades.
Several of the rooms are on the smaller side, making this an ideal spot for solo travelers. If you want a bit more space, go for one of the deluxe double or triple rooms, many of which come with fantastic sea views. Owner Hervé Guyat is a friendly presence at the hotel, always on hand to offer up suggestions on the best local spots to visit or restaurants to book into.
That being said, dinner at the hotel’s Bistro is a must – their three-course French-influenced set menu paired with excellent wines is my go-to option for date nights.

Located on the east side of Regency Square, this is another hotel that makes the list of top boutique hotels in Brighton. Owned by a husband-and-wife duo, it’s clear how much love and work has gone into turning this into one of Brighton’s most sought-after hotels.
There are plenty of well-thought-out touches – each of the 17 rooms is named after a different river around the world and all feature striking wooden floors and furniture. The rooms all have their own personality, with hand-picked items lending them a homey feel, and the best have floor-to-ceiling windows that offer views of the sea.
It’s hard to beat the stylish, spacious Danube and Eden suites, which have original fireplaces and free-standing baths, while spa rooms come with their own whirlpool baths and saunas, making them ideal for romantic weekends away.

When it comes to hotel chains with heart, you can’t beat Hotel Du Vin, whose properties always maintain a boutique and independent feel. Their Brighton location is housed in a cluster of Gothic-style, pale green buildings that was originally a 19th-century wine merchant’s store, and is filled with character and charm.
It also happens to be one of the few Brighton hotels located right in the heart of The Lanes, one of the city’s loveliest neighborhoods, filled with cobbled alleyways, vintage jewelry stores, and one-off fashion boutiques. There are 49 spacious rooms to choose from, each of which has a fresh, seaside feel, with nautical-inspired soft furnishings, clapboard paneling on the walls and coastal paraphernalia like driftwood and wooden oars dotted around.
The hotel bistro is a lovely spot for a casual lunch or dinner, while the split-level bar is popular with locals, particularly the charming outdoor terrace.

Situated on a quiet Regency-era road in Kemptown, this elegant adults-only establishment is one of the top-rated hotels in Brighton for a romantic getaway. Housed in an attractive Georgian townhouse, its central location means it’s just a short walk to all of Brighton’s main attractions.
The opulent interiors match the sophisticated façade, with jewel-toned velvet furnishings, gilt mirrors, and high ceilings in the public spaces, giving the hotel a refined air of luxury from the offset. Meanwhile, check-in takes place in a champagne and cocktail bar.
The 12 rooms are no less opulent, with sparkling chandeliers, beautifully restored antique furniture, roll top baths and plush super-king-size beds. Each is based on a different theme, from the saffron-colored, Marrakech-inspired Moroccan to the serene Snowstorm. My top pick? The Perrier Jouët room, which features floor-to-ceiling bay windows with a side-sea view.