Brighton has been a famous seaside resort since the Georgian era, when the well-to-do would flock to its shores to take in the benefits of the sea air. Nowadays, holidaymakers are drawn by its lively music scene and independent shopping – as well as the perennially kitsch seaside ambience.
Meander through the labyrinthine lanes, lie back on striped deckchairs at the pier and gaze in awe at the curvaceous domes of the Royal Pavilion.
This chic and cheerful Brighton hotel revels in colour, with neon lights and rainbow tones brightening the interior. The rooms feature walls emblazoned in poster art, ideal for those holiday selfies, and airy bathrooms with contemporary all-white fittings.
Perched on Brighton’s seafront, Malmaison offers views of the yacht-lined marina from its floor-to-ceiling windows and elegant terrace. After taking in the vista, sample continental-inspired mains like moules frites, rounded off by British desserts such as rhubarb trifle at the popular restaurant.
Chez Mal bar stocks an atlas worth of liquors, with surprising choices such as Georgian vodka, Thai rum and Scottish gin, many of which are sourced from small-batch suppliers. Since you’re in Brighton, sip a beach-inspired special under copper lights in the bar’s handsome black-and-burgundy setting.
Set in a Regency property, this charming boutique Brighton hotel has been renovated with modern comforts that remain loyal to the original architecture. Brighton House has an over-12s-only policy and an eco-friendly ethos, in keeping with the city’s dedication to green living, which adds to the soothing experience of your stay.
Brighton House puts on a buffet-style breakfast consisting of predominantly organic dishes, with Sussex ingredients used where possible. Treat yourself to fresh fruits, a mix of cheeses (from Danish blue to mature Cheddar), and meats including Black Forest ham and locally smoked salmon.
After a day at the beach, settle back on your down pillow with a nightcap selected from the hotel’s well-curated wine and champagne list. Rooms are simple but charming, decorated in blue and white tones to evoke a calming atmosphere.
In harmony with the refined nature of its Grade II-listed exterior, the rooms at Kemp Townhouse exude the ambience of a gentleman’s library – an effect conjured up by details such as the decanters of port, complimentary in most rooms. You’ll also find thoughtful modern touches like iPod docks, luxurious toiletries and Freeview television.
Refresh yourself come morning with a fruit smoothie in the breakfast room, with its sophisticated high ceilings, period fireplace and statement chandelier. The menu features an extensive range of classic breakfasts, from smoked salmon egg royale to a vegetarian full English. You can also have breakfast delivered to your room at no extra cost, so you have the perfect excuse to have a long lie-in.
The décor at No 27 Brighton fuses antique ornaments with quirky touches: think blue-and-white Chinoiserie porcelain offset by Scandi-style geometric furnishings. Select from rooms named after illustrious members of the British aristocracy, some of which have their own high-tech coffee machines and views of the beach.
When morning arrives, the hotel has a range of mouth-watering breakfast options – including full English, vegetarian and smoked salmon scrambled eggs – laid out on pristine white tablecloths with antique silverware. Cereals, yoghurts, juices, high-end teas and coffee are also on offer to ensure you’re prepared for a full day of dipping in and out of Brighton’s boutiques.
Hotel du Vin & Bistro Brighton has independence at its heart. Its 49 rooms are spread out across a series of mock Tudor and Gothic buildings in the city’s Lanes, renowned for their locally run stores and restaurants, embedding you in Brighton’s thriving community of local artisans and entrepreneurs for the duration of your stay.
Snuggle under sumptuous Egyptian cotton bedsheets and warm your feet on the under-floor heating. The Sea View Suite – with its twin roll-top baths – is ideal if you’re away with your other half. Savour rustic slow food with a French flair, like ratatouille-baked eggs accompanied by fresh artisan bread, at the ’50s-style on-site bistro.
A warm welcome is to be had at this cosy B&B, with just seven rooms and a pair of attentive owners. Snuggle under Egyptian cotton sheets and goose or duck down, king-size duvets in all rooms. Select a stay in a cosy Budget Double or a Superior Room with brightly hued stained-glass windows portraying scenes of Brighton. Authentic fireplaces and pin-up-style wall art add to the vintage appeal.
Sip a Twinings tea ahead of a full English or continental breakfast in the light-filled dining room, its white walls enlivened by splashes of colour. The hotel’s central location means it’s just a few minutes’ walk to Brighton highlights such as the art museum, so you can make the most of a day exploring.
Ahead of a day meandering through Brighton’s warren-like streets, opt for a tasting at Small Batch Coffee, the hotel‘s in-house café with its own micro roaster. After a rundown on the different types of java available, discover exactly why contemporary in-house Indian restaurant The Chilli Pickle has been awarded two AA rosettes. The street food-inspired pani puri comes highly recommended.
With four of its rooms designed by homegrown artists – complete with wood reclaimed from the city’s now-defunct pier – My Brighton champions a boutique spirit. Pick the Jade suite with its serene green tones and walls adorned with hand-made Mandalas for a restful experience; the standalone bathtub, circle-shaped Roche Bobois bed and walk-in shower make for a particularly plush experience.
This delightful hotel proclaims itself to be “England’s most rock ‘n’ roll hotel”, and with rooms inspired by music as varied as mod and country, it lives up to its name. Don your stetson in Dollywould, an Americana-themed boudoir with US flags and gingham bedding, or try the Pretty Vacant option with its punk paraphernalia and lashings of leopard print and plaid.
The hotel offers an English-style breakfast each morning, with free-range meat sourced from the Sussex-based Brighton Sausage Company. Order it to your room accompanied by a Bloody Mary or a bottle of champagne for a spot of early-morning decadence to match the hedonistic atmosphere of the hotel itself.