Brighton

Top hotels in Brighton for an edgy weekend break by the sea

Dubbed 'London by the sea', Brighton is a vibrant beach town that does rest and recuperation and nightlife in equal measures.

From the sweeping pebbled beach and the bright lights of the Pier to the gastropubs and independent shops of the winding Lanes, there’s plenty to occupy your weekend away from the city. Dive into antique markets, try craft cocktails or experience one of the city’s famous events such as Pride Weekend.

Whether it’s with your partner or the girls, you’ll find plenty to do and see at these top Brighton hotels for a range of budgets.

A hotel on Brighton seafront

Escape the city for a weekend by the sea at Amsterdam Hotel. Nestled among the period buildings of the iconic Brighton seafront, it’s the ideal base for a relaxing couple of days shopping, eating and lounging. The Lanes, North Laines and Dome are all a stroll away, so you can explore the city’s narrow streets before popping back to your room to freshen up.

The striking Regency façade is complemented by warm décor. Hand-carved beds have been sourced from India and art deco touches in each room add a little luxury to your stay. There are double, twin and triple rooms to suit all budgets, whether you’re away for a girls trip or a romantic break. Book an in-room aromatherapy or deep tissue massage to ease your muscles after a day of walking.

Make the most of the location and dine on the terrace overlooking the promenade. ‘A’ bar is popular with the locals and serves up a lively atmosphere and fun cocktail menu alongside hearty meals such as ham, egg and chips. The all-day breakfast will revive you after a night exploring the local pubs and clubs.

Amsterdam Hotel

Brighton
7.6 Good (783 reviews)

A Brighton boutique hotel for a weekend break

Upcycled, rustic furniture meets chic, contemporary style at Fab Guest. Less than a mile from the Pier, this boutique hotel is a peaceful retreat away from the bustle of the city but still within walking distance of the shops and restaurants.

The converted Georgian Townhouse retains its elegance with lofty, high ceilings and deep hues. Vintage furniture and pieces made by local designers lend a homely vibe – and give you a taster of the nearby antique emporiums and craft shops. Each of the individually decorated rooms has original work on display from local artists, adding to the truly unique feel of this vibrant hotel. Some rooms have freestanding bathtubs that you can sink into and ease your muscles after a relaxing stroll along the pier.

A continental breakfast is included with your stay in most rooms. Tuck into local breads and cheeses in the dining room to set you up for a day by the sea or exploring the vintage markets in surrounding Kemptown. Then take a cosy armchair seat in the lounge and catch up on the papers before heading out.

OYO Fab Guest House

Brighton
6.7(522 reviews)

A Brighton luxury hotel for exploring the city

Nestled in Jubilee Street, just moments from independent boutiques, antique markets and craft coffee shops, My Brighton is ideally located for a weekend of retail therapy. The building’s truly unforgettable design – complete with Feng Shui-enhancing curved walls – was thought up by award-winning designer Karim Rashid. Here, bright colours meet futuristic furniture epitomising Brighton’s playful personality.

Stay in total luxury in any of the plush guestrooms or suites. The colour palettes have been meticulously arranged to ensure a harmonious weekend, so leave any tension behind and stretch out on a custom double or king bed. Spend a weekend unwinding and book an in-room massage. The hotel offers an acupuncture and sound therapy event once a month and is partnered with Freedom Leisure (right next door) if you fancy a light workout.

The Merkaba Bar is a delightful place to start a night on the town. Perch at the copper bar and sip on a craft mojito. The cocktail masterclasses are great fun if you’re planning a girls trip or hen party (book in advance for this). Finish your weekend wind down with a Brighton-infused afternoon tea. Every element of the menu has been inspired by a famous spot around the city, including delicious chocolate pebbles resembling those found on the beach and Jasmine tea that evokes the scents of the Pavilion Gardens (again, book this treat in advance).

My Brighton

Brighton
8.2 Very good (2437 reviews)

A green Brighton beach hotel

Base yourself at Brighton House for a weekend by the sea that doesn’t carry a carbon footprint. This Regency guesthouse prides itself on being a ‘green’ hotel and is a gold member of the Green Tourism Scheme. Electricity that comes exclusively from renewable energy sources and a locally sourced breakfast are just a couple of measures the hotel has in place to limit its effect on the environment.

While the hotel pays close attention to its green habits, no detail is spared in its presentation. Brighton House focuses on comfortable beds and wholesome breakfasts to set you up for a day in the bustling seaside city. Sink back into a pocket sprung mattress after a day trailing the cobbled streets. Then, wake up to the organic breakfast buffet, including organic eggs and locally smoked salmon.

The hotel offers rooms to suit all budgets and personal touches such as tea and coffee facilities and in-room wine lists add to the homely feel. Brighton Dome is a 13 minute walk away and you can be trying your hand at the arcades of Brighton Pier in just 15 minutes.

Brighton House

Brighton
8.3 Very good (82 reviews)

A Brighton luxury hotel for a romantic weekend

With views out to sea and spacious rooms, Hotel Una is a tranquil guesthouse to base yourself at for a few days of fun by the coast. Guestrooms combine contrasting textures – from natural wood to soft fabrics – to create an earthy, peaceful ambience. Signature details like one-off locally sourced pieces of furniture and contemporary artwork compliment the Regency architecture.

Wake up to fresh coffee from the Nespresso machine in your room and pamper yourself with White Company toiletries. Choose from spa rooms complete with private whirlpools and saunas and luxury suites with a private cinema. In-room massage can be booked to help you ease away any tensions.

Breakfast is included in your stay and is served in the light and airy lounge. Try the French toast with mouthwatering fresh blueberries to keep you going till lunch. Start your evening at the cocktail bar, where you can sample signature recipes such as the La Paloma Rosita and even take a masterclass in mixing (upon request).

Hotel Una

Top rated
Brighton
9.0 Excellent (140 reviews)

A spa hotel on Brighton seafront

To experience a sense of indulgence, take afternoon tea overlooking the famous promenade when you stay at the Brighton Harbour Hotel. Ideally situated on the seafront, this hotel is within walking distance of gastropubs, markets and nightlife as well as the famous pier. The seaside décor invites you in with soft colours and warm-toned furnishings to create a home away from home. Indulge yourself with White Company toiletries while you enjoy a Nespresso from the machine in your room. Or, sip on a sherry or gin from the complimentary decanter that welcomes you on arrival.

Take a plush sea-view pew in the HarBAR cocktail lounge and snack on light bites influenced by the ocean, such as soft shell crab and sea bass ceviche. For dinner, try seaside delicacies at The Jetty. The chunky fish soup is packed with South coast fish and shellfish.

If relaxation is the order of the day, head down to the HarSPA. Dip into the 17-metre pool or sit back in the sauna or steam room before trying a relaxing treatment. ESPA facials, wraps, scrubs and massages are all on the menu so you can check out feeling relaxing and rejuvenated. There are pre and post natal treatments available too – perfect if you’re planning a baby shower.

Brighton Harbour Hotel

Brighton
8.1 Very good (2157 reviews)

A Brighton luxury hotel for a romantic weekend

Check in to Blanch House for a romantic short stay with sea views. Located on a quiet street just off the beach, this peaceful adults-only hotel is away from the bustle of central Brighton. You can be exploring the antiques on offer in Kemptown in just seven minutes or wandering under the bright lights of the pier in less than 15.

After a day dipping into independent shops and snacking at the local gastropubs, unwind in your themed room. Décor takes inspiration from the city’s regency history with rich fabrics and deep hues. There are 12 individually styled rooms to choose from, all with Aromatherapy Associates toiletries and some with roll-top baths for the ultimate luxury experience (plus homemade biscuits to snack on later).

Spend a quiet afternoon taking afternoon tea or sampling cocktails in the lounge – try the Blanch House Royale with three-year Havana or a classic margarita. If you’d like even more relaxation time, Blanch House has partnered with award-winning salon The Treatment Rooms, a comfortable 10 minute walk away. Treat yourself to an ESPA facial, massage, body wrap or scrub or manicure to prepare for a romantic evening out on the town.

Blanch House

Top rated
Brighton
9.4 Excellent (984 reviews)