The 11 best hotels in Brighton

Set across two adjoining Georgian townhouses on Kemp Town seafront, Drakes has long been regarded as one of Brighton's best hotels. This is a blow-the-budget deal, but worth every penny. The 20 rooms are all decrated beautifully, especially those with freestanding baths in the floor to ceiling windows. Its Michelin-recommended restaurant is one of the city's finest, while the snazzy cocktail bar is the perfect place to round off a night on the tiles.

Mood? Stately and refined. 
Location perks? Positioned on Marine Parade, with rooms overlooking the shore. Five minutes from the Royal Pavilion, Sea Lanes swimming, Soho house, Brighton Pier, the War Memorial and more. 
Budget range? A good deal for a stay that's got it all. 

Pelirocco describes itself as ‘England’s most rock ’n’ hotel’. It's a moniker that's hard to argue with seeing as it hosts regular gigs, DJ sets and comedy nights, plus has 19 music-themed rooms spread across two Regency townhouses. DollyWould is dedicated to Ms Parton, with patchwork quilts and a log cabin vibe, while Pressure Sounds has Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry wallpaper; romantic/dirty weekends can be indulged in the Nookii room. All have free Wi-Fi. There’s afternoon tea and cocktail classes to get involved with, too.

Mood? A shrine to throwback pop culture. 
Location perks? In Regency Sqaure, in the centre of Brighton. 
Budget range? Fairly cheap. 

The 10 rooms at the Square Townhouse are spread across the five storeys of this beautiful Grade II listed Regency Townhouse on the New Steine. The beach is a minute away, and the city's best clubs are a short walk too. The rooms of this Brighton boutique hotel are opulent affairs, while the superb breakfast means you'll soon be able to shake off your hangover and head into town for excellent coffee and vintage shopping in the North Laine.

Mood? Quirky glam.
Location perks? Just a stone's throw from the seafront and iconic Brighton Pier. 
Budget range? The higher end of the scale, but worth going all-out for one or two nights. 

At the corner of West Street and right on the water, Brighton Harbour Hotel & Spa boasts 79 rooms, many with sea views. Bright and contemporary-looking, it’s the thoughtful extras here that give this place that razzle dazzle: complimentary decanters of gin and sherry and White Company toiletries. The spa has an indoor pool, hot tubs, a sauna, steamroom, gym and treatment rooms. The in-house cocktail bar is the ideal spot for a pre-dinner tipple.

Mood? A tranquil seaside escape. 
Location perks? A short walk from The Lanes and Brighton Pier. 
Budget range? A moderate price for somewhere so nice. 

This independently run townhouse hotel has 19 rooms, each with an entirely different character and USP: Danube has a free-standing bath and a view; Aragon has a sauna; Wista is a suite. They all have free Wi-Fi, Illy espresso machines and contemporary furniture and lighting. Una has its own cocktail bar – although, since you’re in the centre of Brighton near the train station, the best of the city’s nightlife isn’t far away. 

Mood? Home away from home. 
Location perks? Just off Brighton Railway Station, and the world-famous Brighton Pier is just a 20-minute walk away. 
Budget range? A reasonable price. 

This little treat of a boutique hotel lets you get your fill of sea-and-beach (it’s right on the seafront) while also offering a great big dollop of old school Sussex cosiness. Each of the Townhouse rooms channel a paired-back heritage aesthetic that will keep you feeling snug when that Brighton wind whips up. Best of all, there’s a historic bar serving local ales, fine wines and cocktails alongside live music. All in: you will want for nothing.

Mood? Deluxe and trendy. 
Location perks? A 7-minute walk to the i360 Observation Tower and close to the main railway station. 
Budget range? Pretty average for Brighton. 

Themed rooms, luxury touches and prices that won't leave your wallet empty when you hit the shops, Sea Spray has become one of Brighton's go-to spots for those who want a chic stay on a budget. There's a New York-style loft room, a Marrakech-inspired double with Riad styling, plus a Venetian suite with a balcony featuring views of the Palace Pier. The location is as good as it gets for those looking to indulge in the best that Brighton has to offer, whether it's clubbing all night, sinking local ales at The Hand in Hand or lounging on the beach all day.

Mood? Classic and elegant. 
Location perks? Located on Brighton's seafront square, close to the city's key attractions. 
Budget range? Super cheap. 

This Kemptown hotel delivers a traditional guesthouse on the outside (it’s in a 200-year-old townhouse), and set of bright rooms with period fixtures, sedate decor and original artworks on the walls. Some of the bedrooms have excellent sea views, and what’s more, window seats where you can sit to enjoy them. Each comes with free wi-fi and water, plus a drinks tray. Breakfast is included in all room rates that you book online.

Mood? Tastefully regal. 
Location perks? In the fashionable Kemptown area, surrounded by bars, restaurants, designer shops and galleries.  
Budget range? Very affordable. 

The most iconic hotel in Brighton, The Grand has been a firm favourite for decades. Following a major facelift in 2019, the vast building is back to its former glory, its tastefully decorated rooms looking right across the main section of the city's beach. The on-site spa and gym are great for kicking back and getting ready to try the superb afternoon tea, while the cocktail bar is excellent for people spotting. 

Mood? The showstopper. 
Location perks? It's just a quick stroll to the Lanes, while the station is 15 minutes up the hill. 
Budget range? Mid-range. 

This charming Hove joint, located near the beach, has a total of 11 rooms across two floors. The rooms here are gorgeously designed: stylish, bold and with nice touches like an imaginitively stocked minibar (check out their premixed ‘Ginger’ cocktails!), a Nespresso machine, kettle and speedy Wi-Fi. Bathrooms make for eye candy here too, with Cowshed toiletries and an oversized shower or stand-alone bathtub. The award-winning Ginger Pig Bar and Restaurant downstairs serves traditional food sourced from local suppliers and an A-class breakfast can be had for an extra charge in the light-filled Orangerie Dining Room.

Mood? Cosy and oh-so stylish. 
Location perks? 2.1 km from i360 Observation Tower and 2.1 km from Churchill Square Shopping Centre. Free WiFi is available.
Budget range? Mid-range.