Last Updated on 14 May 2026 by Dave King
Brighton has hundreds of places to stay, but most hotel guides either list every property on Booking.com or rank them by star rating without telling you anything useful. This guide covers the best hotels in Brighton that are worth the money, from a recently refurbished Victorian landmark on the seafront to a 12-room adults-only boutique in Kemptown and a rock and roll themed townhouse on Regency Square. Each one is independently assessed, each one has something specific going for it, and none of them are here because they paid to be.
Table of Contents
Quick Reference Table
| Hotel | Area | Rooms | Style | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Grand Brighton | King’s Road (seafront) | 205 | Luxury, Victorian landmark | Special occasions, seafront luxury |
| Drakes Hotel | Marine Parade (Kemptown seafront) | 20 | Boutique luxury | Couples, sea views, fine dining |
| Artist Residence | Regency Square (seafront) | 24 | Boutique, art-themed | Creative types, weekend breaks |
| Hotel du Vin | Ship Street (The Lanes) | 49 | Mid-luxury, wine-themed | Central location, food and wine |
| Hotel Pelirocco | Regency Square (seafront) | 19 | Quirky, themed rooms | Fun stays, music lovers, hen parties |
| Blanch House | Atlingworth Street (Kemptown) | 12 | Adults-only boutique | Couples, quiet romantic stays |
| Square Townhouse | Kemptown | 20 | Grade II Regency townhouse | Top-rated service, Kemptown base |
The Picks
The Grand Brighton
The Grand Brighton on King’s Road is the hotel everyone in Brighton knows. It has been on the seafront since 1864 and recently completed a £17 million refurbishment that has brought the rooms and public spaces up to a standard that matches the building’s history. The Victoria Bar, Cyan restaurant and Victoria Terrace are all open to non-guests, so you can experience the hotel without staying there.
If you want the classic Brighton seafront hotel experience with the scale, service and setting to match, this is it. There is a separate guide to The Grand on this site covering the hotel in more detail.
Address: 97-99 King’s Road, Brighton BN1 2FW
Drakes Hotel
Drakes Hotel on Marine Parade in Kemptown is a 20-room boutique hotel set in a pair of Regency townhouses overlooking Brighton Pier and the seafront. The rooms are air-conditioned with Vi-Spring beds and Egyptian cotton sheets. Several of the higher-category rooms have freestanding baths positioned by the windows with direct sea views.
Drakes also has Dilsk, a Michelin-recommended restaurant on site using seasonal ingredients from local Sussex producers. The cocktail bar faces the sea and is a good spot for sunset drinks. Note that the building is historic and does not have lift access to the upper floors, so request a lower floor if accessibility is a concern.
This is one of the best hotels in Brighton for couples and anyone who wants a small, well-run boutique hotel with genuine sea views rather than a large chain experience.
Address: 43-44 Marine Parade, Brighton BN2 1PE
Artist Residence
Artist Residence at 33 Regency Square is a 24-room boutique hotel in two Georgian townhouses on the seafront. The concept started in 2008 when the owner offered free lodging to local and international artists in exchange for them leaving their mark on the building. The result is a hotel where no two rooms look the same, with original works by artists including Blek le Rat and Jessica Albarn alongside reclaimed materials and vintage furnishings.
Some rooms have views towards the West Pier and the i360. The ground-floor coffee lounge and cocktail bar is popular with non-guests as well.
This is the pick if you want a hotel that feels like Brighton rather than a hotel that happens to be in Brighton.
Address: 33 Regency Square, Brighton BN1 2GG
Hotel du Vin
Hotel du Vin on Ship Street in The Lanes is a 49-room hotel spread across a collection of mock Tudor and Gothic buildings. The rooms are wine-themed with exposed brick, monsoon showers and the comfortable, slightly indulgent feel that the Hotel du Vin chain does well. The Signature Suite is a loft-style suite with an Emperor bed and a small private roof terrace with side sea views.
The bistro restaurant serves seasonal British food and has an extensive wine list. The location in The Lanes puts you within walking distance of the best independent restaurants, shops and bars in the city.
This is the best hotels in Brighton option for anyone who wants a central location with good food and wine without the formality of a luxury seafront hotel.
Address: Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AD
Hotel Pelirocco
Hotel Pelirocco at 10 Regency Square is Brighton’s most deliberately fun hotel. It has 19 individually themed rooms across two Regency townhouses, each inspired by pop culture, music and maverick personalities. Themes include Modrophenia, Rebel Rebel (a Bowie tribute), Bettie’s Boudoir and Pin Up Parlour. The Playstation Bar serves cocktails and hosts regular live music.
Breakfast is included when you book direct through the hotel’s website. The staff are consistently praised in reviews for being friendly and relaxed, which fits the overall tone of the place. It is on Regency Square, a short walk from the seafront and the i360.
This is the pick for hen parties, birthdays, music fans and anyone who wants a hotel stay that does not take itself too seriously. It is not the quietest option.
Address: 10 Regency Square, Brighton BN1 2FG
Blanch House
Blanch House on Atlingworth Street in Kemptown is a 12-room adults-only boutique hotel in a Regency townhouse. Each room is individually designed and named, from the Art Deco-inspired Legacia to the Moroccan-themed room. The interiors were designed by co-owner Amanda Blanch, and the small scale of the hotel means the service feels personal rather than corporate.
There is an intimate cocktail bar and lounge for guests. The location in Kemptown is quieter than the central seafront but within easy walking distance of the pier, The Lanes and Kemptown’s own independent restaurants and bars.
This is one of the best hotels in Brighton for couples wanting a quiet, romantic stay away from the busier seafront strip. Adults only.
Address: 17 Atlingworth Street, Brighton BN2 1PL
Square Townhouse
Square Townhouse at 4 New Steine in Kemptown is a boutique hotel in a Grade II listed Regency townhouse. It is consistently top-rated on TripAdvisor for Brighton and known for exceptional service and attention to detail. The breakfast is highly praised by guests, and the Lounge Bar serves drinks in an intimate setting.
The Kemptown location puts you close to the seafront, the pier and the independent shops and restaurants of St James’s Street and George Street.
Address: 4 New Steine, Kemptown, Brighton BN2 1PB
Where to Stay: A Local’s Perspective
For the seafront: The Grand, Drakes, Artist Residence and Hotel Pelirocco are all on or directly facing the sea. The Grand and Drakes are both seafront options close to Brighton Palace Pier. Artist Residence and Pelirocco are on Regency Square, close to the West Pier and the i360.
For The Lanes and central Brighton: Hotel du Vin is the best-located hotel for walking to everything in the city centre. You are in The Lanes the moment you step outside.
For Kemptown: Blanch House and Square Townhouse are both in Kemptown, which is quieter than the central seafront but has its own strong food and bar scene.
For budget stays: Brighton has Premier Inn, Travelodge and ibis properties in central locations. They are reliable and functional. For something with more character at a lower price point, look at guesthouses and B&Bs in Kemptown or Hove rather than chain hotels.
Practical Tips
Parking. Brighton parking is expensive and competitive. If you are driving, check whether your hotel has parking or a deal with a nearby car park before booking. The NCP under Regency Square serves Artist Residence and Hotel Pelirocco but charges around £32 for 24 hours. Consider arriving by train instead.
Book direct. Several of the boutique hotels offer extras when you book through their own website rather than through booking platforms. Hotel Pelirocco includes breakfast free when you book direct.
Prices change constantly. Room rates in Brighton vary by season, day of week and how far in advance you book. Summer weekends and event weekends (Pride in August, The Great Escape in May, Brighton Marathon in April) are the most expensive. Midweek stays outside of summer are significantly cheaper.
Ask about accessibility. Several of these hotels are in historic Regency buildings without lifts. Drakes, Artist Residence and Hotel Pelirocco all have limited or no lift access. If you need step-free access or a ground-floor room, contact the hotel directly before booking.
FAQs
What are the best hotels in Brighton?
For luxury, The Grand Brighton after its £17 million refurbishment. For boutique with sea views, Drakes on Marine Parade. For character and art, Artist Residence on Regency Square. For central location and food, Hotel du Vin in The Lanes. For fun, Hotel Pelirocco. For a quiet couples stay, Blanch House in Kemptown. The best hotels in Brighton depend on what kind of stay you want.
Is it worth staying on the seafront in Brighton?
Yes, if sea views matter to you. The Grand, Drakes, Artist Residence and Hotel Pelirocco all have seafront positions. But Brighton is compact enough that even hotels a few streets back are only a short walk from the beach.
What is the best area to stay in Brighton?
The seafront between Regency Square and Kemptown covers most of the best hotels. The Lanes area (Hotel du Vin) is the most central for walking to restaurants, shops and nightlife. Kemptown (Blanch House, Square Townhouse, Drakes) is slightly quieter with its own strong independent scene. Hove is calmer again and slightly cheaper.
How much do hotels in Brighton cost?
Rates vary hugely by season and day of week. Summer weekends and event weekends are the most expensive periods. Midweek stays outside of summer offer the best value. Check hotel websites directly for current rates as prices change constantly.
Should I book a hotel or a B&B in Brighton?
Both work. The boutique hotels in this guide offer a more curated experience with restaurants, bars and design-led rooms. B&Bs and guesthouses in Kemptown, Hove and the streets around Regency Square can offer better value with a more personal feel. It depends on your budget and what matters to you.
Final Thoughts
The best hotels in Brighton are the ones that match what you actually want from a stay. The Grand for the full seafront landmark experience. Drakes for boutique luxury with sea views and fine dining. Artist Residence for creative character. Hotel du Vin for a central Lanes location with good food. Hotel Pelirocco for fun. Blanch House for quiet romance. And Square Townhouse for consistently top-rated service in Kemptown. Book direct where you can, check parking before you drive, and avoid event weekends if you want the best rates.
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