Brighton, with its eclectic charm and vibrant seaside atmosphere, has long been a favored destination for travelers seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure. Known for its iconic pier, artistic vibe, and historic lanes, Brighton offers a unique blend of culture and coastal beauty.
Recently, I set out to explore the best of what this captivating city has to offer. In this travelogue, I’ll share my personal experience staying at one of Brighton’s top hotels, followed by a detailed look at five other highly recommended accommodations that promise exceptional stays.
My Stay at The Grand Brighton
Location: 97-99 King’s Road, Brighton BN1 2FW, United Kingdom
How to Book: Booking a stay at The Grand Brighton is straightforward and can be done through various online platforms, including the hotel’s official website, Booking.com, and Expedia. I opted to book directly through the hotel’s website to take advantage of their exclusive offers and loyalty benefits.
How to Get There: The Grand Brighton is centrally located on Brighton’s famous seafront, just a short walk from the city’s main attractions. From London, it’s an easy train ride to Brighton Station, followed by a brief taxi ride or a pleasant 15-minute walk to the hotel.
Environment and Facilities: The Grand Brighton is an iconic Victorian hotel that exudes elegance and grandeur. Its prime location on the seafront offers stunning views of the English Channel. The hotel’s opulent decor, with its sweeping staircases and ornate details, transports guests to a bygone era of luxury.
The facilities at The Grand Brighton are top-notch, including a fully equipped fitness center, a relaxing spa, and spacious event rooms. The hotel’s Terrace Restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience with panoramic sea views, while the Victoria Lounge, Bar & Terrace provides a more casual setting for afternoon tea or cocktails.
Room Experience: My room at The Grand Brighton was a perfect blend of classic style and modern comfort. The room featured a plush king-sized bed, a well-appointed bathroom with a rain shower and luxury toiletries, and a private balcony overlooking the seafront. The room’s decor, with its muted tones and elegant furnishings, created a serene and inviting atmosphere.
Dining: Dining at The Grand Brighton was a highlight of my stay. The breakfast buffet at the Terrace Restaurant offered a wide selection of fresh and delicious options, from continental pastries to a full English breakfast. Dinner at the restaurant was equally impressive, with a menu that showcased locally sourced ingredients and creative dishes. The seafood platter, in particular, was a standout.
Service: The service at The Grand Brighton was impeccable. From the warm welcome at check-in to the attentive service throughout my stay, the staff went above and beyond to ensure a memorable experience. Their knowledge of the local area and willingness to assist with recommendations and bookings added a personal touch to my visit.
Rating: I would rate my stay at The Grand Brighton a solid 9.5/10. The combination of its historic charm, luxurious amenities, and outstanding service makes it a top choice for anyone visiting Brighton.
Recommended Hotels in Brighton
1. Hotel Una
Location: 55-56 Regency Square, Brighton BN1 2FF, United Kingdom
Description: Hotel Una is a boutique hotel located in the heart of Brighton’s Regency Square, just a stone’s throw from the seafront and the iconic Brighton Pier. This chic hotel combines contemporary design with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it a favorite among discerning travelers.
Facilities: Hotel Una offers 19 individually designed rooms and suites, each with its own unique character and style. The rooms feature luxurious beds, modern en-suite bathrooms, and high-end amenities such as flat-screen TVs, minibars, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Some suites also boast private balconies or terraces with stunning sea views.
The hotel’s bar and lounge area is a stylish space where guests can enjoy a selection of cocktails, fine wines, and local craft beers. Hotel Una also provides a range of bespoke services, including in-room spa treatments and personalized concierge assistance.
Dining: While Hotel Una does not have an on-site restaurant, it offers a delightful breakfast each morning, featuring a selection of freshly baked pastries, local produce, and a variety of hot and cold dishes. The hotel’s central location means that guests are within walking distance of some of Brighton’s best restaurants and cafes.
Service: Known for its exceptional service, Hotel Una prides itself on creating a personalized and intimate experience for each guest. The staff are friendly and attentive, offering a wealth of local knowledge and recommendations to help guests make the most of their stay in Brighton.
Why It’s Recommended: Hotel Una’s blend of modern luxury and personalized service, coupled with its prime location in Regency Square, makes it an ideal choice for travelers seeking a stylish and intimate retreat in the heart of Brighton.
2. Drakes Hotel
Location: 43-44 Marine Parade, Brighton BN2 1PE, United Kingdom
Description: Drakes Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel located on Brighton’s famous Marine Parade, offering stunning views of the English Channel. This elegant hotel combines contemporary design with a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a popular choice for romantic getaways and special occasions.
Facilities: Drakes Hotel features 20 beautifully designed rooms, each offering a unique blend of comfort and style. The rooms are equipped with luxurious beds, modern en-suite bathrooms, and high-end amenities such as flat-screen TVs, minibars, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Many rooms also feature freestanding baths with sea views, adding a touch of romance to the stay.
The hotel’s restaurant, The Restaurant at Drakes, offers an intimate dining experience with a focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. The bar at Drakes is a stylish spot for enjoying a selection of cocktails, fine wines, and local craft beers.
Dining: The Restaurant at Drakes is known for its innovative and beautifully presented dishes, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The menu changes regularly to reflect the seasons, and the chefs take pride in using only the freshest ingredients. The restaurant also offers a carefully curated wine list to complement the menu.
Service: Drakes Hotel is renowned for its exceptional service and attention to detail. The staff are friendly and attentive, offering personalized service to ensure that each guest’s stay is memorable. From the warm welcome at check-in to the thoughtful touches throughout the stay, the service at Drakes is second to none.
Why It’s Recommended: Drakes Hotel’s combination of luxurious accommodations, exceptional dining, and stunning sea views makes it a top choice for travelers seeking a romantic and memorable stay in Brighton. Its central location on Marine Parade also provides easy access to the city’s main attractions.
3. The Brighton Harbour Hotel & Spa
Location: 64 Kings Road, Brighton BN1 1NA, United Kingdom
Description: The Brighton Harbour Hotel & Spa is a stylish and contemporary hotel located on Brighton’s seafront, offering stunning views of the English Channel. This modern hotel combines luxurious accommodations with a range of top-notch facilities, making it an ideal choice for both leisure and business travelers.
Facilities: The Brighton Harbour Hotel & Spa features 79 beautifully designed rooms and suites, each offering a blend of comfort and style. The rooms are equipped with luxurious beds, modern en-suite bathrooms, and high-end amenities such as flat-screen TVs, minibars, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Many rooms also offer stunning sea views.
The hotel’s spa is a standout feature, offering a range of treatments and facilities, including a swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, and fitness center. The spa’s tranquil setting provides the perfect escape for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Dining: The hotel’s restaurant, The Jetty, offers a contemporary dining experience with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu features a range of dishes inspired by the sea, including fresh seafood and seasonal produce. The bar at The Brighton Harbour Hotel is a stylish spot for enjoying a selection of cocktails, fine wines, and local craft beers.
Service: The service at The Brighton Harbour Hotel & Spa is exceptional, with friendly and attentive staff who go above and beyond to ensure that each guest’s stay is memorable. The hotel’s concierge team is knowledgeable about the local area and can provide recommendations and assistance with bookings.
Why It’s Recommended: The Brighton Harbour Hotel & Spa’s combination of luxurious accommodations, top-notch spa facilities, and stunning sea views makes it a top choice for travelers seeking a stylish and relaxing stay in Brighton. Its central location on the seafront also provides easy access to the city’s main attractions.
4. The Artist Residence Brighton
Location: 33 Regency Square, Brighton BN1 2GG, United Kingdom
Description: The Artist Residence Brighton is a quirky and stylish boutique hotel located in the heart of Brighton’s Regency Square. This unique hotel combines contemporary design with an eclectic mix of artwork, creating a vibrant and creative atmosphere that reflects the city’s artistic spirit.
Facilities: The Artist Residence Brighton features 23 individually designed rooms and suites, each with its own unique character and style. The rooms are equipped with luxurious beds, modern en-suite bathrooms, and high-end amenities such as flat-screen TVs, minibars, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel also offers a range of bespoke services, including in-room spa treatments and personalized concierge assistance.
The hotel’s restaurant, The Set, offers a contemporary dining experience with a focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. The bar at The Artist Residence is a stylish spot for enjoying a selection of cocktails, fine wines, and local craft beers.
Dining: The Set restaurant is known for its innovative and beautifully presented dishes, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The menu changes regularly to reflect the seasons, and the chefs take pride in using only the freshest ingredients. The restaurant also offers a carefully curated wine list to complement the menu.
Service: The service at The Artist Residence Brighton is exceptional, with friendly and attentive staff who go above and beyond to ensure that each guest’s stay is memorable. The hotel’s concierge team is knowledgeable about the local area and can provide recommendations and assistance with bookings.
Why It’s Recommended: The Artist Residence Brighton’s combination of quirky design, luxurious accommodations, and exceptional dining makes it a top choice for travelers seeking a unique and memorable stay in Brighton. Its central location in Regency Square also provides easy access to the city’s main attractions.
5. Malmaison Brighton
Location: Waterfront, Brighton Marina, Brighton BN2 5WA, United Kingdom
Description: Malmaison Brighton is a stylish and contemporary hotel located in the vibrant Brighton Marina. This modern hotel combines luxurious accommodations with a range of top-notch facilities, making it an ideal choice for both leisure and business travelers.
Facilities: Malmaison Brighton features 71 beautifully designed rooms and suites, each offering a blend of comfort and style. The rooms are equipped with luxurious beds, modern en-suite bathrooms, and high-end amenities such as flat-screen TVs, minibars, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Many rooms also offer stunning views of the marina and the sea.
The hotel’s facilities include a fitness center, a stylish bar, and a brasserie-style restaurant that offers a contemporary dining experience. The hotel also provides a range of bespoke services, including in-room spa treatments and personalized concierge assistance.
Dining: The Brasserie at Malmaison Brighton offers a contemporary dining experience with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu features a range of dishes inspired by the sea, including fresh seafood and seasonal produce. The bar at Malmaison Brighton is a stylish spot for enjoying a selection of cocktails, fine wines, and local craft beers.
Service: The service at Malmaison Brighton is exceptional, with friendly and attentive staff who go above and beyond to ensure that each guest’s stay is memorable. The hotel’s concierge team is knowledgeable about the local area and can provide recommendations and assistance with bookings.
Why It’s Recommended: Malmaison Brighton’s combination of luxurious accommodations, top-notch facilities, and stunning marina views makes it a top choice for travelers seeking a stylish and relaxing stay in Brighton. Its location in Brighton Marina also provides easy access to a range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
Brighton’s vibrant culture, stunning seafront, and eclectic charm make it a must-visit destination for travelers. My stay at The Grand Brighton was a perfect blend of luxury and comfort, setting the tone for an unforgettable journey through this dynamic city.
The recommended hotels—Hotel Una, Drakes Hotel, The Brighton Harbour Hotel & Spa, The Artist Residence Brighton, and Malmaison Brighton—each offer their own unique charm and promise exceptional stays.
Whether you seek history, luxury, or a touch of artistic flair, these hotels provide the perfect base for exploring the wonders of Brighton.
