Brighton hotels

Boutique hotel brand Artist Residence now has properties in Oxfordshire, Cornwall, Bristol, and London, but it all started with this Brighton spot. Since opening their doors on Regency Square, the locations have become known for their eclectic design style. Keep an eye out for paintings by French graffiti artist Blek le Rat and collage murals by Maria Rivans lining the walls.
Spanning two Grade II-listed townhouses, the hotel has 25 rooms, all of which exemplify Brighton’s bohemian edge – think hand-picked antique furniture, copper slipper baths and retro Roberts radios. Split into two categories – Arty rooms and House rooms – many of the former come with excellent sea views and private balconies, while all feel gloriously spacious thanks to high ceilings.
My favorite spot in the hotel has to be the tiny-but-perfectly formed bar, where you can relax with a strong cocktail or two.

If you’re looking for a quieter spot away from the hustle and bustle of Brighton’s seafront, The Ginger Pig is the place for you. Located in Hove, it’s a 15-minute bus ride from Brighton’s center, but don’t let that put you off – this charming guesthouse is a destination in its own right. Owned by renowned local chef Ben McKellar, the 11 bedrooms are located above Hove’s hugely popular Ginger Pig restaurant, which is always packed with locals who come to sample the finest Sussex produce.
Despite the food being the main draw for many, plenty of thought has gone into the rooms, which are supremely sleek and stylish. Walls are painted charcoal gray and hung with original artworks by local artists, while quirky retro furniture pieces add pops of color. I particularly love the thoughtful extra touches here, like the pre-mixed cocktails you’ll find in the minibar.

When it comes to Brighton local history, The Grand has it in spades. The vast seafront property is hard to miss – no wonder it was originally named “the Palace by the Sea” in its Victorian heyday. While you’ll find plenty of glamorous Art Deco flourishes dotted around the public spaces, with ornate cornicing on the ceilings, wrought-iron banisters and marble pillars, the interiors have been given a thoroughly modern update, with a soothing color palette of soft neutrals and sleek contemporary furniture in the rooms.
The whole place oozes British charm, from the doormen in their bowler hats and checked trousers to the Brighton-themed photography of striped deckchairs and neon signs in the rooms. Don’t leave without enjoying a traditional afternoon tea at the Victoria Terrace, which overlooks the seafront promenade, or stopping off for a cocktail in the lively bar.

Located on smart Regency Square, Hotel Pelirocco’s classic façade gives no hint of the wonderfully over-the-top rooms that lie within. Billed as “England’s most rock ‘n’ roll hotel”, every room here has a theme, from the wood-clad Dollywood, designed to look like Dolly Parton’s country cabin, to Tropical Paradise, which comes with a romantic four-poster bed and a hammock, where you can lie back and watch the sea roll in.
Everything about this property taps into Brighton’s fun party vibe, so if you’re looking for a quiet getaway this may not be the spot for you. But few places encapsulate the city’s carefree hedonism quite like the Pelirocco, with its karaoke lounge and vibrant bar, home to some of the city’s most popular live music and DJ nights.

With a fantastic location overlooking Brighton Palace Pier, Drakes is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Brighton. Spanning two beautiful Georgian townhouses in bohemian Kemptown – one of my favorite neighborhoods – this is a favorite with A-listers when they’re in town, with everyone from Cate Blanchett to Woody Allen having spent the night here.
It’s not hard to see why: each of the 20 rooms is gorgeously stylish, with chic furnishings and wood paneling. Go for a superior room if you can, where the roll top baths are placed in front of floor-to-ceiling windows to make the most of the stunning sea views.
The hotel restaurant, Dilsk, is a destination in its own right and hugely popular with Brighton natives and visitors alike, who come to feast on Modern British dishes made with local produce.