Beyond the famous pebble beach, Brighton is home to a vibrant art, gastronomic, and nightlife scene, and we know the best spots to base yourself for the perfect weekend getaway.
From Edinburgh to London, the UK is filled with stunning accommodations to suit every heart’s desire. And through all seasons, Brighton beckons to weekenders with the promise of an unforgettable getaway. Beyond the famous pebble beach, this coastal city is home to a vibrant art, gastronomic, and nightlife scene—as in, this is where one goes to indulge in all things fun and trendy. All that style means that there’s a great selection of design-led places to lay your head here. Each one beautiful and one-of-a-kind, these are The Hotel Journal’s picks of the best boutique hotels in Brighton. See our list of best boutique hotels in the UK here.
In 2008, owner Justin Salisbury sparked new life into two Regency townhouses by offering free lodging to local and international artists in exchange for making their mark on the hotel design. The result? A 24-room boutique property that captures the artsy spirit of Brighton. Here, no two rooms are the same. Each one showcases a different artist’s style alongside limited edition art prints, reclaimed materials, and vintage furnishings. Walls are adorned with original works by artists like Blek le Rat, Joe Webb, and Charlie Anderson.
Downstairs, the café and bar is a buzzy hangout from day to night, a popular spot for delicious cocktails and tasty meals. The Set Restaurant is more refined with set menus and wine pairing options. Just a few minutes away from the beach on foot, the quirky boutique property in Regency Square commands dreamy views of the sea and the iconic West Pier.
Find out more about Artist Residence Brighton
Tucked amid designer shops, jewellers, and antique stores in The Lanes, the elegant Hotel du Vin is an attractive option for modern travellers visiting Brighton. Originally built by a wine merchant, this group of Gothic-style and mock Tudor buildings houses an impressively stocked wine cellar with an in-house sommelier. Hints of eccentricity are peppered throughout the property—yes, there are gargoyles.
All 49 rooms and suites are luxuriously appointed, with high-quality Egyptian cotton linens and roll-top baths. Designed by Dynargh Design, the warm and inviting guestrooms stand out from the rest of the Gothic hotel with calming hues and beach-inspired touches. The all-day bistro is perfect for lazy brunches and hearty buffet meals. At night, the intimate bar is our haunt of choice.
Find out more about Hotel du Vin & Bistro
This breezy, 73-room oceanfront hotel on the lively marina makes for an excellent base for dining, shopping, and nightlife in Brighton. Malmaison Brighton makes waves in the artsy city with a dreamy location that’s just a quick stroll away from beaches.
Prepare for cozy bedrooms courtesy of Dakota House of Design, who blend style and comfort with ultra-comfy beds, modern furnishings, and bold hues and décor. Large windows keep the spaces sunlit, and plenty of the rooms and suites overlook lofty sea views. The scenery is especially idyllic from Chez Mal Brasserie, an elegant bistro serving British- and French-inspired cuisine and Brighton favourites. The bar, always abuzz, is a great place to wind down at the end of the day.
Find out more about Malmaison Brighton
If it’s character you’re after, Hotel Pelirocco has it in spades. The rock ‘n roll boutique hotel features a deceptively traditional façade that blends in on Regency Square, but there’s nothing remotely ordinary about it once you step indoors. With flamboyant colours, eclectic décor, and flashy band posters and album covers on the walls, it’s a Brighton haven that keeps the rock and roll lifestyle alive.
Guests can choose from 19 individually themed bedrooms, each one brought to life by a different designer. Some standouts: the popular Lord Vader’s Quarters for Star Wars fanatics, the naughty adults-only Nookii Room for playful couples, and the David Bowie-themed Rebel Rebel suite that allows guests to try on iconic Bowie costumes. Still not wild enough? Book a sensual boudoir photoshoot or a Koibito Love Hamper of sexy toys to spice up your stay.
Find out more about Hotel Pelirocco
A renowned pub serving delicious Brighton classics and cocktails, The Ginger Pig has been a popular stop on Hove Street for the past decade. Now, owners Ben and Pamela McKellar have converted the upper floors into 11 guestrooms to welcome travellers and pub-goers who may want to stay the night.
Rooms are laid back yet elegant, with muted grey walls, high-quality furnishings, and original artwork. Awash with natural light, these ensuite double bedrooms are comfortable, relaxing, and spacious. It goes without saying that food and drink are exceptional—in fact, the award-winning restaurant just steps away from the bedrooms is a major draw for travellers who want to eat well on vacation. Beach lovers will also appreciate the hotel’s proximity to the sea.
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The seaside getaway of your dreams is waiting at Brighton Harbour Hotel & Spa. Set on the waterfront, this restored Regency period building features some of the best ocean views in the city. Everything is accessible on foot, too, including the buzziest restaurants and shops around.
Inside, expect a deluxe experience at every turn. Each room is well-appointed and chic with pops of color and retro-style patterns, but for unbeatable 180-degree ocean views and free-standing baths, book the Seaview Corner Suite. Savour seasonal flavours at the tropical-inspired restaurant and bar, then indulge in the luxurious subterranean spa that features a heated indoor pool, a sauna, a steam room, and a range of treatments.
Find out more about Brighton Harbour Hotel & Spa
Locally known as Brighton’s original boutique hotel, Blanch House is tucked away in the quiet Atlingworth Street within easy walking distance to the promenade, pier, and city centre. Tasteful décor and a serene atmosphere make this adults-only hotel suitable for a romantic getaway or even a solo sojourn.
Step inside to elegant interiors and modern luxuries. There are only a dozen guestrooms in Blanch House, but each one is carefully conceptualised and individually decorated by co-owner Chris Blanch and wife Amanda, an interior designer. From the Art Deco-inspired Legacia to the exotic colours of Moroccan, each guestroom features bay windows that open to stunning seaside views. The intimate bar and lounge offers a sophisticated spot for late-night drinks, but if you prefer a more boisterous nightlife scene, nearby bars and pubs should scratch the itch.
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This luxury boutique hotel was originally built as two townhouses in the 1820s by architect Charles Busby, and to this day it preserves many of the original features that made it stand out for nearly two centuries. Celebrities are known to frequent this gorgeous hotel, which isn’t surprising considering its rich history, alluring seaside location, and incredible restaurant and cocktail bar.
Stylish and thoughtfully appointed, all of Drakes’ 20 bedrooms offer plush queen-sized beds, cozy armchairs, and oversized windows. Superior and feature rooms provide a free-standing tub set by floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the sea—a soak here is so relaxing, you won’t want to do anything else.
Find out more about Drakes of Brighton
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