Best hotels in Brighton: The greatest places to stay when you visit the seaside resort
Experience Brighton to the fullest with our pick of the best hotels in the area
It’s easy to see why Brighton is, arguably, Britain’s most popular seaside resort. With refreshing sea air, beaches, the iconic Brighton Pier and – in better days – the best of nightlife, shops and places to eat, the city has something for everyone, from families and solo travellers to couples looking for a romantic getaway.
The beach itself is a fantastic place to visit regardless of the time of year, but the views and surrounding entertainment make it a particularly amazing destination in the warmer months.
Of course, you’ll need somewhere to stay, and Brighton has much to offer in this department. We’ve put together this guide to help you choose accommodation that suits your needs and preferences; there’s a hotel for every budget in Brighton, and we’ve been sure to include as broad a range as possible.
Keep in mind that under current government guidelines, hotels and other kinds of indoor hospitality will not reopen until 17 May at the earliest. Non-essential retail and outdoor hospitality will not reopen until 12 April at the earliest. These plans are subject to change, so be sure to check the latest information on Covid restrictions before booking anything. Our recommendations assume that attractions and hospitality are safely open.
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How to choose the right hotel in Brighton
If you’re going to enjoy the sea air or have a family who’d love nothing more than a week playing in the sand, then it’s smart to choose one of the many, many hotels right across the road from Brighton Pier.
But while the beach might be what the city is most famous for, Brighton has tons to offer besides. If you’d rather be closer to the city centre, then it might be better to choose a hotel like My Brighton, which is 15 minutes from the beach but very convenient if you want to explore.
Things to do in Brighton
There are a tonne of things to do in Brighton, ranging from the obvious to some that are a little more off the beaten track. If you want to stay central then The Lanes are an amazing place to do everything from shopping to eating, or you could visit the Royal Pavilion and learn all about its rich history with King George IV.
Then there’s the British Airways i360, taking you up 138 metres to see the city as you’ve never seen it before. Or the beachfront, with the famous Brighton Pier and West Pier Arches brimming with eateries and boutique shops nestled in the Victorian-era alcoves below the King’s Road.
Brighton has become known as the UK’s unofficial LGBTQ+ capital, with various establishments, charities and social groups centring on the community and – based on figures collected in 2004 – the highest percentage of same-sex households in the nation. That’s not even mentioning the city’s Pride event, which normally takes place in the first week of August every year and is the biggest in the UK.
How to get to Brighton
Brighton is well-connected and only 47 miles from the capital. Southern Rail, the Gatwick Express and Thameslink services will get you there from London by train within an hour. The Gatwick Express and Southern rail services both leave from Victoria Station, while you can catch Thameslink trains from London Bridge and St Pancras. It takes just half an hour from Gatwick Airport if you’re travelling via plane, which you can book here.
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The best hotels in Brighton
1. Room With a View: Best hotel close to Brighton beach
Price: from £109
A hop, skip and a jump away from Brighton beach and the pier, the Room With a View hotel does what it says on the tin. Get an ensuite room and you’ll be treated to a wonderful sea view as soon as you wake up, with the city centre a mere 12-minute walk away. If you want to go further afield then there’s free parking for guests right out front, or you can enjoy the nearby Sea Life Centre, Museum and Art Gallery, or Victoria Gardens. Then again, you might not want to leave the room, enjoying breakfast in the dual-aspect lounge.
Key features – Parking: Yes; Wi-Fi: Yes; Family-friendly? No; Disabled access? No
2. Drakes Hotel: The best luxury hotel in Brighton
Price: from £133
If you’re looking for those luxury touches that will make your trip feel that much more special, then the Drakes hotel has them in abundance. From the amazing oceanfront views to the freestanding bathtub included in most of the hotel’s suites, the 4-star hotel is a little slice of opulence right on Brighton beach, just steps from the sea. You’ll find the best food and drink in the fine-dining restaurant and cocktail bar on-site, or just kick back with some room service and enjoy the amazing scenery from the sofa (or even the bath).
Key features – Parking: Yes; Wi-Fi: Yes; Disabled access? No
3. The Lanes Hotel: The best family-friendly hotel in Brighton
Price: from £55
Just 750-yards from Brighton Pier, the Lanes Hotel is perfectly situated for you and your family to rest their heads when visiting the city. With generously sized family rooms and activities such as board games and puzzles available to play, you’re also right by the beach with a licensed bar and a sun terrace located on-site. You’ll never be bored! A free breakfast is included and exceptionally well-reviewed by previous guests, and there’s free Wi-Fi – with all rooms a very reasonable price.
Key features – Parking: No; Wi-Fi: Yes; Family-Friendly? Yes; Disabled access? Yes
4. Hotel Una: The most romantic hotel in Brighton
Price: from £127
Looking for the perfect weekend getaway? Brighton’s Hotel Una is an amazing place to stay for couples who want somewhere romantic to enjoy each other’s company. The rooms are all decorated in a contemporary style with beautiful attention to detail, but if you want the full experience you’ll want to book either the Quaile suite – split over two levels and featuring a home cinema room, private bar, free-standing bath – or one of the spa rooms (Belize and Flores) which come with a whirlpool bath and sauna, private patio and more. You won’t want to leave.
Key features – Parking: No; Wi-Fi: Yes; Disabled access? Yes
5. YHA Brighton: The best hostel in Brighton
Price: £39
If you’re after a cheap and cheerful place to stay, then here it is. The YHA Brighton is filled with quirky style and practical features, keeping the price of your stay down despite the excellent location. A range of room types are available, from non-smoking, family and disabled quarters, to male or female-only dormitories with bunk beds. There are lockers in the reception area for any valuables, and the communal space includes a coffee shop, restaurant and snack bar – everything you need for a quick stay on a serious budget.
Key features – Parking: No; Wi-Fi: Yes; Family-friendly? Yes; Disabled facilities? Yes
6. My Brighton: The best hotel close to Brighton city centre
Price: from £69
Something a little different, My Brighton hotel is located smack bang in the town centre and offers a comfortable stay with a decidedly modern feel. For those bored of bland, standardised hotel rooms, each suite here is decorated in its own way and with Feng Shui firmly in mind, ensuring your trip is as relaxing and rejuvenating as possible. And you can enjoy all of Brighton town centre’s vibrant bars, restaurants and shops without worrying about how you’ll get back.
Key features – Parking: Yes; Wi-Fi: Yes; Disabled access? Yes
