Are you planning a weekend away and wondering where to stay in Brighton? There are plenty of Brighton accommodation options around but there are a few things to know – for all you need to know on choosing the best Brighton hotels and accommodation, read on!
This post contains compensated affiliate links – thank you for supporting Soul Travel! For more info, you can read my disclaimer here.
Are you craving some rejuvenating sea air on the south coast or a bit of beach lounging? You’re not alone!
One of the UK’s most popular coastal getaways – Brighton has plenty of options when it comes to choosing where to stay in Brighton for your trip. So much so that wading through all the choices of possible places to stay in Brighton, UK, can get exhausting!
Which is exactly why I decided to write this guide! Having lived in Brighton and Hove for the last 3 years, I’ve got to know and love the city well, and am here to help. So, whether you’re looking for the very best hotels in Brighton, UK for a luxury weekend trip, are wondering where to stay in Hove, or are searching for Brighton family accommodation, I’ve got you covered – read on!
In this blog on the top places to stay in Brighton, I’ve also included a handy area guide, so you’ll know which areas of the city are best to base yourself, where to avoid, and a few handy tips for booking the best accommodation too.
Where to Stay in Brighton – Quick Comparison Chart
| Hotel Name | Check Rates / Book Now | Budget | Area | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Grand | $$$ | Seafront | Iconic Brighton hotel with seafront location | |
| Selina Brighton | $$ | Seafront | Boutique accommodation at bargain rates | |
| My Brighton | $$$ | City Centre | Stylish 4* hotel in a central location close to the train station | |
| Drakes Hotel | $$$$ | Kemptown | Stylish boutique style regency hotel | |
| Number Five | $$$ | Kemptown | A homestay / apartment with a local feel | |
| Malmaison | $$$$ | Brighton Marina | Waterside location, perfect for boat-enthusiasts | |
| The Claremont | $$$$$ | Hove | Perfect for those who who love a good afternoon tea & villa style accommodation! | |
| Brighton House | $$$$ | Hove | Beautifully styled rooms in desirable Hove | |
| The Stirling Arms | $$ | Hove | Classic pub-style accommodation in Hove | |
| The Crab Tree Inn | $$$ | West of Brighton & Hove | Car-friendly pub accommodation an easy drive from Hove | |
| The White Horse, Rottingdean | $$$ | East of Brighton & Hove | Amazing clifftop views in the quaint village of Rottingdean |
Best Places to Stay, Brighton – Area Guide
There are plenty of great spots to base yourself around the city of Brighton and Hove – and although most visitors make a beeline for the central drag down towards the seafront from Brighton train station, there is so much more to this city to explore, and great areas of town to stay in when comparing hotels in Brighton, UK.
If you want a little more peace and quiet and better value, there’s also much to be said for going a little further afield and discovering some of the many good places to stay near Brighton that are out of the city.
Here are some good locations for Brighton accommodation to consider, with their pros and cons:
- Brighton City Centre – The city centre of Brighton is small and compact and easy enough to walk around, although you’ll want to bear in mind that it can be very hilly – especially leading up to and around the station! Fortunately there are plenty of buses around if your legs have had enough for the day. Brighton UK hotels in the city centre are clustered around the train station (mostly chain budget options) and in the streets leading down to the seafront and around the Lanes. The main drags of West Street and Queens Road (up to the station) are not the most pleasant parts of town, get busy (especially with the hen and stag do’s on a weekend), are partying hotspots and not the place to base yourself unless you want hard-core partying and are ok with noise. That said, if you’re just stopping through Brighton and plan to party yourself, the city centre has all the benefits of being a convenient place to stay.
- Brighton Seafront – The first choice for anyone who wants to soak up the sea vibes, there are many different options for accommodation in Brighton along the seafront – but you’ll need to do your research and read reviews as some are looking very rundown these days, with maintenance and upkeep sadly lacking. Read more below for some of my favourite places to stay next to Brighton beach. The beach and seafront stretches all the way along from Hove “lagoon” on the western side of the city along past Kemptown. The busiest parts of the beach tend to be next to the piers and between – walk a little further along and you’ll usually find more space.
- Hove – The so-called upmarket half of Brighton, Hove (actually – local joke) is home to plenty of fine eateries, shops and boutique lodging (hotels in Hove are usually on the pricier side although they can still be good value). Hove is part of the city of Brighton and Hove (they officially joined and were given city status in 2000) and is a continuation of Brighton heading west along the coast. If you want a trip to Brighton without the tacky hen-do’s and fancy pampering yourself a bit, Hove is the place to come and with plenty of accommodation in Hove to choose from, you’re sure to find something that’s a good fit.
- Kemptown – The original gay district of Brighton, and located just east of Brighton Palace Pier along the coast, Kemptown is home to stunning Georgian houses, many of which have been converted into hotels, or you can find some stylish apartments and studios available for rent, too. It’s famously where you’ll find Brighton’s only nudist beach – although if that’s not your cup of tea, there’s plenty of “regular” beach too. Kemptown is an easy walk to the beach, the city centre and there are plenty of local restaurants and bars in the area too. As far as accommodation Brighton options go, you’ll have plenty to choose from in this part of town – although again the quality varies dramatically, so I’ve included my favourites below. Kemptown is well connected to the rest of the city with buses and there’s a nice cycle path that runs along the seafront.
- Brighton Marina – A place you might not think to look for accommodation in Brighton, UK, is Brighton Marina. Located to the east of Kemptown, bordered by dramatic cliffs to the rear and with a large concrete sea wall, the marina is perfect for anyone who loves boating, or wants to be even closer to the water. It is further out of town – but there is a nice cycleway going along the front that you can rent a bike for a flat ride into town, and there are buses connecting you to the city. Within the marina complex itself there’s a huge supermarket, restaurants, bars and a cinema. So, for a Brighton weekend away on the water – look no further! For beach access, you can head to nearby Kemptown.
If you find yourself in a pinch looking for hotel accommodation Brighton and find that things are booked out or super expensive – or if you just feel like staying somewhere a little quieter – there are some great places nearby to consider in either direction along the coast. It’s often easier to find places with car parking available outside of Brighton and Hove too, if you are travelling by car.
- West of Brighton & Hove – Heading west of Hove, the port town of Shoreham, on the River Adur, is an easy train ride into Hove or Brighton, or drive along the coast.
- East of Brighton & Hove – In the other direction east along the dramatic cliffs from Brighton Marina are some quaint villages to explore such as Rottingdean. With its own beach and some great pubs and easy access to south downs walks, this is the perfect place to stay for those that want to be somewhere quiet near Brighton but not in it.
Top Hotels Brighton (UK) – Reviewed
The Grand – Seafront
Best for – Brighton icon and seafront location
The Grand is the best known of all hotels in Brighton, England. Its iconic seafront location and imposing facade ensures it’s one you cannot miss when exploring the town. So stay here and you can be right across the road from Brighton’s main pebble beach. The Lanes shopping area is also just five minutes’ walk from the front door.
You can settle for a cheaper inland room here, or splash out on more romantic accommodation with a sea view. For solo travellers, the inland view rooms at this landmark property offer great value for money too. This travel sustainable property’s amenities include a cocktail bar, restaurant and ocean view terrace, and you can also order room service.
If you’re seeking hotels in Brighton city centre then this one ticks that box for sure – you couldn’t be more centrally located. It’s no wonder this imposing property attracts more than its fair share of repeat guests.
Click here to check rates & availability
Selina Brighton – Seafront
Best for – Boutique accommodation at bargain rates
This hotel in Brighton, UK is a great alternative for those on a budget. Like The Grand, it faces the ocean and is over the road from the beach, but you can benefit from cheaper room rates. Standard rooms are good value, or pay even less by booking a bed in a shared dorm.
Selina Brighton is right next door to the British Airways i360 tower. There’s no restaurant on site, but that’s hardly a problem with so many places to eat just a stone’s throw away. All rooms with the exception of dorms come with a private bathroom, and are decorated in a modern, boutique style.
Breakfast is served daily at this appealing seafront property. If you want cool Brighton hotels that don’t cost a fortune to stay at, Selina could be the solution.
Click here to check rates & availability
My Brighton – City Centre
Best for – a stylish, four star steal
My Brighton is very centrally located indeed, in North Laine. If you want Brighton accommodation in the UK and will be arriving by train, this one’s spot-on. As parking is super expensive here, however, it’s not ideal for drivers. Nor those who can’t cope with some city centre noise.
Now the negatives are out of the way, what are the positives? Well first of all this hotel has a slick, contemporary and stylish look. For Brighton – which in terms of prices is like London-on-Sea – room rates can also be a steal. The Junior suites with city views and curved windows are a real find.
Local artists were involved in the interior design of this place, so it’s the pick of the hotels in central Brighton for those who appreciate unique touches and quirky details. My Brighton also has a brunch cafe and Indian restaurant on site.
Click here to check rates & availability
Drakes Hotel – Kemptown
Best for – elegant rooms, drinking and dining
Drakes is the pick of the hotels in Kemptown, Brighton. This four star property is also on the seafront, on Marine Parade. It’s perfect for those who come to experience the finer things in life, as there’s a smart cocktail bar and fine dining restaurant at the hotel.
For a lingering soak with a city or sea view, book one of the rooms with a bathtub by the window. You can also stay in the bar for as long as you like here, as it’s open 24 hours. All rooms come with luxuries like down filled bedding and Egyptian cotton linens.
Drakes Hotel is a travel sustainable property offering plenty of character and charm. It’s housed in an elegant Georgian building with a smart white facade, curving windows and pretty filigree detailing too. One of the best Brighton hotels for a UK break by the sea.
Click here to check rates & availability
Number 5 – Kemptown
Best for – a homestay with a local feel
If your idea of Brighton, England accommodation is somewhere with a local feel, then you might like to book a single or double room at Number 5. Each comes with a flatscreen TV and free WiFi. Double room options include one with a shared bathroom, or accommodation with a private en suite.
This is a unique pick that you might not find on the average list of hotels in Brighton – but it would be such a shame to miss it out. The property is clean, comfortable and meticulously maintained, and the host very welcoming and helpful. It scores highly on value for money and location too. What more could you wish for?
Click here to check rates & availability
Malmaison – Brighton Marina
Best for – a peaceful, waterside position
For short breaks and holidays in Brighton, UK, you should know that Malmaison is one of the biggest names in British hospitality. Their property here is located at the marina, with sea views and a more peaceful location than many Brighton, England hotels.
As a brand, Malmaison isn’t shy and retiring when it comes to interior decor. Malmaison Brighton is uber stylish, with slick lines, rich colours and luxury touches that make the place pop. Top-of-the-range beds, modern art and rainfall showers make this feel like a really decadent place to stay.
If you don’t mind being a couple of miles from the city centre, Malmaison the marina is one of the hotels just outside Brighton that’s worth travelling for.
Click here to check rates & availability
The Claremont – Hove
Best for – Victorian villa with a walled garden
If the idea of larger, more impersonal hotels in Hove, Brighton doesn’t really appeal, take a look at The Claremont. It’s a refined, boutique-style property with a glorious walled garden, and is located right by the seafront in Hove.
In fact the Claremont’s owners were awarded the first five star guest accommodation grading in Brighton and Hove. It’s easy to see why – it’s situated in a Victorian villa, and some rooms overlook the lovely English walled garden.
You can also be assured of being well set-up for the day here too, as the property has also received a Best Breakfast award from Visit England. Some accommodation here also comes with a four-poster bed, a seating area or a side sea view.
Click here to check rates & availability for the Claremont, Hove
Brighton House – Seafront
Best for – Regency townhouse by the sea
If traditional hotels in Brighton city centre, UK are what you want to find, then Brighton House is situated in a typical Regency Square. The elegant townhouse has lots of stairs, so it isn’t the best choice for those with mobility issues. For singles in particular, though, this could be the perfect property.
Solo travellers have not one but three room types to choose from at this guest house by the sea. Fork out a little more for a balcony, or go for a budget single if you’d rather spend your money on experiencing all that this seaside city has to offer.
Loved-up couples should also be happy with a four poster or balcony room, and there’s also a more pocket-friendly option too. Everything you’ll want to see is within walking distance of this immaculately kept property. It’s even among the places to stay in Brighton, England that’s recommended by Lonely Planet.
Click here for rates & availability for Brighton House
The Stirling Arms – Hove
Best for – Sunny rooms above an English pub
Choosing pub accommodation in Brighton is a great way to make your money go further. The Stirling Arms occupies a corner position in Hove, and there’s no need to go far when you want a drink or bite to eat.
The rooms here are fresh, bright and modern, while the exterior of this English pub is an Instagrammer’s delight. The buttercup yellow of the walls is echoed within each room, too, and the interior is also dotted with lots of cheery sunflowers. For decent Hove accommodation on a budget, this one’s very hard to beat.
The Stirling Arms is just over half a mile from Hove beach, with central Brighton a couple of miles away. Only doubles with private bathrooms are offered here, so there’s no difficult decisions to make. These are fully soundproofed to block out pub noise – that is if you’re not holed up in the bar yourself until closing time (which is 11pm in the UK, by the way).
Click here to check rates & availability for The Stirling Arms
The Crab Tree Inn – Shoreham – West of Brighton & Hove
Best for – Train station and an unbeatable breakfast
Hotels near Hove and Brighton are also another option worth considering. This inn lies in Shoreham-by-Sea, so you still have that enviable coastal position. With triple rooms as well as doubles, this is also a good option for small groups or families.
The centre of Brighton is about six miles from here. With Shoreham-by-Sea station only 500 yards from the front door here, you can be in Brighton within around 15 minutes each day if you want to. That’s after devouring the delicious and substantial breakfast supplied by the friendly owners, of course.
Another bonus of pubs to stay in Brighton is that you have a bar and restaurant on site. Dining and drinking here is also a great way to sample the local British lifestyle.
Click here to check rates & availability at the Crab Tree Inn
The White Horse Pub – Rottingdean – East of Brighton & Hove
Best for – Parking, peace and stupendous sea views
Rottingdean is one of the Brighton area’s hidden gems – and I should know, seeing as I live there! A great alternative to hotels on Hove seafront is to settle into Rottingdean for a few days, which is only three miles from central Brighton.
In fact The White Horse enjoys a commanding cliff top position, so sea views are available from some of the double rooms. There’s a large terrace out front, which is an unbeatable place to be when the British weather is kind.
Free on site parking makes this the ideal place for drivers to stay, and you don’t need to contend with a congested city centre each day when heading out to explore. Rooms are comfortable and clean with everything you need, and of course when staying at a pub you can dine and drink without wandering anywhere.
Click here to check rates & availability at the White Horse
Tips for Finding the Best Places to Stay in Brighton
As with any popular beach destination in the UK, hotels near Brighton, UK get booked up well in advance for bank holiday weekends and weekends in the summer season in general. To get a reasonable deal, you’ll want to book as far ahead as possible, and try to come outside of the school holidays in late July and through August if you can. Brighton also gets crazy busy for Pride weekend in early August each year.
Hotels will often offer much better deals for longer stays – you may struggle to get accommodation for 1 night only on saturday nights as hotels prefer longer bookings – so for Brighton weekend breaks, you’ll often find better value if you can stay a little longer.
Last but not least, if all of Brighton is full, you may want to consider some of the places further out from Brighton along the coast (see above reviews for a couple of ideas) if you don’t mind a bit of travel.
Enjoy Brighton!
