Hotels can make or break vacations, especially when on a romantic getaway. It’s no wonder so many flock to the usual chains of the Hilton and their competitors. But a stay at these sorts of hotels will only ever live up to expectations. What if you could stay somewhere that goes above and beyond?
I’m here to tell you about 5 hotels that will not just satisfy you but defy your expectations. Bask in lavish comfort whilst you take a load off from a busy day. With a combination of charm, personality, fine dining and unbelievable rooms, this article has the best hotels to suit any need, with a range of prices and features spanning each establishment.
The Grand Hotel
Prepare to beam into a bygone era of leisure and elegance, as upon entering the lobby of the Grand Hotel, you are transported back in time to the lavish hotel interiors of the past. A bubble of elegance and sophistication. Ornate chandeliers hang from the ceiling, whilst its plush furnishings exude a grandiosity that is seldom replicated in today’s hotels. It’s reminiscent of the settings in The Great Gatsby!
Rooms here are nothing short of spacious and comfortable with plush beds, high-quality linens, and all the expected modern amenities, such as flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. To top it all off, its location puts the seafront right on your doorstep, giving breath-taking sea views, there’s little more you could ask for in a hotel.
You’ll rest easy thanks to their generously spacious rooms, doused in comfort and class. Thanks to their plush beds with high-quality linens, you’ll rest easy as you drift into a peaceful slumber. Furthermore, each room comes with a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi, allowing you to keep up to date with your world back home.
To top it all off, its location puts the seafront right on your doorstep, giving breath-taking sea views. There’s a little more you could ask for in a hotel!
Imagine falling asleep to the peaceful lapping of the waves. There’s no need to rely on YouTube videos of rainfall to drift off!
Just a stone’s throw away from some of Brighton’s biggest attractions, you won’t need to rely on taxis. With The Pier, Royal Pavilion and Brighton Museum all within walking distance, Brighton’s best is right on your doorstep!
Enjoy their state-of-the-art facilities, with access to the fitness centre and spa, included as part of your stay. The hotel’s restaurant, Cyan, serves up seafood that’s hard to beat, serving perhaps the best scallops in Brighton.
Address: 97-99 Kings Rd, Brighton and Hove, BN1 2FW
Check AvailabilityThe Artist Residence
The hotel’s décor is a quirky mix of vintage meets postmodern, each room featuring unique artwork and furnishings to give them a distinct personality. Each smaller room is uniquely cosy, designed to show personality and elevate your peace of mind, feeling less like a hotel and mimicking a room in a home.
It breaks the Hotel regime of comfort at the cost of personality, offering a memorable yet relaxing hotel experience. Just try not to get too comfy and spend all your time in the room!
Every aspect of the hotel has been thoughtfully designed in order to foster a stay filled with personality and individuality, and guests are made to feel far more at home. It’s perfect for creative couples!
The hotel’s communal spaces, including the bar and restaurant, feature an eclectic mix of art and vintage pieces, instilling a warm and comforting atmosphere wherever you are on the premises.
The hotel offers a fine café style breakfast to get you ready for the day ahead. Go the whole hog with a full English breakfast (the whole Mushroom for the vegans) or grab something lighter like their flavourful eggs benedict, to delight your taste buds.
Furthermore, their stacked bar offers a wide range of drinks, offering expertly crafted cocktails; sure to impress even the most discerning of drinkers.
The staff at the Artist Residence are always happy to help with any request or question, priding themselves on going above and beyond to facilitate your comfort and needs.
Address: 33 Regency Square, Brighton and Hove, BN1 2GG
Check AvailabilityHotel Du Vin
Located in the heart of Brighton’s historic Lanes, a brief minute’s walk from the seafront, Hotel Du Vin exudes class. The hotel comprises several buildings in Gothic and mock Tudor styles, dating back as far as the 1700s. Fear not, as the building has been lovingly restored, maintaining its original elegance and character.
The exterior may be charming and steeped in history, but on the inside, you’ll find a stylish and sophisticated hotel. Its plush furnishings, rich fabrics, and vintage décor create an elegant, comforting ambience.
The hotel offers 49 rooms and suites, all with gentle Egyptian cotton linen to ensure your night’s sleep is as refreshing as possible. With luxurious bathrooms and striking sea views, you can unwind from hard days exploring in bliss with a range of room types, catering to any want or desire.
Famed for its bar and restaurant, Brighton’s Hotel Du Vin can tend to your every alcoholic need, whilst providing bespoke European cuisine, all set to chic, classy surroundings. Naturally, with the hotel formerly being a wine merchant, the wine list is extensive, with a wide range of wines to sample, and an in-house sommelier to guide and elevate your palette.
If you fancy something stronger, why not enjoy a rousing glass of whisky, with over 100 to choose from! Also, the Bistro features a gorgeous courtyard where you can enjoy your meal al fresco, under the vine-covered Pergola!
The hotel also offers a range of meeting and event spaces, perfect for weddings, conferences, and other special occasions.
A distinguished hotel that offers a perfect blend of elegance, comfort, and luxury, it’s hard to find better without having to pay a small fortune. The location is ideal, the building itself is a perfect example of the gothic mode of the sublime and the staff are attentive and friendly. If you’re looking for a charming yet sophisticated hotel in Brighton, Hotel Du Vin definitely lives up to its reputation.
Address: 2 Ship St, Brighton and Hove, BN1 1AD
Check AvailabilityThe Old Ship Hotel
A historic hotel overlooking Brighton Beach. This Georgian hotel has a rich history, having been built in 1559 as a coaching inn; it’s said to be one of the oldest hotels in England.
Offering stunning views of the English Channel it is as good as anywhere else in terms of location, close to the bulk of Brighton’s attractions and town centre. Guests can easily access the Lanes, to shop till they drop, without fear of wandering too far and exhaustedly trudging back.
The hotel itself contains 154 guest rooms, all of which are individually decorated in vintage elegance. Spacious and easy to relax in, the rooms are a slice of tradition, with many offering sea views.
It’s not every day you get a chance to stay in a hotel that’s almost 500 years old, but should you book a retreat here, you’ll be surprised by the well-kept building and affordable price for a night’s stay. This is certainly a pick for the less materialistic couples, who might want to roleplay as lovers in a simpler time.
It may lack some of the extra facilities other hotels on this list boast, but it more than makes up for this through its personality and affordability. For those wanting a cosy place to stay, suffused with history, that also is well situated without breaking the bank, The Old Ship Inn is for you.
Address: The Old Ship Hotel, 32-38 Kings Rd, Brighton and Hove, BN1 1NR
Check AvailabilityThe Drakes Hotel
The Drakes Hotel is situated in Kemptown, Brighton’s most vibrant and trendy neighbourhood, only a few minutes walk from the seafront. Housed in a stunning Georgian building, which has been tastefully refurbished to provide guests with a luxurious and intimate atmosphere, The Drakes Hotel might be the most highly regarded on this list.
Many have sung this boutique hotel’s praises, with the rooms here nothing short of incredible. It’s a chance to experience the good life.
Its location is perfect for any hoping to enjoy some of Kemptown’s eclectic mix of independent shops, cafes, and bars. The lively nightlife spilling out onto the streets provides a comforting backdrop, the hotel sheltering you from the louder late-night festivities.
The hotel features 20 individually designed guest rooms, each with its own unique character and charm. Oozing class, with room to swing 50 or so cats around the large rooms, this one has got to be my top pick if it’s within your price range.
A combination of modern and antique furnishings, these unbelievable guest rooms resemble the kind of high-class hotels you see in films. Each room is equipped with high-quality utilities and facilities, including air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and of course, complimentary Wi-Fi.
The hotel’s concierge service is particularly noteworthy, with staff offering personalised recommendations on everything from local restaurants to tourist attractions. Many guests have praised the staff’s attention to detail and willingness to accommodate individual needs.
The hotel also has a rooftop terrace, where guests can enjoy panoramic views of Brighton while they sip on bougie cocktails. For those seeking a workout, the hotel even offers discounted gym passes at the nearby David Lloyd Health Club at the Marina. If you want some extra indulgence, in-room massages and treatments can be arranged, as well as flowers, love hampers, chocolates and Champagne.
Address: 44 Marine Parade, Brighton and Hove, BN2 1PE
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