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The Best Hotels With Views in Brighton, England

Most hotels in the seaside town of Brighton feature bay windows and balconies, perfect for admiring the view
Most hotels in the seaside town of Brighton feature bay windows and balconies, perfect for admiring the view | © Shaun Stanley / Alamy Stock Photo

Brighton boasts an enviable waterfront – think Palace Pier, sandy beaches and colourful beach huts – so a room with a view is a must. Thanks to a Regency-era construction boom in the early-19th century, most hotels feature tall bay windows and balconies, which are all the better for taking in the city’s sights.

The Grand Brighton

Luxury

The Grand Brighton
Courtesy of the Grand Brighton / Expedia.com

This wedding cake of a hotel has held its prime seaside spot since 1864. Waking up in crisp Egyptian cotton sheets, surrounded by Art Deco-styled furnishings, you’ll enjoy views over the sea and burned-out West Pier. This same view can also be enjoyed from the lounge, which serves up Sunday roasts with all the trimmings and luxurious afternoon tea spreads of scones and cakes, alongside a menu of 30 teas. Being in the city’s centre, all of Brighton’s major attractions are mere minutes away.

Brighton Harbour Hotel and Spa

Spa Hotel

Brighton Harbour Hotel & Spa
Courtesy of Brighton Harbour Hotel and Spa / Expedia.com

Forget your idea of a conventional chain hotel, this city-centre outpost of the Harbour group pops with deeply pigmented colour and maritime flourishes. Regency-era bay windows capture the magic of the promenade; during Brighton and Hove Pride every August, side rooms have views down the entire parade route. Grab a window seat in Harby’s Diner for a fairground-themed afternoon tea, or leave it all behind at the subterranean spa, built in former smugglers’ tunnels. Palace Pier and the Royal Pavilion are both within 10 minutes’ walk.

The Old Ship Hotel

Hotel

The Old Ship Hotel
Courtesy of the Old Ship Hotel / Expedia.com

The ivory-walled Old Ship Hotel has occupied its spot on the southern edge of Brighton’s Lanes district since 1559. Take in the promenade and Palace Pier from nautical-themed rooms (some even come with vintage brass telescopes), though keep in mind that not all rooms face south, so it’s best to enquire when booking. Herby mussels and tender steak are on the menu at the Mess Deck restaurant, best enjoyed on the seafront terrace during summer and by the fireside in winter.

Malmaison Brighton

Hotel

Malmaison Brighton
Courtesy of Malmaison Brighton / Expedia.com
Repeat visitors to Brighton may wish to swap the traditional picture-postcard pier views for one that is different yet no less spectacular. Brighton Marina is a display of private yachts and fishing boats – and many of the rooms at this modern boutique, along with the suntrap terrace of the Chez Mal Bar, look right out to this scene. Kick back with friends and drink your way through the never-ending cocktail menu, based around lofty themes like love, forgiveness and power.

A Room With A View

Bed and Breakfast, Guesthouse

A Room With A View
Courtesy of A Room With A View / Expedia.com

The clue is in the name – all but one room at this Kemptown boutique face south toward the sea and the amusements of Palace Pier. Opt for the rooftop sea view room, with a pine staircase leading to a sheltered balcony, for the best vantage point going. The dining room also overlooks the seafront; start your day right here with a breakfast of sourdough toast and continental favourites, which have an emphasis on local provenance.

Drakes of Brighton

Boutique Hotel

Drakes of Brighton
Courtesy of Drakes of Brighton / Expedia.com
This Kemptown boutique, comprising two handsome Georgian townhouses, is within strolling distance of the beach and Sea Life Centre. It’s reportedly a celebrity favourite for its free-standing roll-top tubs with seaside views, while rooms evoke Art Deco luxury with deep-pile crimson rugs. Fancy a flute of champagne and rose petals in the bath? Drakes’ staff will organise that for you. Elsewhere, gourmet French cuisine at Amarillo restaurant comes courtesy of former Michelin-star chef Ian Swainson.

Sea Spray

Budget Hotel

Sea Spray
Courtesy of Sea Spray / Expedia.com

This boutique, spread across two narrow Regency townhouses in Kemptown, delights with on-trend printed fabrics and subtly themed rooms. Although it’s not directly on the seafront, some views from rooms frame the pier, while select suites and superior rooms have small balconies. The hotel is located 13 minutes’ walk from the Royal Pavilion and 11 minutes from Brighton Dome.

Q Square by Supercity Apartments

Apartment

Q Square by Supercity Aparthotels
Courtesy of Q Square by Supercity Aparthotels / Expedia.com

This smart aparthotel complex occupies a former ice rink in the city centre, five minutes from the Royal Pavilion and beach. It’s not seaside vistas you’ll find here, but cityscape views. Modern, tartan-accented rooms pay homage to the city’s creative roots – and are fitted with complete kitchens, Sky-equipped TVs and washer-dryers – while there’s also a small gym on site.

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