Where to Stay in Brighton, England

On the western edge of Kemptown and a stone’s throw from Palace Pier, Brightonwave captures the kitsch of its rainbow flag-strewn surrounds – albeit tastefully. A rotating selection of local art, ranging from the abstract to the political, lends pops of colour to the neutral rooms. Enjoy its breakfast spread in the light-filled dining room, featuring blueberry pancakes, organic muesli and traditional and vegetarian English breakfasts.

A short hop from the Brighton Dome, this whitewashed townhouse occupies a sea-facing spot opposite the West Pier. Rooms come in a range of themes, including the Palace Pier room with art deco four-poster bed, and the Japanese room with wall fans and framed calligraphy. Tuck into a full English breakfast – both vegetarian and vegan options are available – before retiring to your room to plan your Brighton adventure using the free wifi.

This celebrity favourite (Cate Blanchett and Kylie Minogue have stayed here) stands out for its handsome elm-panelled rooms. Occupying a prime seaside spot in Kemptown, large bay windows look out over Palace Pier while some rooms boast free-standing tubs and telescopes positioned in the window. Kick off your evening with an inventive G&T in the cocktail bar, before tucking into delectable cuisine at Amarillo from former Michelin-star chef Ian Swainson.

Occupying a former wine merchant’s store in Brighton’s Lanes District, Hotel du Vin delights with its Parisian bistro, lined with sky-blue banquettes and speakeasy-style bar. There’s an extensive menu of wines – most are from France and Italy, but you’ll also find unusual New World picks from California, South Africa and Chile. Deluxe rooms feature twin roll-top baths; while even the smallest options have opulent leather-trimmed beds, Nespresso machines and Ren toiletries. The Royal Pavilion and beach are both a short walk away.

This unfussy bed and breakfast, spread over nine rooms of a Regency-era townhouse, sits on the edge of Brunswick Town, offering easy access to Hove Lawns’ Instagrammable beach huts and Palace Pier. All rooms have tea- and coffee-making facilities, snack baskets and L’Occitane toiletries as standard. Elsewhere, breakfast in the bar area makes use of local organic ingredients and features traditional cooked breakfasts and fruit salads.

The delightful rooms at this boutique in Kemptown promise a relaxing weekend, but it’s the spa that’s the real draw. Aromatherapy massages utilise essential oils to release tension, while organic facials harness luxury products to naturally rejuvenate the skin. Breakfasts also continue the theme of wellness with a wide range of fruit, juices and cereals. Palace Pier and the Royal Pavilion are both an 11-minute walk away.

Located in the heart of Kemptown, a 15-minute stroll from Palace Pier, this three-star guest house brings a heavy dose of art deco to the traditional B&B template. Paskins was doing green hospitality before it was cool, from eco-friendly toiletries to rooms that are vegan right down to the linens. Vegetarian breakfasts include home-made vegan sausages and Pavilion Rarebit with chutney and Chinese spices. Dogs are welcome – just let the management know.

Spread over two Regency townhouses in Kemptown, just a 10-minute walk from Palace Pier, this 15-room boutique is well placed for weekend trippers. Rooms come in a variety of themes but all share floral flourishes, primary-coloured throw pillows and well-equipped bathrooms. Meanwhile, the Superior Suite has a patio with outdoor hot tub for lounging with a glass of champagne. Breakfast options include both traditional and vegetarian full English, eggs benedict and omelettes.