Where to Stay

Brighton first became an English tourist resort in the late 18th century. In 1750 Dr Richard Russell wrote his thesis on the healing power of drinking and bathing in sea water and breathing sea air. He advocated this struggling fishing town as the ultimate health resort. This prompted the wealthy of London and around, often unhealthy due to excessive lifestyles, to visit Brighton to test the hypothesis. Much may have changed since then, but people still flock to sample the sun, the sea and the spectacular array of entertainment and points of cultural interest. Brighton knows how to accommodate and entertain every kind of visitor.

Staying in Brighton Brighton has the quantity and quality of accommodation to suit every pocket, from the cheap and cheerful to the downright extravagant. Keep in mind, wherever you wish to stay, booking is advisable at all times.

Central Brighton

Accommodation in the center is concentrated in a small, easy to navigate area. Situated just seawards of the city center end of Western Road is the small, residential and peaceful Russell Square. With the high street shops of Western Road and Churchill Square a stone's throw away, and The Lanes just beyond, you could not be more central. The seafront is just a two minute stroll from the modestly priced and welcoming Russell Guest House.

Slightly to the west is the impressive Regency Square. Larger and grander than Russell Square, it opens out to the sea with the West Pier directly in front. Here you will find the well-equipped Beach Hotel and the fantastic Hotel Pelirocco with its imaginative, celebrity-designed bedrooms. Most of the places in this area have rooms with superb sea views. A few roads further west will bring you to the stylish Oriental Hotel on Oriental Place, which has individually designed rooms and a cool, bohemian ambiance.

The Seafront

Kings Road is the stretch of the coastal road that lies roughly between the piers, and is home to many hotels, all popular due to their wonderful location and views. Luxury seafront accommodation can be found at the Thistle Brighton, The Belgrave, The Grand, and the Hilton Metropole. The Granville, the West Beach and the Kings Hotel all offer splendid seafront location at more affordable prices. For a real taste of history try the Old Ship Hotel, a listed building once owned by Nicholas Tettersell, who sailed the fugitive Charles II to safety during the English Civil War in 1651.

Slightly further east, just before Brighton Pier, Kings Road becomes Grand Junction Road. Here you will find the Palace Hotel, a lively abode with comfortable, affordable rooms.

Kemp Town

Traveling east into Kemp Town, still only 15 minutes walk from the city center, there is a wealth of great value accommodation. The coastal road, now called Marine Parade, rises to provide stunning panoramic views. Here The Lanes Hotel offers decent sized rooms and friendly service. Slightly set back from the sea, amongst the elegant Regency era architecture, there are clusters of welcoming guest houses. Nearest to the city center, Madeira Place is home to Valentine House and Funchal Guest House, amongst others.

Further east, on the New Steine, you'll stumble across another selection of guest houses. A couple of roads further down is Upper Rock Gardens, where you'll find several establishments including the stylish and well-equipped Cavalaire Hotel, which provides Internet access amongst its services. The stylish and attractive 21 Hotel can be found on Charlotte Street. Kemp Town is also home to Brighton's major campsite, the well-equipped Sheepcote Valley Caravan & Camping Park.

Hove If you wish to be out of the hustle and bustle of Brighton, then parts of Hove offer a tranquil alternative.

The Brunswick Square Hotel lies in the magnificent square of the same name. If you wish to be right on the seafront, try the Sackville Hotel on Kingsway and enjoy viewing the hubbub of Brighton Beach from a distance.

All in all there is a huge range of accommodation on offer to suit every budget and taste. Once you have found somewhere to stay, you just need to decide where to go for dinner.

Photo by: JP Oakar