Who wouldn’t want to wake up to the gentle sound of waves, pull back your curtains to reveal Brighton’s iconic shoreline, and sip your morning coffee with panoramic sea views stretching into the horizon?
Well, seafront hotels in Brighton offer that perfect blend of seaside charm and vibrant city energy that’s impossible to resist!
Brighton has long been the playground of Londoners seeking coastal escape, but this beachfront gem deserves so much more than just a day trip.
From historic grand dames that have hosted royalty to sleek contemporary spaces with Instagram-worthy interiors, we’ve curated the absolute cream of the crop.
These are the very best seafront hotels in Brighton, each offering something special, but they all share that coveted front-row seat to Brighton’s spectacular shoreline.
1. The Grand Brighton
- Amenities: Free WiFi, spa facilities, fitness center, breakfast available (not included), valet parking (paid), dog-friendly
- Hotel Class: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Style: Luxury, historic, romantic
- Address: 97-99 Kings Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 2FW
The Grand Brighton isn’t just a hotel—it’s a landmark. This Victorian masterpiece has been the crown jewel of Brighton’s seafront since 1864, and stepping into the lobby feels like walking into a glamorous time capsule (but with modern amenities, thankfully).
The rooms strike that perfect balance between historic charm and contemporary comfort—think high ceilings and period features paired with plush bedding and smart TVs. Book a sea-facing room for the full experience; watching the sunset from these windows is nothing short of magical.
The Victoria Restaurant serves up locally sourced British cuisine that’s worth booking even if you’re not staying here, while the Victoria Bar mixes cocktails with serious flair.
For special occasions, their afternoon tea in the Victoria Terrace is absolutely unmissable—the scones alone are worth the visit.
⭐ Want to see what guests are saying? Read reviews on Google
2. Artist Residence Brighton
- Amenities: Free WiFi, cocktail bar, coffee shop, dog-friendly, limited paid parking nearby
- Hotel Class: ⭐⭐⭐
- Style: Boutique, artistic, romantic
- Address: 33 Regency Square, Brighton, BN1 2GG
This eclectic gem sits in a Regency square just steps from the beach, offering seaside views with a serious dose of personality. Each of the 24 rooms was designed by a different artist, creating spaces that feel more like staying in a gallery than a hotel.
The Clubhouse rooms are super quirky, colorful, and bursting with character, plus those gorgeous sea views that make Brighton so special. The beds are dangerously comfortable, and the roll-top baths in some rooms are perfect for a post-beach soak.
Downstairs, The Set restaurant serves innovative small plates that change with the seasons, while the cocktail bar Fix mixes some of the most creative drinks in town. Even if you’re not staying overnight, both are worthy destinations in their own right.
⭐ Want to see what guests are saying? Read reviews on Google
3. DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole
- Amenities: Free WiFi, indoor pool, fitness center, business center, dog-friendly, spa, breakfast available (not included), parking (paid)
- Hotel Class: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Style: Mid-range to luxury, family-friendly, business
- Address: Kings Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton, BN1 2FU
The Metropole is a Brighton institution—a Victorian grand dame that’s kept up with the times while honoring its heritage. The seafront location is prime, putting you steps from the beach and within easy walking distance of the Lanes and Brighton Pier.
Rooms range from classic to contemporary, but all offer that coveted comfort Hilton is known for. The sea-view rooms and suites are absolutely worth the splurge; waking up to that panoramic vista is the ultimate Brighton experience.
The Metropole’s leisure facilities are a major draw—the indoor pool is perfect for those days when the British weather doesn’t cooperate with beach plans. The Salt Room restaurant serves up exceptional seafood with a focus on cooking over coal, and the terrace is a dream spot for summer dining.
Families particularly love this hotel for its spacious rooms and child-friendly amenities, while business travelers appreciate the extensive meeting facilities and central location.
⭐ Want to see what guests are saying? Read reviews on Google
4. Drakes of Brighton
- Amenities: Free WiFi, award-winning restaurant, freestanding bathtubs, 24-hour room service, limited parking (paid)
- Hotel Class: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Style: Boutique, luxury, romantic
- Address: Marine Parade, Kemptown, Brighton and Hove, Brighton, BN2 1PE
Set in a pair of Regency townhouses, Drakes of Brighton Hotel practically defines boutique luxury in Brighton. With just 20 rooms, Drakes offers intimacy and personalized service that larger hotels simply can’t match.
The feature rooms are absolute showstoppers—many include freestanding bathtubs positioned by the bay windows, offering bubble baths with sea views. The beds are handmade and absurdly comfortable, topped with Egyptian cotton linens that make leaving in the morning a genuine struggle.
Drakes’ restaurant punches well above its weight, with a menu that showcases seasonal British ingredients with modern flair. The cocktail bar, though small, mixes drinks with serious expertise and zero pretension.
This is where you stay when you want to mark a special occasion or simply treat yourself to a coastal escape that feels utterly indulgent.
⭐ Want to see what guests are saying? Read reviews on Google
5. Malmaison Brighton Marina
- Amenities: Free WiFi, waterfront restaurant, free parking, air conditioning, breakfast available (not included), meeting rooms
- Hotel Class: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Style: Modern, mid-range, business-friendly
- Address: The Waterfront, Brighton Marina, Brighton and Hove, Brighton, BN2 5WA
While not directly on Brighton’s main seafront, this stylish hotel deserves its place on the list for its spectacular marina location. Surrounded by bobbing yachts and waterfront restaurants, it offers a different perspective on Brighton’s coastal charm.
The rooms are everything you’d expect from Malmaison—sleek, contemporary, and thoughtfully designed. The marina-view rooms offer a peaceful alternative to the more bustling main seafront, with floor-to-ceiling windows that maximize those water views.
The Chez Mal Brasserie serves reliable, satisfying dishes with a focus on British classics and grilled specialties. The bar mixes a mean cocktail and offers an excellent wine list—perfect for sipping while watching the sunset over the marina.
The free parking is a major bonus in parking-challenged Brighton, and the location at the marina gives you access to plenty of restaurants and shops right on your doorstep.
⭐ Want to see what guests are saying? Read reviews on Google
FUN FACT: Brighton is home to the world’s oldest operating electric railway — the Volk’s Electric Railway, which opened in 1883! It still runs along the seafront today and is a charming little ride with sea views and retro vibes!
6. Hotel Pelirocco
- Amenities: Free WiFi, cocktail bar, breakfast included, record players in some rooms, limited paid parking nearby
- Hotel Class: ⭐⭐⭐
- Style: Boutique, quirky, business
- Address: Hotel Pelirocco, 10 Regency Square, Brighton, BN1 2FG
Self-described as “England’s most rock ‘n’ roll hotel,” Pelirocco isn’t for everyone—and that’s precisely its charm. This Regency townhouse hotel features 19 themed rooms that range from quirky to outright risqué, each celebrating different aspects of subculture, music, and pop art.
While not all rooms have sea views, the hotel is just steps from the beach on Regency Square. The Modrophenia room pays homage to Brighton’s mod heritage, while the DollyWould room is a shrine to all things Dolly Parton. The more adventurous might opt for the Botanica room, complete with pole dancing facilities and a mirrored ceiling.
The bar doubles as a performance space hosting acoustic sets, poetry readings, and DJ nights. Breakfast is a simple but satisfying affair, and the cocktail menu is as eclectic as the decor.
This isn’t luxury in the traditional sense, but for those seeking a truly memorable, Instagram-worthy stay that captures Brighton’s eccentric spirit, Pelirocco delivers in spades!
⭐ Want to see what guests are saying? Read reviews on Google
7. Brighton Harbour Hotel & Spa
- Amenities: Free WiFi, underground spa, indoor pool, rooftop terrace, dog-friendly, breakfast available (not included), limited parking (paid)
- Hotel Class: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Style: Modern luxury, spa retreat, romantic
- Address: 64 Kings Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton, BN1 1NA
With one of the most enviable seafront locations in Brighton, this stylish hotel offers contemporary luxury with a focus on wellness. The building itself is a restored Victorian property, but inside, it’s all modern elegance.
The rooms are crisp and coastal-inspired, with seafront options offering spectacular views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Little touches like complimentary gin and sherry in the rooms set this place apart.
The real star of the show is the underground spa—a cavernous space featuring a pool, sauna, steam room, and hydrotherapy facilities. After a day of exploring Brighton, retreating to this subterranean sanctuary feels like discovering a secret world beneath the city.
The HarBAR + Kitchen serves excellent seafood and cocktails, while the rooftop terrace offers panoramic views across the Channel. For a truly special experience, book a treatment in the spa’s relaxation areas carved directly into the cliffs.
TIP: Book direct to receive complimentary HarSPA access, usually £10 per person per day
⭐ Want to see what guests are saying? Read reviews on Google
8. The Old Ship Hotel
- Amenities: Free WiFi, restaurant, bar, room service, coffee-making facilities, business center, dog-friendly (additional charge), paid parking
- Hotel Class: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Style: Historic, traditional, mid-range
- Address: The Old Ship Hotel, 32-38 Kings Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton, BN1 1NR
As Brighton’s oldest hotel (dating back to 1559!), The Old Ship Hotel carries centuries of stories within its walls. This historic Georgian treasure sits proudly on the seafront, offering that perfect balance of heritage charm and modern comforts.
All 154 of their rooms blend traditional elegance with contemporary amenities—think classic furnishings paired with crisp linens and updated bathrooms, 49 are sea-facing rooms offering those coveted ocean views, while the premium rooms and suites add touches of luxury that make your stay feel extra special.
The Steak-on-Sea Restaurant serves classic British fare with an emphasis on quality local ingredients, while the bar offers a cozy spot for an evening drink with views across the promenade. In the summer months, the alfresco terrace becomes one of Brighton’s most enviable spots for people-watching with a cocktail in hand.
What makes The Old Ship truly special is its sense of place and history—these walls have welcomed guests from royalty to rock stars, and that legacy of hospitality shines through in every aspect of your stay. For history buffs, the original 16th-century wine cellars are a fascinating glimpse into the building’s past.
⭐ Want to see what guests are saying? Read reviews on Google
9. Leonardo Royal Hotel Brighton Waterfront
- Amenities: Free WiFi, indoor pool, fitness center, restaurant, bar, air conditioning, sauna, breakfast available (not included), meeting rooms, limited parking (paid)
- Hotel Class: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Style: Modern, business-friendly, family-friendly
- Address: Kings Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton, BN1 2GS
With its distinctive white façade stretching along the seafront, the Leonardo Royal (formerly the Jurys Inn) occupies one of Brighton’s most recognizable waterfront buildings. Its central location places you steps from both the beach and Brighton’s main attractions.
The rooms are spacious and contemporary, with clean lines and a calming color palette that lets those sea views take center stage. Even the standard rooms feel generous by Brighton standards, while the executive rooms add thoughtful extras that elevate the experience.
The Seaview Bar & Lounge serves reliable cuisine throughout the day in a bright, airy space perfect for everything from breakfast meetings to dinner with friends. The indoor pool is a major bonus—especially on those classic British rainy days when the beach isn’t quite so appealing.
Business travelers appreciate the hotel’s excellent meeting facilities and central location, while families love the spacious rooms and leisure facilities. The Leonardo Royal strikes that perfect balance between professional polish and seaside relaxation.
⭐ Want to see what guests are saying? Read reviews on Google
10. Mercure Brighton Seafront Hotel
- Amenities: Free WiFi, restaurant, bar, air conditioning (in most rooms), limited parking (paid), family-friendly, wedding services, meeting rooms
- Hotel Class: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Style: Historic, mid-range, romantic
This Grade II-listed Victorian gem brings period grandeur to your Brighton escape. The ornate white façade stands out even among Brighton’s impressive architectural lineup, and inside you’ll find Regency touches blended with contemporary comforts.
The rooms vary widely—some showcase original features like high ceilings and bay windows, while others have been more thoroughly modernized. Sea-view rooms are the prize here, offering spectacular vistas through classic Victorian windows that frame the Channel like living paintings.
The Coastal restaurant serves a menu of British classics with international influences, while the bar, with its original features, provides a characterful setting for evening drinks. The courtyard garden is a hidden gem—a peaceful oasis just steps from the bustling promenade.
What gives the Mercure its special charm is the sense of staying somewhere that captures Brighton’s elegant Regency heyday while providing all the modern amenities you need. The slightly worn edges in some areas only add to its character—this is a hotel with genuine soul and stories to tell.
⭐ Want to see what guests are saying? Read reviews on Google
Tips For Booking Your Brighton Seafront Stay
Brighton’s popularity means these hotels book up quickly, especially during summer months and festival weekends. I’d recommend booking at least three months ahead for peak season visits.
For the best value, consider a midweek stay outside school holidays, when rates can drop significantly. Many of these hotels offer special packages that include dining or spa experiences—always worth asking about when booking directly.
Parking in Brighton is notoriously challenging and expensive, so consider arriving by train (the station is just a 15-minute walk from the seafront) unless your chosen hotel offers parking facilities.
Most importantly, don’t forget to request a sea-view room when booking. While they come at a premium, watching the changing moods of the Channel from your window is what makes a Brighton seafront stay truly special—and absolutely worth every penny!
Which one of these seafront hotels in Brighton was your favorite?