Victoria Lupascu 
This resort town is only a short train ride away from London and trust me you’ll love it here! And I’ll give you all the reasons why just below in this guide on where to stay in Brighton.
I visited Brighton a while ago when I was living in England and I got to explore lots of its areas and find the very best ones for tourists. I included the top 5 in this post along with a short list of the best hotels for all pockets and budgets.
In short, City Center is the best area to stay in Brighton, as that is where you’ll find the main attractions, but I included 4 more so take a look at those too as you might find something you’ll like.
Definitely book your hotel in Brighton in advance, especially if you are visiting during summer (June, July and August) when everyone runs to the beach here.
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Here are the best places to stay in Brighton, with hotels and guest houses for different budgets. They are all conveniently located in the city center and have great reviews!
Contents
Here’s a map to help you visualize the best areas to stay in Brighton that I’ll talk about in this post:
- City Centre: for first-timers
- North Laine: trendiest area
- Kemptown: for nightlife
- Hove: for families
- Seafront: for the beach
1. City Center – where to stay in Brighton for the first time
Made of a mix of Regency, Victorian and Edwardian architecture, windy streets and salty air, Brighton’s City Center is one of those places that you’ll just want to explore for hours!
Even in rain and clouds (as I found when I first visited the city) this area stands out and will offer any tourist a fabulous time!
There are tons of attractions here from the Brighton i360 glass pod that offers some incredible sea views, Upside Down House that gives off Alice in Wonderland vibes, to the Royal Pavilion, a unique piece of architecture that you can tour and explore.
But what I loved doing the most while I was here was exploring the City Center’s streets. Some are narrow and filled with street art, some are big and pretty crowded but all have a charm that I’m sure will appeal to you.
If you’re up for a bit of shopping make sure you head to the Churchill Square Shopping Centre (map) and make sure you also stop by the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery which is set near the Victoria Gardens (map).
You’ll also find lots of restaurants, cute cafes and bars around here. I went to this really great one called The Breakfast Club (map) and really liked the food they had. But if you want to heat something closer to home, try the Regency Restaurant (map) where they serve locally caught food.
A unique Renaissance-style hotel with a breathtaking view of the sea. This boutique hotel with parking spaces, has a fab location and some amazing amenities including rooms with a balcony, a restaurant and a bar where you can enjoy some drinks after a day out!
Other accommodation options in City Centre
A great place that offers a complimentary breakfast and rooms with city views
Cozy and comfy rooms with free Wi-Fi, just 10 minutes walk from the train station
This unique and stylish property has a bath and a flat-screen TV
Things to do in City Centre
- Watch an amazing musical at the Theatre Royal
- Explore the Royal Pavilion Gardens
- Admire the art at the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery
- Enjoy the views from Brighton i360
- Snap a pic of the Upside Down House
- Take a day trip to South Downs National Park to see the Seven Sisters (map)
2. North Laine – trendiest place to stay in Brighton
This small area is the ultimate bohemian spot that you’ll definitely want to explore if not stay here.
North Laine is packed with trendy cafes, vegetarian restaurants, street art and all sorts of colorful buildings! Honestly, this is surely one of the most Instagrammable spots in Brighton so be camera ready at all times!
The best way to explore is to just walk on the streets, that way you’ll get to see most of the attraction points and discover the restaurants and cafes.
You should definitely stop by North Laine Bazaar (map) which is open every day and get some cool vintage souvenirs and also go for a walk in the Valley Gardens Park (map).
If you’re looking for some spots to hit, start your morning at the Trading Post Coffee Roasters (map) with a cup of strong coffee and then grab some lunch at Bill’s Brighton Restaurant (map) where you can enjoy some delicious British dishes.
Typical English Terraced House
Perfect for a big group of friends or a family this house comes with 3 rooms, a large kitchen and an outdoor terrace where you can relax and enjoy the sun.
Other accommodation options in
A spacious home with a lounge area, a kitchen and 2 bedrooms
Such a cute house with a great design, a kitchen, and a small furnished patio
Stay in a private room in this apartment that has a kitchen, free Wi-Fi and a shared kitchen
Things to do in North Laine
- Get some souvenirs from the North Laine Bazaar
- Head for lunch at Bill’s Brighton Restaurant
- Valley Gardens Park
- Grab a coffee at Trading Post Coffee Roasters
- Check out Snoopers Paradise (map)
Subscribe here to get up to 35% off your accommodation for your next trip!
3. Kemptown – where to stay in Brighton for nightlife
Planning to do a bit of partying while you’re in Brighton? Then, the Kempton area is for you!
Set just East of the City Centre, this waterfront neighborhood is known for its lively nightlife and countless LGBTQ bars and clubs.
Honestly, there’s never a dull moment here, especially around St James’s Street (map) where you’ll find lots of great bars and pubs like Sidewinder (map), Hand In Hand (map), and Bulldog (map). All super fun places where you can start the night.
You should also head to Patterns (map), a live music venue with different rooms where you can enjoy some drinks, dance and listen to music.
Another perk of Kempton is its close proximity to Brighton Beach (map)! If you’re coming during the summer you’ll definitely want to spend some time chilling on the shores and even during the colder months you can just head there for a bit to admire the views.
Right near Kempton, you’ll also find the Sea Life Brighton which is actually the world’s oldest aquarium, opened back in 1872!
You’re going to feel right at home in this boutique hotel set in the heart of Kemptown. Its bright and elegant rooms offer a seating area and sea views. The accommodation also has a spa center where you can relax after a day out.
Other accommodation options in Kemptown
Award-winning, funky guest house with a colorful, quirky design and great breakfast
A cheap place that has rooms with a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi
Enjoy a coffee on the balcony of this property that has large windows while admiring the sea views
Things to do in Kemptown
- Dance all night at Club Revenge (map), Brighton’s most iconic gay club
- Spend a sunny and relaxing day at Brighton Beach
- Have fun at Sea Life Brighton
- Enjoy the afternoon tea at Leman Tea Room (map)
- Listen to live music and grab a drink at Patterns
4. Hove – the best neighborhood for families
Located a 20 min walk away from the City Centre, Hove used to be a separate community until the late 90s when it merged with Brighton to form Brighton Hove.
This is a great place for families, as it’s definitely much more tranquil and it has that small-town charm from the days when it was separate from Brighton.
Hove has its own beach (map), with the same name where you can go with the kids to play, relax and enjoy the weather. Make sure you also pass by the Hove Beach Huts (map), which are super colorful and would make for a photo.
Some other attractions that you can check out here are the Booth Museum of Natural History, the Brighton Toy and Model Museum and St Ann’s Well Gardens (map).
Hove also has its own train station (map) so you can just stop here if you’re coming by train and your hotel is in Hove, rather than going all the way to Brighton City Center.
Now let’s check out the best Brighton hotels in Hove:
Set in a Victorian villa, this gorgeous hotel offers stylish rooms with four-poster-beds, coffee makers and free Wi-Fi. The accommodation also offers a delicious breakfast that you can enjoy in their garden.
Other accommodation options in Hove
Enjoy a long bath in your room at this hotel that has a restaurant and a bar
Best Western Princes Marine Hotel
Sleep like a baby in the comfy rooms of this hotel which has family rooms and a restaurant
Relax in the garden of this spacious and bright Victorian flat. Brighton city center at only 15 min walking distance!
Things to do in Hove
- Learn new things at the Booth Museum of Natural History
- Snap a pic of the Hove Beach Huts
- Take your children to the Hove Museum and Art Gallery
- Spend a fun day with the kids on Hove Beach
- Visit the Brighton Toy and Model Museum
5. Brighton Seafront – where to stay for beach lovers
Want to stay right near the beach and be as close as possible to the sea? Well, then Brighton’s Seafront should be your stopping point!
This area stretches from the City Center to Kempton and it is packed with fun attractions, restaurants and bars.
One of the biggest sights here is the Brighton Palace Pier (map), an old-school amusement park that has fairground rides, bars and all sorts of other things. It looks really cool, and it’s also super fun.
Then you have the beach (map) of course, where you can enjoy a swim if the weather is on your side.
You should also check out Volk’s Electric Railway (map), which dates back to the 1880s and looks so interesting. Definitely a spot to take some amazing pics.
Now let’s check out the best hotels in Brighton, on the seafront:
Leonardo Royal Hotel Brighton Waterfront
Head for a swim in the indoor pool or relax in the steam room of this hotel that boasts the most amazing sea views! The accommodation offers a restaurant and comfy rooms that have a flat screen Tv and some even overlook the sea.
Other accommodation options in Brighton Seafront
Wake up to a stunning view of the sea in this hotel that offers breakfast
A stylish hotel located a few minutes from Brighton Beach and the Royal Pavilion
Lovely studio with a great view, a seating area and a kitchenette
Things to do in Brighton Seafront
- Learn new things at the Brighton Fishing Museum
- Spend a fun afternoon with the family at the Brighton Pier
- Enjoy the sun on Brighton Beach
- Check out the Jungle Rumble Adventure Golf – Brighton (map)
- Grab a drink at Bison Beer (map)
| 👑 Luxury price: | US$180 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | US$120 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | US$90 |
| 📍 Best area: | Brighton city center |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | The Grand Brighton |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Jurys Inn Brighton |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Cappadocia Guest House |
FAQs about where to stay in Brighton
🏙️ Which are the best areas where to stay in Brighton?
The City Center and Kempton are some of the best areas to stay in Brighton. That’s where you’ll find the main attractions, great hotels and restaurants too.
👨👩👧 Where to stay in Brighton with the family?
The best area to stay in Brighton with kids is the Hove, a charming and quiet area that’s just a 20 min drive away from the City Center and which has lots of kid-friendly attractions.
🏖️ What is the best place to stay in Brighton near the beach?
Brighton Seafront is the best place to stay in Brighton right by the sea.
🔍 What are the best things to do in Brighton?
Some of the best things to do in Brighton are heading to the beach, exploring the trendy areas like North Laine, and having fun at the Brighton Palace Pier.
Final thoughts on where to stay in Brighton
Wow, who misses the sea already? Better prepare this trip early and enjoy all the fun that this town offers!
I hope that this guide on where to stay in Brighton, UK helped you decide which hotel and area to pick, if you’re still not sure about the accommodations, here are my top-rated 2 favorite hotels:
- The Grand Brighton – a luxurious hotel with sea views and a cool restaurant
- Jurys Inn Brighton – this modern hotel offers a complimentary breakfast and a bar
Definitely book your hotels in advance, Brighton is a popular holiday destination and it gets lots of visitors, especially in the summer months (June to August), so it’s better to secure your spot as quickly as you can.
Have a wonderful trip and don’t forget that you can always drop me any questions you might have in the comment section below. I’d be happy to help you out!
Enjoy your magical stay in Brighton,
Victoria
Pin it for later!
Pin it for later!
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.