Brighton is a seaside resort on the south coast of England, long established as a place to take the sea air and, more recently, known for its cultural and music scene and its large LGBT community. The seafront, the pier and the Royal Pavilion sit at its centre, with the Old Town lanes just behind.
For a visitor, the useful question is which stretch of the seafront or which quarter to base yourself in. Most of the accommodation clusters along the promenade and the streets immediately behind it, with a second cluster further east in Kemp Town and a quieter one to the west in Hove. This guide covers the areas the sources name, what each suits, and how the budget, mid-range and splurge options differ.
Best areas to stay in Brighton
1. City centre and the seafront around the pier
This is the most central choice, within a few hundred metres of Brighton Pier, the Old Town lanes and the main shopping streets. It suits first-time visitors who want to walk to the sights and not think about transport.
You find the widest mix of accommodation here, from budget rooms to grand Victorian seafront hotels. Expect the trade-off of a central location: this is the busiest and noisiest part of town, especially along Kings Road and around the pier.
2. Regency Square and the West Pier area
Regency Square sits behind the seafront adjacent to the West Pier, a short walk west of the pier and the centre. It suits visitors who want to be near the seafront and the centre but set slightly back from the busiest frontage.
The square and its surrounding streets hold a number of small hotels and B&Bs, including boutique places in Regency houses. It is a convenient base for both the seafront and the western end of the centre.
3. Kemp Town
Kemp Town lies east of the pier along Marine Parade and the streets behind it. It suits visitors who prefer a slightly quieter, residential-feeling base while still being on the seafront and within walking distance of the centre.
Accommodation here is mostly small hotels and B&Bs in Regency houses, some of them upscale. The promenade position means sea views are common, and the centre is a walk along the front rather than a short hop.
4. Hove
Hove is the quieter neighbour to the west, with its own seafront and a more relaxed feel than central Brighton. It suits visitors who want calm and are happy to travel into Brighton for its attractions.
You find hotels here set close to the seafront, including larger properties. The practical point is distance: you are outside the centre, so plan on walking or using transport to reach the pier and the main sights.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: hostels and inexpensive guest accommodation, including dormitory and private rooms. The sources advise researching any hostel thoroughly before booking, as some marketed as hostels are not aimed at travellers.
- Mid-range: small hotels and B&Bs, often in Regency or Victorian buildings, some on the seafront and some in the streets just behind it. Rooms range from standard doubles to individually themed or decorated rooms, with breakfast commonly included.
- Splurge: larger seafront and boutique hotels, including the city's highest-rated properties, with period features, sea views, restaurants and bars on site.
Best area for a first visit
Base yourself in the city centre and seafront around the pier. It puts you within a few hundred metres of Brighton Pier and the Old Town lanes, so the main sights are walkable from your door. It also has the widest choice of accommodation across all budgets, which makes it the simplest area to book into for a first trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which area is closest to Brighton Pier?
The city centre and seafront around the pier, and the streets just behind it such as New Steine, are within a few hundred metres of the pier. Regency Square and Kemp Town are both a walk along the front from it.
Where should I stay if I want a quieter base?
Hove, to the west, is the quieter option, with its own seafront and hotels close to it. Kemp Town, east of the pier, is also calmer than the central frontage while still being on the seafront.
Is it worth paying more for a seafront room?
Several hotels along Kings Road and Marine Parade sit directly on the seafront with nothing between them and the beach, and some rooms have sea views. If a view matters to you, choose a property on the front rather than one set back in the streets behind.
What should I check before booking a hostel?
Research the place thoroughly before committing. The sources note that some establishments marketed as hostels are not intended for travellers, and advise spending a little more for a friendlier place.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide.