Drakes Hotel Brighton

This urban-chic, modern hotel is situated within two white, rounded townhouses located just across the street from famous Brighton Beach. The plain, simple entranceway and downstairs area are slightly misleading, as the guest rooms provide a more interesting and luxe experience. A laid-back sitting room, with rounded gray chairs situated around coffee tables, is right next to the entrance. A flat-screen TV hangs on the wall. The reception desk that doubles as a 24-hour bar makes it immediately apparent that this hotel is a fun, laid-back, and resourceful place to stay. The hotel is on the small side but feels intimate rather than uncomfortable and creates a romantic atmosphere, perfect for couples who are looking to get away.

Brighton is a popular destination for trendy Londoners; a cosmopolitan beach town with cool restaurants and bars along the beach. Drakes Hotel is situated on a main street, directly across a busy road from Brighton Beach. It's a 45-minute drive from Gatwick Airport and a 12-minute walk from the train station. The hotel is convenient to many popular attractions such as the iconic Brighton Pier and Wheel, which are a 10-minute walk away. There are tons of other sights to see, such as the lovely Victoria Gardens, Brighton Dome, and the Royal Pavilion, which are all within a 12-minute walk. There's a fee for daily parking at the hotel.

These individually styled rooms are decorated in a contemporary, elegant manner. Although small and compact, they use space wisely with built-in desks and cabinets, and electronic curtained closets. The handcrafted wood furniture is sleek and understated, and the bold accents of red throughout the room provide a chic burst of color. With luxe details like recycled bamboo floors, and chairs from the Paris furniture store Nobilis, rooms are trendy and comfortable. All rooms come with pricey vi-spring mattresses, down comforters, bathrobes, slippers, free Wi-Fi, free bottles of water, and quality magazines. It's worth requesting a room at the front of the hotel, as they have amazing views of the beach and pier, while rooms situated in the back look over other buildings and rooftops. Some of the larger rooms also include bathtubs on raised platforms. Bathrooms are tiny but clean and modern, with tiled walls and floors. They include toilets, sinks and toiletries from White Company. Some of the bathrooms don't have an enclosed shower and just have a shower head on the ceiling, making the entire room wet.

For guests who want a delicious meal, look no further than Drakes Restaurant, located in the cellar of the hotel. With exposed brick walls, domed ceilings, and subdued colors, the highly rated restaurant provides delicious, sophisticated meals throughout the day and offers a breakfast buffet every morning, for a fee. Guests who just can't get out of bed or are craving a late-night snack can take advantage of the 24-hour room service. The hotel also has a private dining room that can seat up to 12 people for guests who are holding events or want to throw a dinner party. There are many fun, lively bars in the area, but for a more relaxing vibe, guests can grab a cocktail at the hotel's 24-hour bar. Guests who are traveling on business can use the well-equipped meeting room, which can hold up to 18 people. Wi-Fi is free.