The Twenty One

The Twenty One is a town house-turned-bed-and-breakfast on a quiet, residential street with an elegant and modern vibe. The property feels immediately welcoming with potted plants on the front steps, and this continues with hosts who go above and beyond -- free baked goods, beer and wine on offer, and in-room snack trays, for example. Decor is a mix of homey and more polished elements that together achieve a classic style. The main staircase combines cozy striped carpeting with glossy green-tile walls, while the small breakfast room features simple wooden furniture along with ornate drapes and a brass chandelier. There’s not much else in the way of public space, though that’s not atypical of small inns. Guests must make an appointment to check in and out, and there’s no elevator. Overall, it’s a quiet and unusually comfortable place to stay (bachelor and bachelorette parties are not allowed) that draws mostly couples on romantic breaks. 

Set in a residential neighborhood, The Twenty One is well-located for those wanting a relaxed stay in Brighton. The beach is just a five-minute walk away, but livelier settings like Brighton Pier are a good distance off at a 14-minute walk. Some coffee shops and bars dot surrounding streets, but most restaurants and bars are in the bustling city center, about 10 minutes' walk from the inn. Attractions like the Royal Pavilion, Brighton Dome, and the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery are 12- to 15-minute walks away. It’s an 18-minute walk to the Churchill Shopping Center. For those who would rather rest their legs, the bus stop (Bedford Street North) is just a minutes’ walk away. London Gatwick is the closest airport at a 40-minute drive or about 55 minutes by train. 

The seven rooms at The Twenty One have an upscale, modern vibe that still manages to be cozy. Each room is individually decorated, though there are similar touches throughout. The color palette is largely white, beige, and brown, with carpeted floors, wallpapered accent walls, and antique-style wooden furniture. Special touches like glass-detail chandeliers, bronze- or wood-framed mirrors, and classic paintings decorate most rooms. But the amenities and freebies really make these rooms stand out from other bed-and-breakfast properties. Beyond flat-screen TVs, kettles for coffee and tea, and free Wi-Fi, all rooms have mini-fridges with free bottled water, a tray overflowing with free snacks, and freshly baked treats like brownies. Most rooms have iPads available too, and some have Smart TVs. The only drawback is that some rooms are smaller than others, so guests who like more space should request as much. Clean, simple bathrooms have white and beige tile, and either showers or shower/tub combos, a few of which are modern claw-foot-style. Ebony toiletries, hairdryers, robes, and slippers are provided. 

As expected from a bed-and-breakfast, there's little in the way of facilities. However, an excellent free breakfast is served each morning, consisting of juice, high-end cereal, fresh fruit, and pastries, plus cooked-to-order options like pancakes, bacon, eggs, salmon, and sausage. Throughout the day, guests can access drinks -- wine, beer, soda, and water -- in the breakfast room. Treats, liked freshly baked brownies, are also left out for guests to snag as they please. A DVD library, free Wi-Fi, and a Mac desktop are also available to guests. Though the property doesn’t have a parking lot, it does provide parking permits (which incur a daily fee) to be used in the neighborhood.