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Brighton has long been the destination of choice for a sexy couple’s weekend, and decadent Drakes, set in a renovated Georgian townhouse, continues the tradition.
The main pro is its location – the beach is right outside the door, and Kemptown is Brighton’s hippest neighbourhood, with great restaurants and bars.
Step out of the front door onto Marine Drive, and you’re instantly hit by a blast of sea air. Rooms are thoughtfully designed, too, with claw-foot bathtubs in some of the bay windows, making the most of the sea views.
The chic little cocktail bar, with its must-try cocktails, and elegant restaurant (one of Brighton’s best, specialising in locally-caught fish and seasonal produce) make it the top romantic, luxury choice along the seafront.
Any closer and Drakes would actually be on the beach – only Marine Parade (the busy seafront road) separates it from the shingles. The traditional seaside pleasures of the pier are a couple of minutes’ walk, while the streets behind the hotel are dotted with the bars, cafes and restaurants that have made Kemptown the city’s coolest neighbourhood.
Kemptown can get very lively at night, although the hotel is well shielded from the noise – the less raucous streets of the North Laine area are a ten-minute walk, and have an equally good selection of bars and restaurants.
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Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Brighton, West Sussex, United Kingdom (UK)[0.5 miles]
An icon of British seaside history, Brighton’s Victorian pier offers the white-knuckle fairground rides, old-fashioned arcade games and fish and chips. The quintessential beach experience from a by-gone era.
Best for ages: Any | Free
Brighton, East Sussex, United Kingdom (UK)[0.6 miles]
Brighton’s most distinctive landmark – a domed Regency pleasure palace that looks straight out of Delhi, restored to its original splendour.
Best for ages: 10+ | £6
Sussex, United Kingdom (UK)[9.4 miles]
This emerging wine region has similar topography to France’s Champagne area, with vineyards producing award-winning bottles and laying on tastings and tours.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first
Brighton, East Sussex, United Kingdom (UK)[0.2 miles]
The south coast’s longest and fastest zip wire, Brighton Zip has two wires, meaning you can race a friend at 32m above sea level.
Best for ages: 6+ | £12 | 30 minutes
Brighton, East Sussex, United Kingdom (UK)[0.3 miles]
The world’s oldest aquarium, Brighton’s Sea Life Centre is best for little kids, with its walk-through aquarium tunnels and touch pools of starfish and anemones.
Best for ages: Any | £18
Brighton, East Sussex, United Kingdom (UK)[0.6 miles]
Set in Brighton’s Royal Pavilion complex, this eclectic collection is a hotchpotch of contemporary paintings, textiles, puppets, masks and eccentric furniture.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Brighton, East Sussex, United Kingdom (UK)[0.7 miles]
The tangle of narrow pedestrian lanes unfolding south of North Street is Brighton’s historic heart; old fisherman’s cottages now chock full of independent boutiques, jewellers, cafés and restaurants.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 1+ hours
Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay
East Sussex, United Kingdom (UK)
An iconic seaside resort, Brighton oozes a unique mix of bohemian style and beachy chic, all wrapped up in an irrepressible sense of fun.
