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Last updated: 07 October, 2022
Expert travel writer: Annabelle Thorpe

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. 

Surrounding area

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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Key facilities

Airport transfers: Not available
Beach: None
Creche
Fitness centre
Fitness classes
Golf course
Hot tub
Parking
: On-site *
Pool (adults only)
Pool (indoor)
Pool (outdoor)
Pool (kids)
Spa
Tennis courts
WiFi: Free
Yoga

Food & drink

All inclusive
Kids menu
Restaurant on-site
Self catering
*
Additional charge

Room types

Apartments
Bedrooms
Cabins
Suites
Tents
Villas
Yurts

Room facilities

Air conditioning
Flat screen TV
Jacuzzi (private)
Pool (private)
Tea & coffee making facilities
WiFi

Bedding options

2+ bedrooms
3+ beds
Connecting rooms
Rollaway/sofa bed

Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Brighton Pier

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

Royal Pavilion

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 Wine Region

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

Website >
Overview >

Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first

Two small figures ziplining from a high white tower.
Experience

Brighton Zip

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

Website >
Overview >
An image of the entrance to SEA LIFE
Experience

SEA LIFE Brighton

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

Website >
Overview >
The facade of Brighton Museum and Art Gallery within the Royal Pavillion. Taken on a sunny day.
Experience

Brighton Museum and Art Gallery

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

Website >
Overview >
A vibrant shopping street full of people on a clear day. Colourful bunting hangs from building to building.
Experience

Shopping in The Lanes

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

Website >
Overview >

Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay

Brighton

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.

Website >
Overview >