Drakes

Brighton, Sussex

Indulge in a Pornstar Martini in the sea-facing cocktail bar at this stuccoed, bow-fronted Georgian seafront hotel, for this is Brighton, after all – hip, tolerant and fun. More

Good Hotel Guide Review

Indulge in a Pornstar Martini in the sea-facing cocktail bar at this stuccoed, bow-fronted Georgian seafront hotel, for this is Brighton, after all – hip, tolerant and fun. Occupying two adjoining town houses, it counts among its glamorous past guests Sophie Dahl, Cate Blanchett and Kylie Minogue. Whether it’s a city-facing attic hideaway with freestanding bath and wet room, or a feature room overlooking the Palace Pier with a roll-top bath under a floor-to-ceiling window, a super-king bed, chaise longue and monsoon-shower bathroom, the accommodation here is confident, chic and surprisingly affordable. At Amarillo, in the light and airy basement, Ian Swainson, who held a Michelin star at the Samling in Cumbria, creates six-course tasting menus for omnivores and vegetarians, with tempting accents of Spain. Dishes might include raw and pan-fried langoustine with heritage tomato and tarragon; venison tartare with jalapeño sauce and smoked pine oil; or spookily black cuttlefish with squid-ink rice and squid cracker. In the morning, pop down for a full English breakfast before browsing the boutiques in the Lanes.

Hotel details

Address

43-44 Marine Parade
Brighton
Sussex
BN2 1PE
England

Telephone

01273 696934

Bedrooms

20.

Open

all year, restaurant Tues–Sat.

Facilities

lounge/bar, restaurant (vegetarian menu), meeting/private dining room, in-room TV (Sky), civil wedding licence, some off-road parking £15 a night, unsuitable for disabled.

Background music

in bar and restaurant.

Children

all ages welcomed, no extra beds, babies ‘by prior arrangement’.

Dogs

only assistance dogs allowed.

Credit cards

Amex, MC, Visa.

Prices

room-only doubles from £125. Breakfast £12 for overnight guests, £10–£15 for drop-ins, 6-course tasting menus £65. Min. 2-night stay Sat, but check availability.

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Drakes

Comments about Drakes

This stylish hotel is part of a small terrace and looks quite ordinary from the outside, but inside it is quite special. Our room was circular, with beautiful light wood panelling behind the enormous bed. To say it was light and airy would be an understatement. There was even a telescope. The food in the restaurant was truly delicious but only one dish (out of five) on the menu changed over our stay. The true strength of Drakes is in the staff, who are welcoming, friendly, enthusiastic and helpful. Our most enjoyable ever stay in a hotel. - Andy and Sylvia Aitken - July 2019
It sets a standard that others should measure up to. We were in the attic room which had been converted to a high standard (pity about the electrician who seems not to know what horizontal means). The bed was excellent and the room was quiet and comfortable. There is no elevator to the fourth floor but a bit of exercise is welcome. The breakfast was outstanding and reasonably priced. Jams, bread and croissants are made in house. The staff were charming, unpretentious and helpful. - Jonathan Osborne - July 2017

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