Drakes
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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