The busy resort town of Brighton is one of the jewels in England’s crown. Located just an hour south of London by rail, it’s a hugely popular spot with day-trippers from the capital, thanks to its wide shingle beach, fun-filled amusement arcades and grand Regency-era architecture. Shopping too, is a major draw, while the LGBT-friendly cultural scene and nightlife ensures a bohemian, socially-liberal crowd.
Brighton is packed full of places to stay, with everything from cheap guest houses through to ornate seafront properties. If one of the amenities you’re looking for is a swimming pool, there’s no shortage of hotels featuring an indoor pool, outdoor pool, or even a pool and spa. Here are 5 of the very best.
Queens Hotel
FROM £86/ NIGHT
Located in the centre of Brighton’s vibrant ‘Lanes’ area, a collection of narrow lanes lined with small shops, the Queens Hotel is well positioned to enjoy all that Brighton has to offer. The hotel itself provides plenty of temptation for staying within its confines, however – not least its leisure centre complete with an indulgent pool and spa, along with a sauna and gym area. Elsewhere in the hotel, there’s a bar and bistro offering scenic ocean vistas. The large, modern guest rooms come with a flat-screen TV, tea/coffee-making facilities and free Wi-Fi, and some also offer panoramic sea views. The Brighton Dome, Royal Pavilion and Sea Life Centre are all within a few minutes’ walk away.
Brighton Harbour Hotel & Spa
FROM £119/ NIGHT
A great choice for those who like the idea of being a stone’s throw from the beach, this 4-star hotel is right on Brighton’s lively seafront. An on-site spa features a heated indoor swimming pool, a gym, Scandinavian hot tubs, a steam room and a sauna. There’s also a waterfront restaurant and a separate cocktail bar. Guest rooms come with a flat-screen TV, a safe, complimentary gin and sherry, a mini bar, and tea/coffee-making facilities, and some also offer sea views. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. For those arriving by train, Brighton Railway Station is half-a-mile away.
Hilton Brighton Metropole
FROM £125/ NIGHT
Housed in a grand Victorian building, the Hilton Metropole is a harmonious mix of old and new. Several of the property’s original features sit side by side with modern facilities including a state-of-the-art spa and fitness centre with an indoor pool, and two stylish restaurants. Each guest room has a flat-screen TV, a hairdryer and ironing facilities, and some also enjoy panoramic sea views. Notable attractions such as Brighton Pier and the Sea Life Centre are both within a 15-minute walk of the hotel. Gatwick International Airport is 30 minutes away by road.
Jurys Inn Brighton Waterfront
FROM £103/ NIGHT
Another seafront property, the Jurys Inn is just a few minutes’ walk from Brighton Pier and the Royal Pavillion. After am energetic day of exploring, the hotel offers a Health & Leisure club that’s free for all guests to use. Within it is an indoor swimming pool, steam room, sauna and fully equipped gym, and beauty treatments are also available for an extra cost. Other hotel amenities include a restaurant with sea views, hot and cold buffet breakfasts served daily, a swanky bar with an eye-catching glass ceiling, and a cosy lounge area. Guest rooms are air-conditioned and come with a flat-screen TV and an en suite bathroom. For those travelling by car, there’s a car park directly under the hotel where guests receive a discounted rate.
The Grand Brighton
FROM £155/ NIGHT
Featuring a striking Renaissance style of architecture, the Grand Brighton is one of the town’s most imposing hotels. Nestled on the seafront, a short walk from Brighton Pier, the hotel is home to a luxurious spa run by a team of trained therapists, plus a separate gymnasium. Elsewhere in the hotel, there’s a popular seafood restaurant, a chic cocktail bar and a terrace where guests can enjoy a quintessential English cream tea. Guest rooms come with free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. The Lanes shopping streets are a few minutes way on foot and there is a limited amount of on-site parking.