Drakes of Brighton, Brighton, United Kingdom
Drakes of Brighton 4 Stars
“The polished, smart and highly-crafted seafront boutique doesn’t miss a beat, from the imported finishings to the hip bar scene.”
The Press Say
"Choose a sea-view room at Drakes with a bathtub in the window and a view of the pier for a bit of pure rock and roll." Guardian 06Hotel Overview
Review of Drakes of Brighton, by Nadia Latif
Those who decide on a weekend in Brighton are, for the most part, coming from the hustle and bustle of the big city. This seaside town is home to a great selection of hideaways, many of whom share its kooky, laid-back vibe. Drakes of Brighton neatly marries the two - it has polish and sophistication to match any London boutique, but a sense of informality that is absolutely akin to its hometown.
Sat right on Marine Parade Road, in the heart of Kemp Town, location-wise Drakes is nigh on unbeatable. Brighton Pier is just a short stroll away, and the rooms inside have lovely views over the sea. The two Georgian townhouses that were knocked together to create this hotel have been updated, thanks to the well-travelled owner, in contemporary English style with Asian influences.
The biggest draw to Drakes is, of course, the food. The restaurant here is hugely popular with locals, and has established itself as some of the best fine dining in Brighton. There's a keen focus on local and seasonal produce, with a menu that changes every six weeks or so. The wine list is pretty special too; a smattering of fine and rare selection vintages make this the perfect place for a romantic meal. The bar, which also acts as the hotel's reception is fab - ask for anything you fancy, they'll make it up even if it isn't on the menu.
The twenty individually-designed bedrooms are generous in size, and for the most part boast lovely sea views. They are smart and sophisticated, with a palette of red and white, and plenty of blond wood on show. Everything is as luxurious as you'd expect from a top boutique hotel - Egyptian cotton sheets, plush velvet throws, flatscreen televisions and, in around half of the rooms, gorgeous free-standing baths. For grown-up glamour in Brighton, Drakes is pretty hard to beat.
Facilities
Hotel Policies
Rooms
20Awards
"Silver Award" Quality in Tourism Board 09"Hot List" Conde Nast Traveller 05
Who stays here?
Drakes is the celebrity hotel of choice - Kylie Minogue, Woody Allen, Cate Blanchett, The Prodigy, Simply Red, Beach Boys, Jack Dee, Simon Webb, Frank Gehry, Fat Boy Slim, Will Young, Kirsty Alsop, Peter Andre, David Blunkett - to name a few - have checked in here..
Come for...
- Some of the best fine dining in Brighton
- Gorgeous shower rooms; sea views from some tubs
- The seven-foot beds
- Utterly spoiling service
Not Suitable for...
- Unwary flashers: the bathtubs are right in front of the windows
- Bohemian types or the fast and louche; Drakes is definitely on the smart-smart side of hip
Children
Children are welcome to stay at the hotel, but there are few family-friendly services. Interconnecting rooms are an option for families.
Eating in
The Restaurant at Drakes has established itself as one of the best places to eat in Brighton. Hugely popular, it serves contemporary British cuisine that's fresh, seasonal and locally sourced. Room service is 24 hours.
Reviews
Review of Drakes of Brighton, by Angela Moore
Drakes is an elegantly crafted and very smart addition to the Brighton boutique hotel scene. It consists of two Georgian houses gracefully knocked into one, right on Brighton's seafront.
Architect Michael Phillips, who designed all the Hotels du Vin, also came up with the concept behind Drakes of Brighton. He has chosen contemporary touches to complement the original features of the house. Discreet Oriental artwork creates a flash of bright red lacquer against the soothing Heritage colours of the sweeping Georgian staircase. He went to town on the details of the boutique hotel, importing Thai bamboo and European elm and sourcing the finest fabrics. It all feels immaculate and expensive.
The hotel has gained quite a reputation in Brighton through its excellent bar and restaurant. A branch of The Gingerman, the restaurant is becoming a destination in its own right. The bar/lounge - small, comfortable and handsome - has an inventive cocktail list.
There are 20 rooms, many of which have sea views. The most exciting are the vast feature rooms and "circular suites". These have double-ended roll-top baths on a raised dais in front of the full-height Georgian windows, so that you can watch the sun set over the sea from your bath. The bathrooms are equally indulgent, some with wet rooms and waterfall showers with experimental mood lighting to play with.
Details are impeccable, from the recessed lighting in the beautiful wood paneling above the beds to the built-in champagne buckets. Geek-chic flat screens and music systems and generous wardrobe space are cunningly hidden by a curtain which whooshes open at the touch of a remote.
Drakes prides itself on having the same high levels of service as a five-star luxury hotel. Just ask, and the staff will have a bath prepared and music of your choice playing when you arrive or a therapist waiting for you. Importantly, though, the service feels friendly and efficient, never unctuous.