Get away for a relaxing break on the south-east coast – our pick of some of the best hotels near the sea in Sussex offers all the inspiration you could need for planning the perfect trip
WORDS JENNY OLDAKER
For Design-Led Chic
No. 124 Brighton
Set on Kings Road in the heart of one of the south coast’s artiest hubs, No. 124 Brighton occupies a historic building with Victorian and Georgian heritage. This has influenced the beautifully designed interior, which blends original period features with sublime contemporary flourishes, a palette of joyful colour and Palace Pier-inspired décor. The hotel’s artistic pedigree also extends to the works from local painters that adorn the walls. Rooms exude comfort and elegance, and the Field Trip Spa is on hand for relaxing after a day on the beach. The starting price for rooms is around £225 per night (guesthousehotels.co.uk).
For a Refined Retreat
Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa
Meticulously constructed during the 1920s and ’30s to recreate a medieval country house, this hotel near Climping Beach was built using original stone, woodwork, windows, fireplaces and doors from that historic era. Each room is designed to combine a rich sense of the past with modern comforts – perfect for unwinding after a walk along the coast. Bailiffscourt’s dining options, along with a stylish on-site spa and heated outdoor pool, complete the luxe experience. Rooms and breakfast start at £345 per night (hshotels.co.uk/bailiffscourt).
For a Weekend Reset
Harbour Hotel Chichester
Whether you’re enjoying a hearty meal at The Ship restaurant, soaking in the hydrotherapy pool in the subterranean HarSPA or reclining in your room, the Harbour Hotel in Chichester is ideally placed for reconnecting with loved ones in a sophisticated setting. With the delights of the city right outside the door and the West Sussex coastline just a stone’s throw away, it’s also a convenient base for getting out and about for urban, rural and seaside exploration. Rooms start from £150 per night, including breakfast (harbourhotels.co.uk).
For a Coastal City Break
The Grand Brighton
With 205 rooms spanning seven floors, The Grand occupies a striking Victorian building right on Brighton’s seafront, within easy reach of all the city’s sights and attractions. The recently rejuvenated bedrooms include some stunning sea view options, and although there are countless tempting places to dine all over Brighton, the in-house Cyan restaurant and the Victoria Bar & Lounge offer the chance to enjoy food and drink without venturing out. Room rates start from £150, on a bed and breakfast basis (grandbrighton.co.uk).
For a Romantic Getaway
The George in Rye
From its location on Rye’s characterful cobbled High Street and its cosy historic bar and restaurant to the impeccably styled bedrooms and understated contemporary design, The George is the very picture of a romantic retreat. In-room gifts such as chocolates, flowers and champagne can be ordered to add to the sense of occasion, and just outside the hotel, medieval Rye is waiting to be explored, with Camber Sands just a few miles down the road. Rooms start from £125 per night (thegeorgeinrye.com).
For Sandy Beaches
The Gallivant
It’s hard to picture a more perfect situation than that of The Gallivant, a salubrious boutique hotel just steps away from the rolling, grassy dunes of Camber Sands. With the soft, golden beach so close at hand, it’s easy to get out and make the most of the coast before returning for a laze in your room, a French-inspired meal at Harry’s restaurant, or some yoga – everyone is welcome to join in The Gallivant’s regular sessions. Rooms start from £165 per night (thegallivant.co.uk).
For a Foodie Stay
The Ginger Pig
More accurately described as a ‘restaurant with rooms’ than a hotel, The Ginger Pig in Hove serves up traditional food sourced from local suppliers,
with a regularly changing seasonal menu. Alongside its gastronomic offerings, you’ll find 11 comfortable en suite double rooms. Each features an oversized shower or stand-alone bathtub, Cowshed toiletries, a luxury Royal Warrant Hypnos mattress, pod coffee machine and premixed ‘Ginger’ cocktails, making it the perfect retreat after a satisfying meal at the restaurant downstairs. Rooms start from around £140 per night for general bookings or from £85 per night for a last-minute booking (gingerpigbrighton.co.uk).
For a Home-from-Home Haven
The Old Rectory
Hastings’ charming boutique B&B The Old Rectory is a welcoming, relaxing place to get away from it all in comfort and peace. From the individually designed bedrooms to the picturesque walled gardens, tranquil treatment rooms and locally sourced food, it has all the ingredients for a restorative coastal break. The guest lounge boasts slouchy sofas, an open fire when the weather is chilly, and an honesty bar to complete the homely experience. Prices for bed and breakfast start at £140 (theoldrectoryhastings.co.uk).
