I’ve called Brighton home for just over five years now. It’s the longest I’ve lived in any one place in my adult life, and I am still discovering brilliant and beautiful places around the city. My latest find is Drakes Hotel, a four-star boutique hotel set parallel to the seafront. This hotel is not only a luxurious little getaway; it’s an eco-friendly retreat, complete with a Michelin-guide-featured restaurant, and some of the best views of Brighton beach in the city.
For reading week on my Law MA, I booked in for a rest and reset. Here’s my review after staying in The Marvellous Room for a few nights…
An Introduction to Drakes Hotel
Drakes Hotel is part of the Curious Hotels group, a collection of boutique hotels promising chic, culturally-curious stays. With such a namely connection, I was excited to book in! I love a good staycation – they make for a great eco-friendly holiday – and this stay promised a break from my usual, rigorous routine of working and studying. It also meant I could see Brighton through the lens of a visitor again. (In fact, the reason I ended up moving to Brighton was due to a 3-month staycation that I kept extending!)
Drakes Hotel is set opposite Brighton seafront, a few strides along from the New Steine. I may be biased, as I lived and loved living in Kemptown for my first few years in Brighton, but I think this area is highly underrated. It’s quieter than North Laine or The Lanes, has more amenities than Seven Dials, and has a better beach than Hove. The hotel itself is in the traditional Regency style, with cream walls, tall windows, and the interiors play between the classic Brighton feel and modern dopamine decors.
24 hours ahead of my stay, I received a courtesy call from the Drakes Hotel front desk to check whether I needed any parking (they offer limited parking, a rarity in Brighton) and if I needed any other support ahead of my stay. I also learned of the generous check-in time – 2pm – and decided to arrive closer to this time. I really liked this extra touch, and took it as a great introduction to the level of service I would be afforded during my stay.
Staying at No. 10: The Marvellous Room
I arrived at Drakes Hotel excited and a little windswept. I was greeted in the reception-slash-bar room, and given a tiny cup of hot chocolate to relax with while I was checked in. From there, I was taken up the winding staircase to my room on the second floor; lucky number 10. This was the candy-striped Marvellous Room, complete with bay windows giving a 180-degree view of the sea. Once the porter had left, I really was left marvelling. Not only did the room boast one of the best views in Brighton, it came with a four-poster, super king bed, extra-deep bath, and two delightfully comfy armchairs to view it from!
The room itself was spotless. From the crisp linens, to the generous supply of Green & Spring bath and bodycare products, I felt like I was being thoroughly treated. On the counter, the customary kettle, with a selection of Nemi Teas. In the drawers, an extra cosy blanket (which I didn’t need, thanks to the high-tech thermostat). Fresh towels, robes, slippers. It was plush.
Now, I’m not usually one to enjoy colour (my wardrobe is 90% black), but the soothing pinks and sea greens of the tiles, walls, furniture and carpet gave a whimsical yet grown-up feel. Couple that with really comfortable soft furnishings, heavy curtains, and sturdy window shutters, and I was in a cosy little paradise.
Eco-Friendly Features at Drakes Hotel
I really enjoy experiences that are as luxurious as they are eco-friendly. Sustainability shouldn’t be a luxury, but luxury must incorporate sustainability. At Drakes Hotel, the townhouse has been restored to match it’s 19th-century glamour, while incorporating guest-controlled energy-saving features such as the window shutters, curtains, and in-room thermostat. The Green & Spring bath products are batch made here in the UK from natural ingredients, in recycled, refillable packaging. The teabags from Nemi Teas are compostable and support the employment of refugees.
Within Drakes Hotel is Dilsk, a Michelin guide-featured restaurant focused on sustainable and seasonal eating. On my final night, I treated myself to the four-course menu in the intimate, lower-floor restaurant. I came away smiling; the smoked trout parfait, truffle brioche, and toffee custard were particularly stand-out.
Best Places To Visit While In Brighton
If you are planning on staying at Drakes, let me share with you a few nearby institutions you can’t miss! During my stay, I discovered St James Street Coffee, a to-go coffee place that does an outstanding flat white. Further along into Kemptown Village, I also recommend Cafe Rust for brunch, The Pickle for a sandwich, or The Well for a few drinks. If you want a true seaside experience, Little Jack Fullers does the best fish and chips this side of the pier. And of course, don’t miss the charity shops!
My Overall Rating: 9.5/10
Despite being a four-star hotel, I had a five-star experience at Drakes Hotel. From the friendly and attentive staff, to the no-expense-spared furnishings, Drakes provides what you imagine a dream boutique hotel stay to be. If I had any recommendations, it would be cosmetic at best. Perhaps a little tightening of one window in my room, to stop the wind whistling in. Maybe a little recycling bin. Other than that, the perfect stay.
Disclaimer: I was gifted my stay at Drakes Hotel in order to write this review. All views and opinions expressed remain my own.
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