Drakes Hotel

"Brighton Arts Festival, Brighton, 4 - 26 May. Founded in 1966, Brighton’s festival reflects the bohemian nature of the famous seaside town. Brighton commissions challenging new work and likes to put artists from different disciplines – music, poetry, dance and comedy – to work together. Since 2009 the festival has also brought in high-profile guest directors such as Anish Kapoor, Brian Eno, Aung San Suu Kyi, and Vanessa Redgrave. One of Brighton’s best hotels, Drakes, is an ideal place to stay during the festival. What could be more stylish – or Brighton – than to finish off your day in a roll top bath?"

"There are times when London gets a bit too much and the world’s rich and famous simply can’t resist the shingle shores and sea air of Brighton. Don’t take my word for it, ask Drakes Hotel – they can vouch for Kylie’s love of fish and chips and Woody Allen’s passion for the pier. As ironic as it is, even the Beach Boys love this Brighton’s premier boutique hotel. Located away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre, the Georgian property resides in trendy Kemp Town and boasts just 20 luxurious bedrooms. Pick a sea-facing feature room and relax with a glass of champagne in your roll top bath as you stare out across the sea – what? Kylie would!"

"You may miss the sign outside double-fronted Georgian Drakes, for discretion is their watchword (well, with guests like Kylie it has to be). But once you have located this uber-luxurious hotel on the Brighton seafront near the Palace Pier you’ll be richly rewarded – think free-standing baths overlooking the beach and the rich variety of people who visit it (you can’t beat a bit of people watching) plus Vogue and GQ by the bed, White Company toiletries in the bathroom and, downstairs, one of the finest restaurants in the city, part of the renowned Gingerman Group. Step outside your luxury hideaway, turn right and you are thrust into the hustle and bustle of crazy Brighton life, its buzzing bar/gallery/club/café-heavy seafront enough to keep you busy all day (all the while knowing you are returning to the utter decadence of your gorgeous room). Delicious."

"Brighton was one of the first English towns to promote sea bathing during the eighteenth century, but its popularity rocketed after the arrival of the railways in 1841. The nineteenth century transformed the city, especially with the construction of its white-stuccoed Marine Parade with all its balconies and bay windows. Drakes, a contemporary double-fronted boutique hotel, enjoys this historic location and attracts its share of celebrity guests."

"The first date went well, you’ve seen each other a few times since and you’re beginning to fall for one another: it’s weekend break time! Use this opportunity to put your new relationship to the test: can you be in a car together for more than an hour without arguing about the music choice? Are they up at the crack of dawn ‘sightseeing’, while you order breakfast in bed at 11am? Brighton is perfect for a saucy weekend: by the sea, cool hotels, easy to get to by road or rain and packed full of bars, restaurants and things to do, so if your new partner doesn’t turn out to be as endlessly fascinating as you’d hoped, there are plenty of distractions before you head home (early!). Check in to Drakes, a boutique retreat in a double-fronted Georgian townhouse on Marine Parade, which has everything you could require for a weekend of amour, from massive double beds with dreamy sea views to freestanding baths in the bedroom and soft white robes to curl up in afterwards."

"With eight million visitors a year Brighton is the original British staycation. Its lanes are crammed with independent boutiques and cafes and its famous cobbled beach is home to a host of trendy bars. One of the most stylish places to stay is Drakes, a 4 star boutique hotel located on the seafront with breath-taking views across the ocean. After a windswept walk along the seafront check out their popular restaurant serving fresh, seasonal fare."