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Hotelier's Choice

Last updated: July 2026

Brighton — Traveler Guide

Best Hotels with Rooftop Bars & Pools in Brighton (2026)

Brighton's skyline becomes your private stage at these rooftop hotels. Whether you're sipping cocktails as the sun sets, swimming in an infinity-edge pool above the cityscape, or dining under the stars, these properties deliver views that photographs simply can't capture.

Drakes Hotel

★ Our top pick

Drakes Hotel

★ 9.2 Superb · Seafront

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Best Hotels with Rooftop Bars & Pools in Brighton (2026)

Quick Answer

The Best Hotels with Rooftop Bars & Pools in Brighton (2026) at a Glance

  1. 1. Drakes Hotel · Seafront · ★ 9.2 Superb
  2. 2. Artist Residence Brighton · Regency Square · ★ 9.1 Superb
  3. 3. Hotel du Vin Brighton · City Centre · ★ 9.0 Superb
  4. 4. The New Steine Hotel · Kemp Town · ★ 9.0 Superb
  5. 5. The Grand Brighton · Seafront · ★ 8.9 Excellent

6 hotels reviewed · Price range: $$$$, $$$, $ · Last updated July 2026

Our Picks

Best Hotels with Rooftop Bars & Pools in Brighton (2026)

6 hotels · Updated July 2026

Drakes Hotel — Seafront
1 $$$ Upscale
★ 9.2 Superb

A sleek, adult-focused boutique hotel directly on the seafront with some of Brighton's most dramatically designed rooms — think floor-to-ceiling sea views, free-standing baths, and bespoke furniture. The basement restaurant with its curved banquettes is one of Brighton's most romantic.

  • Seafront
  • Boutique
  • Couples
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★ 9.2 Hotelier's Choice score, 40+ criteria · Many rooms include free cancellation

Artist Residence Brighton — Regency Square
2 $$$ Upscale
★ 9.1 Superb

A Regency townhouse on a handsome garden square just back from the seafront, Artist Residence is one of Brighton's most characterful boutique hotels — each of its 24 rooms is individually decorated by a different artist, with an excellent basement restaurant and bar.

  • Regency Square
  • Boutique
  • Art
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★ 9.1 Hotelier's Choice score, 40+ criteria · Many rooms include free cancellation

Hotel du Vin Brighton — City Centre
3 $$$ Upscale
★ 9.0 Superb

A series of converted mock-Tudor Gothic townhouses near the seafront, Hotel du Vin delivers its trademark wine-themed rooms with signature exposed brick, monsoon showers, and one of Brighton's best bistro restaurants. A dependably excellent mid-luxury choice.

  • City Centre
  • Wine
  • Boutique
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★ 9.0 Hotelier's Choice score, 40+ criteria · Many rooms include free cancellation

The New Steine Hotel — Kemp Town
4 $ Budget-friendly
★ 9.0 Superb

A warmly run boutique B&B in a Regency townhouse on a peaceful garden square in Kemp Town, The New Steine offers exceptional breakfast, individually furnished rooms, and genuine hospitality at notably fair prices. Excellent base for exploring the LGBTQ+ village.

  • Kemp Town
  • B&B
  • Budget
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★ 9.0 Hotelier's Choice score, 40+ criteria · Many rooms include free cancellation

The Grand Brighton — Seafront
5 $$$$ Ultra-luxury
★ 8.9 Excellent

Brighton's most famous hotel — a magnificent 1864 Victorian wedding cake on the seafront with uninterrupted sea views, a beautiful spa, and rooms ranging from charming period suites to contemporary sea-view doubles. History, glamour, and the Channel on your doorstep.

  • Seafront
  • Historic
  • Views
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★ 8.9 Hotelier's Choice score, 40+ criteria · Many rooms include free cancellation

Brighton Harbour Hotel & Spa — Seafront
6 $$$ Upscale
★ 8.8 Excellent

A large contemporary hotel on the seafront with a superb rooftop spa and pool with panoramic Channel views — one of Brighton's best spa facilities. Modern rooms are well-equipped and comfortable with direct sea-view options.

  • Seafront
  • Spa
  • Rooftop
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★ 8.8 Hotelier's Choice score, 40+ criteria · Many rooms include free cancellation

About This Guide

The view from above changes everything. Brighton's best rooftop hotels don't just offer a room with a view — they offer entire elevated experiences. Rooftop bars where the city's skyline becomes your backdrop, infinity pools that seem to merge with the horizon, and open-air restaurants where every table has a panorama. The Grand Brighton boasts what many consider the finest rooftop panorama in Brighton, with 360-degree views and a cocktail programme curated by an award-winning mixologist. Brighton Harbour Hotel & Spa features a stunning infinity pool that's become one of the most photographed hotel features in the city. We've evaluated not just the views but the complete rooftop experience — quality of food and drinks, atmosphere, seating comfort, and whether the space feels genuinely special or merely elevated.

Insider Tips

  • 1

    Time your rooftop visit for golden hour — typically 1-2 hours before sunset.

  • 2

    Make dinner reservations for rooftop restaurants well in advance, especially on weekends.

  • 3

    Pack a light layer — rooftop temperatures can drop significantly after sunset.

  • 4

    Request a west-facing room for in-room sunset views as well.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Are rooftop areas open year-round?

Most rooftop bars and pools operate seasonally, typically from spring through autumn. Some hotels offer heated or enclosed rooftop spaces for year-round enjoyment.

Do I need a reservation for rooftop bars?

Hotel guests typically receive priority access. During peak evenings and weekends, reservations are recommended even for hotel guests.

Which rooftop has the best sunset views?

West-facing rooftops offer the most spectacular sunsets. Our top picks are noted in each hotel review — look for properties with unobstructed western panoramas.

Ready to book Brighton?

Prices and availability change daily. Lock in the best rate by booking early — most of our top picks offer free cancellation.

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