Brighton — Neighborhood Guide
Kemp Town is Brighton's LGBTQ+ heartland — a neighbourhood of Regency terraces and village-scale streets centred on St James's Street that is consistently one of the most welcoming and characterful areas in any British city.
Quick Answer
Kemp Town is Brighton's LGBTQ+ heartland — a neighbourhood of Regency terraces and village-scale streets centred on St James's Street that is consistently one of the most welcoming and characterful areas in any British city.
5 hotels reviewed · Price range: $$, $, $$$, $$$$ · Last updated March 2026
About This Guide
Staying in Kemp Town puts you at the heart of what makes Brighton special. The neighborhood offers a unique blend of local character and visitor-friendly amenities. Our hotel picks range from intimate boutiques to polished luxury properties, each chosen for its ability to connect you with the authentic Kemp Town experience.
Insider Tips
The best dining in Kemp Town is usually one street back from the main tourist thoroughfare.
Ask your hotel concierge for their personal favourite spots in Kemp Town — they often know hidden gems.
Walking is the best way to experience Kemp Town — most attractions are within a 15-minute stroll.
Our Picks
5 hotels · Updated February 2026
Kemp Town
A theatrical, maximalist boutique hotel in the Kemp Town village area, Blanch House pulls out all the decorative stops with individually themed rooms, a cocktail bar of real pedigree, and a wonderfully eccentric atmosphere. A firm favourite with weekenders.
Kemp Town
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.
City Centre
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.
North Laine
A stylish, well-positioned hotel in the North Laine area with a contemporary Scandi-influenced design, excellent breakfast, and competitive pricing. A reliable, well-run option for visitors who want design credentials without boutique hotel prices.
Seafront
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.
Common Questions
Kemp Town is ideal for visitors who want a quieter, more village-like experience while remaining close to the seafront. It's Brighton's most welcoming neighbourhood and has an excellent independent restaurant scene.
Brighton's LGBTQ+ village centred on St James's Street, the Kemp Town seaside village atmosphere, Kemptown Brewery, and the extraordinary Regency architecture of Sussex Square and Lewes Crescent.
The most convenient option is a rideshare (Uber/Lyft), typically 30-50 minutes depending on traffic. Public transport is also available and often more economical.
More Destinations
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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