With its picturesque beach, Bohemian vibe, plethora of great eateries and, of course, its iconic pier, Brighton is perhaps the UK’s most vibrant coastal city. A place where an annual naked bike ride raises a cheer, and vegan cafés mix with indie galleries and cool cocktail bars, it also so happens to be one of the most inclusive, and you could easily while away a weekend strolling up and down its buzzy beachfront.
What better place to stay then than at a luxury hotel with views of the panoramic seascape, slap bang in the middle of all the action? For spacious bedrooms, opulent interiors and a five-star breakfast, look no further than Square Townhouse.
Hotel
Sitting just yards from Brighton’s pebbly beach, Square Townhouse is a Grade II Regency townhouse overlooking the New Steine Gardens, giving it pristine views in all directions. The hotel itself has undergone a full restoration over the past 18 months, with its swanky new interiors designed by owner Ginny Porpora. Think antique chandeliers, Philippe Starck chairs and carved maple artwork by Nina Archer, more is most definitely more at this fine establishment.
Whilst it wasn’t open during our stay, Square Townhouse is also home to its very own Pamper Room offering a number of hair and beauty treatments that will get you in prime condition for the evening ahead. From manis and pedis to make-up, blow dries, facials and massages, all bases are covered.
Room
If a minimal aesthetic is all the rage in hotel interiors right now, Square Townhouse most certainly didn’t get the memo. But that’s where its charm lies. Each of the hotel’s 20 guestrooms come decked out with mirrored cabinets, plenty of velvet, the odd splash of leopard print and sumptuous dark furnishings that evoke an air of sensuality throughout.
Six luxury sea view bedrooms come complete with a contemporary fireplace to amp up the cosiness, while others are graced with a Japanese or freestanding bath to complement the walk-in shower. Other useful amenities include a coffee machine, mini bar with Champagne, Rituals bath products and an iron and steamer in all rooms.
For those looking to really splash out, or if you’re staying on a longer-term basis, be sure to book into the signature Hemsley Suite. Affectionately known as the Upside Down Penthouse and taking up the whole lower ground floor of the hotel, it boasts a huge reception area, fully-equipped kitchen and dining room, master bedroom with king size bed and freestanding roll top bath, and even has the added bonus of its very own entrance, meaning total privacy from the rest of the hotel should you so wish.
Food
While there’s no full-service restaurant in the hotel, its SQT Light Bites menu makes for the perfect aperitivo prior to heading out for a night on the town. Choose from perfectly executed pizzas and ciabattas filled with the likes of smoked salmon, rocket, horseradish cream, prosciutto and cherry tomato or, perfect for the ‘gram, its charcuterie and cheese boards come full to the brim with a generous selection of cured meats, Sussex cheese, seasonal fruits and crackers, designed to be washed down with a crisp glass of bubbly from the bar.
Mixologists also happen to whip up a mean cocktail – opt for the Hemsley Spritz or Steine Garden Party – a refreshing combination of white rum, mint leaves, elderflower, lemonade and cucumber.
As to be expected from a luxury hotel, there’s a stellar breakfast menu which comes bursting with all of your favourite morning staples. We’re talking a Full English, vegan breakfast, eggs benedict and, if you’re on a health kick, creamy avocado on toast served with lemon, black pepper and fresh chilli served on sourdough with poached eggs. For the not-so-healthy with a hangover, its Bloody Mary breakfast cocktail will be sure to bring you back to life. Feeling lazy? You can also enjoy breakfast in bed for an extra charge.
Top tip: if you’re visiting in the summer months, be sure to enquire about the hotel’s beach picnic baskets which make for the perfect treat for a romantic afternoon on the sand.
To do
With Brighton’s top attractions directly on the doorstep, there’s plenty to keep guests of all ages entertained. As the city’s tallest attraction, the British Airways i360 serves up the best views in town, while the iconic Royal Pavilion, which encompasses the Brighton Museum and Pavilion Gardens, is also just a stone’s throw away.
When summer hits, be sure to soak up the sun at the Saltdean Lido which, just a short drive along the coast, is home to a glorious Art Deco heated swimming pool and the only Grade II listed pool in the UK.
In a nutshell
Occupying an enviable location right by the waterfront with beautiful rooms for groups of all sizes, Square Townhouse is the perfect place to base yourself during a stay in Brighton, be it an active family holiday or relaxing honeymoon for two. Minimalists, however, might want to look elsewhere.
Factbox
Brighton Station is just under a mile from Square Townhouse, where trains to London take just one hour.
Sea view rooms can be booked from £176pn with breakfast.
Address: 4, New Steine, Kemptown, Brighton, BN2 1PB
Phone: 01273 691 1777
Email: info@squaretownhouse.com
Website: squaretownhouse.com
