Incredible cooked-to-order breakfast with 13+ options
Charming Art Nouveau decor that feels personal, not corporate
Prime Kemptown location—minutes from the pier but quieter than the center
Quick Take: It’s a creaky, strict-on-the-rules townhouse where the charm comes with thin walls and a lot of stairs.
Reviewed by @Shelleylovestotravel: I stayed in this cozy single room and honestly, it was perfect for a solo trip. The coffee station was stocked (free biscuits!), the bed was comfy, and the door code made me feel super secure. A solid budget find in Brighton.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
The hype
Travelers adore the host's warm welcome and the outstanding breakfast, but often mention the rooms feel a bit 'tired' and small.
Reality check
Ground floor rooms suffer from significant noise bleed from the kitchen, owners' quarters, and passing foot traffic.
You are vegan or vegetarian (the breakfast menu is a holy grail)
You prefer character and 'shabby chic' over sterile modern hotels
You want to be in the LGBTQ+ friendly heart of Kemptown
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
Housekeeping: Daily service is reliable, though some guests note missed dust in high corners.
Bathroom hygiene: Generally sparkling, though older grout and sealant in some en-suites show age.
Maintenance: The building is old and shows it—expect some peeling paint, creaky floors, and 'tired' carpets.
Linens & towels: Clean and functional, but not luxury thread count. Towels can be a bit scratchy.
Odors & scents: Mostly fresh, occasionally a faint musty smell in lower ground rooms or cooking smells near the kitchen.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
Creaky floorboards from guests above
Kitchen clatter and owners' dogs barking (audible in ground floor rooms)
Plumbing noise from shared bathrooms
Before you book
Good to know
Parking is a nightmare; buy a voucher from the hotel (~£20/day) or use the JustPark app for a spot further out.
WiFi can be spotty in the basement/ground floor rooms.
This is an eco-hotel; expect organic toiletries and a strong recycling ethos.
What to pack
Earplugs (essential for lower floors)
Slippers (carpets are a bit worn)
Smaller luggage (hauling a massive suitcase up narrow stairs is miserable)
Room Genie
Best picks
First-floor Balcony Room (often has floor-to-ceiling windows and sea glimpses)
Four Poster Room (for the full romantic Art Deco vibe)
Rooms to avoid
Ground Floor Double (Room 1) – adjacent to the kitchen/owners' quarters, very noisy
Small Single – described as extremely tight, barely room for a suitcase
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love to request a room on an upper floor, ideally with a bay window or sea view. Please avoid the ground floor as I am a light sleeper.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a lift?
No. It is a Grade II listed building with narrow, steep stairs.
Is breakfast included?
Yes, and it's the highlight. Huge selection of organic, local, and vegan options.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Despite some older reviews saying otherwise, the current policy is strictly no pets.
How does parking work?
The hotel sells daily permits (~£20) for Zone C street parking, but spaces aren't guaranteed. It's often a hunt.
Is there AC?
No. Rooms have radiators for heat and windows that open for a breeze (and seagull noise).
Can I check in late?
Only if pre-arranged. Reception closes at 8 PM sharp.
Insider Tips
✨
The 'budget' rooms with shared bathrooms are a steal if you don't mind the hallway trek.
✨
Ask for a room at the back if you want to avoid the morning seagull chorus.
✨
The hotel has a stash of parking vouchers—call ahead to reserve one so you don't get stuck paying meter rates.
5 things to know before you go
💡The owners live in the basement, so ground floor guests are basically roommates with them (hearing their TV, dogs, etc.).
💡The 'sea view' is often a sliver between other buildings, not a panoramic vista.
💡Water pressure in the top floor showers can be a bit weak.
💡The decor is 'eclectic' which sometimes means mismatched furniture and peeling wallpaper.
💡There is no bar on-site, but you can bring your own wine to the lounge.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Paskins Town House is located and what's nearby.