Kemp Townhouse

Smartly restored Victorian townhouse with a cultivated mix of modern and period decor - the boutique hotel Brighton has been waiting for.

The Kemp Townhouse first opened in 1864 as Mary Pearson’s Guesthouse. Back then, a room cost less than 10 shillings per night; nearly 150 years later, it costs around 100 pounds. Which is still excellent value because the rooms here are classy – clean, calm and coloured, with understated hues of smoky brown and burgundy. Owners Claas and Russell have turned a derelict B&B into a delightfully sophisticated one that sits on a quiet side street just off Brighton’s seafront.

We turned up late in the rain after a delayed train, and our bags were whisked away to one of the 9 rooms with charming efficiency by Claas. Russell poured us a G&T in the ocean-blue lounge (that doubles as an elegant breakfast room) before recommending a nearby restaurant for supper. Another couple arrived, obviously on a special occasion, and were greeted with a bottle of champagne. This relaxing welcome - professional but unpretentious - charmed us throughout our stay. Mary Pearson would be proud.

Highs

• Inviting, tastefully decorated rooms with comfortable beds and polished antiques and artwork
• Superb in-house owner/managers who supply proficient service with a smile
• Top-notch breakfasts; walking distance to loads of restaurants
• Keenly priced considering the smart decor and service
• Close to the seafront and shopping

Lows

• No hotel restaurant or mini-bars in the room, although any kind of alcoholic drink can be provided and there is a possibility of an honesty bar in the future
• It does not face the seafront, but this also means traffic noise is non-existent
• Bathrooms are small and have showers only