Indulge in a Porn Star Martini in the sea-facing cocktail bar at this stuccoed, bow-fronted Georgian seafront hotel, for this is Brighton, after all – hip, tolerant and fun. Occupying two adjoining townhouses, Drakes counts among its glamorous past guests Sophie Dahl, Cate Blanchett and Kylie Minogue. It is now owned by A Curious Group of Hotels (see Portobello Hotel, London). Whether it's a city-facing attic hideaway with freestanding bath and wet room, or a feature room overlooking the Palace Pier with a roll-top bath under a floor-to-ceiling window, a super-king bed, chaise longue and monsoon-shower bathroom, the accommodation here is confident, chic and surprisingly affordable. A reader enjoyed a 'comfortable, well-appointed ground-floor room with a sea view'. At Dilsk, you can match a short or long-tasting menu with a flight of wines. Dishes might include South Coast bass with ricotta dumplings and elderflower butter sauce or Saxon chicken with sweet corn, tarragon and slow-cooked yolk. In the morning, pop down for a full English breakfast before browsing the boutiques in the Lanes or strolling to the Royal Pavilion. 'The breakfast was excellent, with most combinations catered for.'