Indulge in a Pornstar 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 town houses, 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. At Dilsk, you can match a short or long-tasting menu with a flight of wines. Dishes might include South Coast cod with rainbow chard, spider crab and sorrell as well as Sussex hogget with marsh vegetables. Finish it off with toasted yeast with tidal rum raisin caramel, malt and cultured cream. In the morning, pop down for a full English breakfast before browsing the boutiques in the Lanes or strolling to the Royal Pavilion.