Best family-friendly hotels in Brighton, as recommended by parents

Jury’s Inn Brighton Waterfront | Check availability

"I have stayed in Brighton a few times over the years. I always found Jury's Inn okay. There is one on the seafront now in addition to the one up by the station. (used to be the Thistle)" - Recommended by Mumsnet user, Drivingtofrance

"Brighton hotels can be really expensive! Jury's Inn hotels can be much better value, and if you're just after somewhere clean and functional to stay, they'll do the job" - suggested by Mumsnet user, BIWI

A family-friendly hotel with an excellent location, Jury’s Inn Brighton Waterfront boasts an enviable spot directly overlooking Brighton's seafront. It’s also a short walk from Brighton Pier and the Royal Pavilion - ideal if you’re visiting with younger children who may resist longer journeys on foot.

Guests can use the heated indoor swimming pool, steam room and sauna free of charge. And there’s a gym for active types.

A standard family room sleeps four guests (in two double beds) and cots for babies are available on request. The rooms are fully air-conditioned (ideal in summer) and include a flat-screen TV for those early morning episodes of Peppa Pig.

The downside? Parking is relatively expensive at a (discounted!) rate of £25 for 24 hours.

Nearest train station: Brighton (0.7 miles)

2. Best budget hotel: Selina Brighton

Selina Brighton | Check availability

In a prime position on Brighton’s seafront, Selina is a budget-friendly hotel that caters well for couples, families and solo travellers thanks to a wide variety of room configurations.

The decor and facilities are pretty basic but the family rooms can comfortably accommodate four guests  - set up as either a bunk bed with two twin beds or a bunk bed with a queen-size bed depending on your preference.

A short stroll from Hove’s pebble beach, it’s also just steps from the iconic i360 tower.

While it’s friendly on the purse strings, it’s worth noting that the affordability does mean it attracts a young and lively crowd. As such, it’s probably better suited to those travelling with older children who don’t expect to get an early night!

Nearest train station: Brighton (1.4 miles)

3. Best boutique hotel: Hotel Pelirocco

Hotel Pelliroco | Check availability 

"Pelirocco is lovely, very quirky" - recommended by Mumsnet user, MuttonCadet

If you want your hotel to be a big part of your Brighton experience, Hotel Pelirocco is a really unique choice. On Regency Square, it’s well located for the seafront and Brighton’s shops, restaurants and the North Laine shopping hub.

Described as England’s most rock and roll hotel, it features 19 individually themed bedrooms. Many are aimed at couples on romantic breaks, there are a number of rooms that are great fun for smaller families including ‘Dollywould’ which can accommodate two adults and one child or ‘Darth Vader’s Quarters’, suitable for a solo parent and child.

Hotel Pelirocco’s eccentric vibe may not be to everyone’s taste, but if you love all things kitsch and quirky or are travelling solo with your tween or teen, it’s certainly a stay you will remember for years to come.

Nearest train station: Brighton (0.6 miles)

4. Best luxury hotel: The Grand Brighton

The Grand Brighton | Check availability 

"We stayed at the Grand Hotel (with my daughter then aged one) and enjoyed it. Good location too" - recommended by Mumsnet user, handlemecarefully 

"We stayed at the Grand recently. My husband went to the spa and said it was one of the nicest he has ever been in" - tried and tested by Mumsnet user, cashewnutty

If you’re prepared to pay for a luxury break in Brighton, they don’t come much more upmarket than The Grand. Families needn’t be put off by the fancy Victorian exterior - The Grand caters well for guests of all ages, kids included.

 With a choice of rooms including interconnecting rooms and cots available on request, The Grand can easily accommodate families, and if you prefer to all be in one room, extra beds or sofa beds are available for an additional fee.

Children have their own menu at the on-site restaurant and can enjoy afternoon tea on Victoria Terrace. The Grand can even set up a fabulous picnic to take with you while exploring the city.

Nearest train station: Brighton (0.6 miles)

5. Best hotel with a spa: Queen’s Hotel & Spa

Queen’s Hotel & Spa | Check availability  

"I stayed at the Queen’s Hotel - a suite room with full brekkie. We would definitely recommend it. (The room could do with a lick of paint but nothing serious). We had flat screen TVs (with Freeview) in both rooms (great when my son woke as we put CBeebies on for him), a kettle, fridge and hairdryer. Rooms were clean, had a massive bath, comfy beds and great views of the promenade and the sunset looking over the beach to the west! There’s a small warm pool in the basement and it’s got a great location, just in front of the Lanes and the beachfront!" - recommended by Mumsnet user, lovetoloveyoubaby

"We stayed at the Queen’s Hotel last year, with a room overlooking the prom and pier. We used the (small) pool in the basement. Breakfast was fine. Would happily stay there again" - tried and tested by Mumsnet user, Sussexcoast 

Overlooking Brighton Beach, the Queen’s Hotel & Spa directly faces the pier and promenade and is within a 15-minute walk of the majority of Brighton’s family-friendly attractions.

There are family rooms and suites (some come with panoramic sea views). All rooms include tea- and coffee-making facilities as well as an LCD TV and complimentary WiFi.

Start the day tucking into a complimentary hot and cold breakfast in the No.1 Bar and Bistro overlooking the sea. At the end of a fun-filled day, a session in the spa or a swim in the heated pool in the basement is a great way to relax and switch off before bed.

Nearest train station: Brighton (0.8 mile)

6. Best for family rooms: Premier Inn Brighton City Centre

Premier Inn Brighton City Centre | Check availability

"We stayed at the Premier Inn. Right on the main street, lovely huge and clean rooms and a brilliant breakfast. I couldn’t fault it" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Duvetdazed 

If you’re looking for a hotel that caters for families without having to request additional beds, the Premier Inn is your go-to hotel. The budget-friendly family rooms can sleep up to four without feeling cramped or treating kids like an afterthought.

With comfy Hypnos beds, they also come with the Premier Inn’s guarantee of a good night’s sleep - something you’ll need after upping your step count exploring Brighton.

It might not have the most attractive exterior but the Premier Inn offers a central location, just a 10-minute walk from Brighton’s seafront and popular family attractions.

 After exciting days with your family, the onsite Thyme restaurant serves a range of great-value family meals with a kid's menu suitable for even the pickiest of eaters.

Nearest train station: Brighton (0.5 miles)

7. Best for small families: Sea Spray Hotel, Kemptown

Sea Spray Hotel | Check availability 

Centrally located in Brighton’s seafront square, this grade II listed hotel makes the ideal base for small families looking to visit Brighton’s beach, pier and attractions.

While the majority of hotel rooms are suitable for couples, family rooms can accommodate two adults and one child with a large double and single bed included. They’re not the most spacious rooms on our list, but they feature large TVs and decent WiFi so if your child wakes early they can be easily pacified while you summon the energy to get out of bed.

A choice of hot or continental breakfast is included with your stay, providing a good source of energy for a day of activities.

Nearest train station: Brighton (1.1 miles)

8. Best for views: Holiday Inn Brighton

Holiday Inn Brighton | Check availability 

Located right on the beach and with views of the iconic i360 observation tower, the Holiday Inn Brighton is a central and affordable hotel option for families, close to family-friendly attractions like the Royal Pavilion.

The train station is just a 15-minute walk away. With great WiFi and air-conditioned rooms, you’ll be sure to get a good night’s sleep, whatever the weather.

Family rooms and double rooms with two double beds can accommodate families of up to four. For those trying to keep costs down, children under 13 stay and eat for free (choose a free meal from the kid’s menu when accompanied by a full-paying adult).

When the weather’s nice, the playground opposite the hotel is a great place for kids to let off some steam before bed.

Nearest train station: Brighton (1.1 miles)

Is Brighton good for families?

Brighton is a very welcoming city and a great place to visit with your kids. Not only does Brighton offer everything you’d expect from a traditional seaside resort, it also has a wide range of shops, museums and family-friendly attractions for  family fun come rain or shine.

What are the most popular family attractions in Brighton?

It’s impossible to list them all, but here’s are a couple of family-friendly attractions to check out during your visit to Brighton.

The Palace Pier: No family trip to Brighton would be complete without a trip to the Palace Pier. Make sure to take loads of coins for the 2p machines, before tucking into freshly made doughnuts and candyfloss. For the thrill seekers, Palace Pier is also home to the NEW Twister virtual reality ride.

BT i360 viewing tower: A great option if you’re visiting with teens (unless they’re scared of heights that is), the i360 viewing tower offers exceptional 360-degree panoramic views across the city from the glass viewing pod which travels up to 450ft! On clear days, you can even spot the Isle of Wight in the distance!

"I would really recommend the i360 if you’re there on a clear day" - rated by Mumsnet user FizzyPink 

What’s the best family-friendly hotel in Brighton?

For its great location on the beachfront, affordable price tag and on-site facilities, the Jurys Inn Brighton Waterfront gets our vote as the best family-friendly hotel in Brighton.

Travelling without the kids?

If you’re travelling to Brighton without kids in tow, Mumsnetters can also recommend the following hotels as a great choice for couples:

My Brighton, Jubilee Street | Check availability

"MyHotel on Jubilee Street is nice - it's in the North Laine" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Caper86

"Second MyHotel - very nice, reasonable, gorgeous funky rooms, lovely breakfast. Fabulous Indian restaurant next door" - tried and tested by Mumsnet user, OllyBJolly

Nearest train station: Brighton (0.4 miles)

A Room with a View | Check availability

"Room with a View is a little boutique hotel right on the seafront. It’s lovely and we've stayed there several times when going to concerts" - recommended by Mumsnet user, CakeIsMyFavouriteAndBest 

Nearest train station: Brighton (0.8 miles)

How we chose our recommendations

We spent several hours sifting through Mumsnet's forums for recommendations from users on the experiences of family-friendly hotels in Brighton, including the hotels they’ve visited personally with their children and would rate most highly for a short break or weekend away.

We then consulted recommendations from travel experts and made sure we included attractions that regularly appeared in ‘best’ lists or were the most highly rated by guests on TripAdvisor and review sites, ensuring that previous visitors, particularly post lockdown, were satisfied with their stay.

Why you should trust us

We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.