Top Boutique Hotels in Sussex Historic County (2026)

Located on the beachfront in St Leonards on Sea, The Zanzibar offers a self-catered holiday home with complimentary Wi-Fi and secure parking for up to 2 cars. The holiday home comes with 8 rooms with attached bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, dining room and lounge offering sea views, bar, breakfast station and flat screen TV. Some bedrooms have floor-to-ceiling windows. Complimentary luxury toiletries, bathrobes and slippers are provided. Guests can relax in the garden which comes with a large hot tub. Zanzibar is opposite from the beach and the promenade is ideal for walking, cycling or running. The old part of town is around a 20-minute walk and is full of independent shops, pubs and eateries. The Blue Reef Aquarium and amusement arcades are 1 mile away and White Rock Theater and Hastings Pier can be reached in 5 minutes’ walk.

- "Amazing property, excellent location and great value for money. The customer service from Max and Kate from start to finish was first class. Thank you for making our stay so perfect. Hoping to return soon." - "Cost-effective Business Off-Site I booked this for our company off-site. Easy access from London, and a fantastic location when we arrived. All 8 of us had our own bedroom and bathroom. The dining room is perfect for meetings. The lounge is comfortable in the evenings. And the pizza place next door is excellent. There is a well-stocked convenience store less than 50m away too. The property has an excellent kitchen. Also an easy-to-use projector and screen (perfect for presentations). We all loved Zanzibar and we've already booked to go back in 6 months' time."

This beautiful Victorian villa has sea views. It is now a 5-star boutique guest house with free Wi-Fi and luxury rooms with digital TV, DVD players and toiletries. Black Rock House is the first guest accommodations in Hastings and St Leonards-on-Sea to be given 5 stars with a Gold award. It is less than 2297 feet from Hastings Rail Station and close to the beach, Alexandra Park and the Old Town. Black Rock House has been beautifully restored and mixes original character with modern style and luxury. The individually designed rooms are large and light, with luxury beds, mini-fridges and tea/coffee. The modern private bathrooms have powerful showers, luxury toiletries and bathrobes. Breakfast includes a seasonal fruit selection, croissants, pain au chocolat, toast, artisan coffee and quality tea.

- "Beautiful old house. Full of character." - "Another perfect stay. Everything was wonderful: the room, the staff, the meals. You will be seeing me again." - "This is a lovely guest house in an excellent location. Well within walking distance of the town. The hosts were both friendly, welcoming and knowledgable of the area. We had an excellent nights sleep and the breakfast we had here was delicious. Would happily stay here again." - "My partner and I had a wonderful stay. Vincent was an amazing host and the breakfast exceeded our expectations. Our room and bathroom were extremely clean and had everything we needed and more. Vincent goes the extra mile to make the stay feel special and luxurious. Great value for money, we'd definitely stay again!"

Overlooking Devonshire Park, Ravilious is located in the cultural quarter of the large seaside resort of Eastbourne. This boutique Victorian house offers a bar and free Wi-Fi in public areas. Featuring original artwork throughout, the property offers individually designed rooms with a flat-screen TV and tea and coffee making facilities. The private bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer. In the mornings, guests can enjoy home-cooked full English breakfast. Lighter alternatives include smoked salmon, eggs benedict, and scrambled eggs. Dishes are served alongside a choice of fruit juice, pastries, and cereals. With prior request, Ravilious can cater for any dietary requirements. Conveniently located from the seafront, Ravilious is just 5 minutes’ walk from Eastbourne Beach. Eastbourne Railway Station is a 7-minute stroll away. Guests can reach the Congress Theater, the Towner Art Gallery, and Eastbourne College after just 5 minutes’ walk.

- "Excellent breakfast mushroom cookery. Rustled up a USB charger as we'd forgotten ours." - "Welcoming and classy" - "The room was excellent, breakfast was very good. Chris and Caroline were really accommodating and helpful. I would definitely recommend the Ravilious to anyone looking to stay in Eastbourne." - "Really well located, clean and friendly owners. Was a great place to stay as a base for our walk." - "Friendly staff Very obliging Close to Eastbourne College Large sized rooms"

Located in Bexhill and within a 3-minute walk of Bexhill Beach, The Driftwood Bexhill has a restaurant, non-smoking rooms, and free WiFi throughout the property. The property is around 11 miles from Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway Adventure Park, 11 miles from Eastbourne Pier and 21 miles from Glyndebourne Opera House. Brighton Dome is 31 miles away and Brighton Train Station is 31 miles from the hotel. At the hotel, the rooms include a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. The Driftwood Bexhill has some accommodations with garden views, and every room is equipped with an electric tea pot. All rooms will provide guests with a closet and a coffee machine. AMEX Stadium is 27 miles from the accommodation, while Victoria Gardens is 30 miles from the property. The nearest airport is London Gatwick Airport, 52 miles from The Driftwood Bexhill.

- "The whole property is just absolutely gorgeous, so comfortable, the owners have paid amazing attention to detail and the rooms smelt gorgeous. Choices for breakfast you could not fault it, food tasty and excellent. Photographs of the rooms that you see on the website is exactly how it is." - "The best b&b I've ever stayed at. And I've stayed at hundreds in the UK" - "I enjoyed a lovely hearty cooked breakfast. Wonderful close location to everything in the town."

Set in a Victorian townhouse in the city’s Kemptown district, the award-winning Cavalaire Guest House Hotel is around 15 minutes’ walk from Brighton Pier. It offers high-quality rooms with free WiFi and private street parking. Each guest room has a flat-screen TV, radio alarm clock, mini fridge, iron and ironing board and luxury tea and coffee facilities. All rooms have an en suite shower with fluffy towels, hairdryer and toiletries provided. Cavalaire Guest House offers a full breakfast service for most dietary requirements including vegetarian and vegan, and offer gluten-free and soy options as standard. The Brighton Dome, Royal Pavilion and the Theater Royal are all within 15 minutes’ walk of this guest house. Brighton Train Station is around 20 minutes away, with direct links to London and Gatwick Airport.

- "Loved the warm friendly atmosphere and the decor is absolutely stunning! Had the best nights sleep as the bed was so comfortable and the room was spotlessly clean, and every detail was thought through to ensure your stay is perfect 🤩 Breakfast was delicious 😋" - "Clean, comfortable room, bathroom immaculate, breakfast was amazing, we will be back, thank you ❤️" - "Imaginative decor, reasonably quiet road for city centre, pleasant walk along beach into main shopping area, 20 min walk from station"

Located in Brighton & Hove, within an 8-minute walk of Brighton Pier and 2625 feet of The Royal Pavilion, Red Brighton Blue offers accommodations with a terrace. Popular points of interest nearby include Brighton Dome and Komedia. The Brighton Center and Victoria Gardens are a 17-minute walk from the hotel. At the hotel, all rooms are offer clothes storage, a flat-screen TV and free toiletries. Featuring a private bathroom, rooms at Red Brighton Blue also offer free WiFi. Guests at Red Brighton Blue can enjoy a Full English, Vegetarian or Vegan breakfast. Breakfast is at the Cosiez Cafe, the properties partner cafe, which is a short walk from the hotel. They offer a Full English, Vegetarian or Vegan choice from a set menu, plus a coffee or tea. I360 Observation Tower is a 20-minute walk from the hotel, while Churchill Square Shopping Center is 1.1 mi away. London Gatwick Airport is 24 mi from the property.

- "The rooms and facilities were outstanding. I was impressed with the cleanliness and excellent standard of everything. It had a homely feel. The owner Steve was friendly, helpful and eager to help." - "If I could give this a 12/10 I absolutely would!! We LOVED our stay here and couldn’t recommend it enough. They have created the most beautiful hotel in one of the best towns in the UK. Thank you so much for having us :)" - "Cleanliness, lovely owners"

Immerse yourself in the Opulent Embrace of The Square Townhouse, an Exclusive Boutique Hotel that stands as a Beacon of Luxury in the Vibrant Heart of Kemp Town, Brighton. This newly refurbished Grade II Listed Regency Townhouse blends the timeless elegance of its historic architecture with modern indulgence, creating a sanctuary just a stone's throw from the seafront and iconic Pier. As the heart of Brighton's inclusive community, Kemp Town's flamboyant spirit is echoed in our commitment to celebrating diversity, ensuring that every Guest feels warmly welcomed and cherished. As Tripadvisors Best-Rated Hotel in Brighton, we are more than just a Place To Stay; we are a Destination To Be Discovered. Our Commitment To Excellence is evident in our attentive, personalized service, ensuring that every moment spent with us is unforgettable. Start your day with our acclaimed Breakfast, a highlight for many of our Guests, as reflected in their glowing reviews. With a generous spread that caters to every palate, our Breakfast Menu features traditional and continental selections made from the finest locally sourced ingredients. Prepare to be captivated by the opulent ambiance of our Exclusive Lounge Bar. In this haven, Guests can indulge in Pre-Dinner Drinks and set the tone for an evening of unrivaled elegance. Escape to our Pamper Room, a sanctuary designed for ultimate relaxation. Here, indulgence is redefined with an array of Luxurious Treatments, from soothing Massages to Rejuvenating Facials, all aimed at whisking you away from the demands of daily life. At The Square Townhouse, we invite you to Reimagine Opulence. Whether you are seeking a romantic getaway, a luxurious escape, or a Boutique Brighton Experience, our doors are open, ready to welcome you to a world where indulgence is not just offered but celebrated. Join us and immerse yourself in the unparalleled elegance that awaits at Brighton's most exquisite retreat.

- "Great breakfasts. Lovely and warm. Friendly and accommodating hosts." - "Modern clean great location Staff were great" - "The photos don’t do it justice, it’s an amazing place with everything you need and to a very high standard" - "Immaculately clean with amazing attention to detail. James was a brilliant and attentive host, nothing was too much trouble. One of the nicest hotels we've ever stayed in and will definitely return. My brother stayed in the penthouse suite and it was out of this world. Breakfast was fabulous as well. An absolute gem of a hotel 😍"

Saltmarsh Farmhouse enjoys a location in West Dean, 11 miles from Glyndebourne Opera House and 14 miles from Brighton Marina. 7.7 miles from Eastbourne Pier and 9.3 miles from Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway Adventure Park, the property features a terrace and a bar. Free private parking is available, and the country house also offers bike rental for guests who want to explore the surrounding area. Free Wifi and a private bathroom are available to all guests, while selected rooms will provide you with a DVD player. Buffet and à la carte breakfast options with warm dishes, local specialities, and fresh pastries are available every morning at the country house. There is a coffee shop, and packed lunches are also available. After a day of cycling or hiking, guests can relax in the garden or the shared lounge area. Brighton Pier is 15 miles from Saltmarsh Farmhouse, while The Royal Pavilion is 15 miles away. The nearest airport is London Gatwick Airport, 42 miles from the accommodation.

- "Saltmarsh is a phenomenal property with excellent service. Although we were there for just a night, we were blown away by the personal touch of each and every person working at Saltmarsh. From remembering our dog’s name :) to not charging us for the alcohol because we left a day earlier, can’t say I have any complaints. I’m only waiting for summer to arrive so we can go back and enjoy a longer stay at the property." - "We had a wonderful time at the Farmhouse. The room was really comfortable, cosy and warm and we really appreciated the Christmas tree and decs. The breakfasts and all the facilities were fab with a very relaxed and restful atmosphere. Emma and all the staff were so friendly and helpful and made us and our old dog feel very welcome. Perfectly located for Seven Sisters Country Park and the South Downs Walks."

Ideally located in the heart of Brighton, and just off Brighton Rail Station, Hotel Una offers modern and stylish accommodations, a bar, spa rooms and cinema room. Free WiFi is available throughout and public parking is possible at a location nearby. Each room at Hotel Una is individually decorated with contrasting textures, natural wood and modern artwork. Some have special features, such as a balcony, a sauna, a hot tub or free-standing bath. All include a flat-screen TV and complimentary White Company toiletries. This chic boutique hotel also offers a bar serving cocktails and a selection of whiskeys, cognacs and champagne. Plenty of bars, restaurants and shops are found right at the doorstep. The world-famous Brighton Pier is only 20 minutes’ walk away. London is just 1 hour away by train.

- "Excellent central location , individual rooms , home from home , immaculate and clean , very helpful friendly staff ." - "Everything. The hotel was amazing with a great boutique style. Breakfast in the room. The loft apartment was perfect for our stay." - "Staff kindness and helpfulness Level of service" - "Lovely boutique hotel with terrific staff. Fantastic restaurant recommendations." - "From the moment my partner and I arrived, the staff were exceptional. They all really went the extra mile to give the personal touch and make us feel so welcome. The hotel was lovely and felt very homely. Location was absolutely ideal and a stone-throw from the beach! I honestly could not recommend this hotel enough! My partner and I will definitely be planning a return trip! Thank you Hotel Una!"

A 4-star Silver award-winning bed and breakfast in Brighton, East Sussex, this stylish boutique-style property is centrally located within minutes of the sea, pier, conference center and shops. Set within a traditional 19th century townhouse, Brightonwave has been carefully refurbished to offer a stylish, contemporary B&B. It features 8 guest rooms, each of which is equipped with a private bathroom, and state-of-the-art technology, including a flat-screen TV with DVD and CD player. Wi-Fi access is also available throughout the building for those with their own laptop. If you don’t have your computer with you, you can take advantage of the computer in the comfortable lounge area. The 2 Brighton universities (university of Brighton and Sussex University) along with the teaching hospital and other local businesses are easily accessible by public transportation from Brightonwave. The friendly and efficient staff will be happy to make travel arrangements for you, on request.

- "We had an exceptionally good stay. The room was comfortable, spacious and nicely decorated. The owners were gentle and friendly. Little touches like chocolates, water, coffee and bathrobes were much aporeciated. The breakfast was delicious with the owners happy to accommodate when it comes to dietary requirements. The location is brilliant and central." - "Very clean , great location and very comfortable" - "The room was big, the location was close to the centre, and the owner was very friendly and helpful. The breakfast was also great. We couldn't have asked for more!"

With 5 stars and a Gold Award, this seaside boutique B&B is yards from the sea and has fantastic views. It combines Victorian character and elegant, modern design. Set on a garden square in St Leonards on Sea, Hastings House is a place to relax and feel pampered. All of the stylish rooms are individually designed and each has free WiFi and a large flat-screen TV with Freeview digital channels. Bathrooms have an American-style power shower, bathrobes and luxurious toiletries. Hastings House is within walking distance of St Leonards Warrior Square Railway Station, which has regular trains to London, Brighton and Gatwick Airport. Fine restaurants, pubs and cafes are close by, as is the White Rock Theater.

The Southern Belle is a 19th century relaxed luxury boutique hotel and popular public bar with cocktail lounge, offering accommodations adjacent to the Brighton seafront. The welcoming public bar features an open fireplace, bright window seating with partial sea view or a cozy cozy. It offers a varied selection of craft beers, Sussex ales, artisan gins, cocktails, wines, whiskeys and hot drinks. There is also a cocktail lounge to the rear of the building. Food is served 7 days a week. A cooked breakfast with lighter options is available for hotel guests. The i360 Observation Tower is a 7-minute walk from The Southern Belle. Hove or Brighton Rail Station are both just 5 minutes’ drive away from The Southern Belle. Both the spectacular Brighton Royal Pavilion and Brighton Pier are 20 minutes’ walk away.

- "Have stayed several times now. Love the location and the standard of the accommodation" - "Cozy" - "Friendly staff, nice comfortable stay ,lovely food ,great rooms ,facilities very welcoming place to stay ,loved the quirky inside .will stay again ." - "Everything was great. Room was a perfect size, clean and with a luxurious bathroom. Nespresso machine in the room is a nice touch. Breakfast was incredible. Staff were lovely. Great location to be near the seafront and town centre."

The New England is in a quiet area, looking out to Eastbourne's seafront. It offers award-winning guest accommodations in light, modern rooms with attached bathroom. Free WiFi and free on-street parking is available. The New England is decorated in a light, relaxing style, inspired by the East Coast of the USA. The guest lounge has comfortable armchairs, original paintings by local artists, as well as books and games. The dining room has sea views and offers a comprehensive Full English breakfast. There is also the option for those who are gluten free, vegetarian or vegan. The rooms have a flat-screen Freeview TVs and large bathrooms with power showers and baths. Most rooms have sea views while the rear facing rooms enjoy views of the South Downs. Some rooms have outdoor terraces.

- "The breakfast was outstanding and the chef could not do any more for us. the room was spotless and the bed very comfortable. I will not hesitate to use this hotel sgain." - "Loved The New England. It succeeded in the small details where so many other places fail: decent lighting in the room - tick! Water glasses AS WELL AS toothmugs - tick. Hooks for coats - tick. Window that opens normally and easily - tick. Loved the clean and light decor in the room too. Breakfast also excellent, especially the fruit salad - no apple/banana/melon filler - big tick!"

Directly facing an award-winning beach, on Eastbourne's Royal Parade, Beach Front Guest House provides bed and breakfast accommodations right on the Eastbourne seafront. All rooms at Beach Front are en suite with a shower, and many enjoy beautiful sea views. In addition, all rooms have a flat-screen TV, free WiFi and tea and coffee making facilities. In the mornings, a Sussex breakfast is served, using locally sourced produce wherever possible. Guests are welcome to unwind in the sea-facing sun lounge, or on colder evenings, in front of the fireplace in the cozy guest lounge. Beach Front Guest House is just 1640 feet from Eastbourne Pier and a 10-minute drive from Beachy Head. The historic Royal Hippodrome theater is a 5-minute walk from the property. Eastbourne Railway Station is less than 1 mile from the bed and breakfast. The property is in a convenient, central location of the city, with several pubs, restaurants and the Eastbourne Arndale Center within a 10-minute walk.

- "Welcoming staff, spotless facilities, comfy bed and delicious breakfast." - "I can honestly say it was all exceptional, i would definitely book there again Selina and Co could not do enough to make your stay any better. Great location, very clean Hotel and Breakfast was A*." - "everything second time and it is like the first time" - "Overlooking the sea this hotel is a little gem. The room was modern, clean and was provided with tea and coffee plus biscuit nibbles. The breakfast was freshly made and was fantastic. The bacon rashers were a good thickness and service was excellent. Definitely a place to stay for value and quality."

Magnolia House, Rye offers accommodations in Rye, 28 miles from Leeds Castle and 28 miles from Eastbourne Pier. Housed in a building dating back to 1910, this guest house is 26 miles from Eurotunnel UK and 28 miles from Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway Adventure Park. The guest house provides rooms with air conditioning, free private parking, and free Wifi. The units come with parquet floors and feature a fully equipped kitchenette with a microwave, a dining area, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower and a hair dryer. At the guest house, all units are allergy-free and soundproof. At the guest house, every unit has bed linen and towels. À la carte and full English/Irish breakfast options with warm dishes, pancakes, and fruit are available daily at the guest house. Folkestone Central Railway Station is 29 miles from Magnolia House, Rye, while Folkestone Harbour is 30 miles away. The nearest airport is London Gatwick Airport, 65 miles from the accommodation.

- "Located close to the town of Rye with parking. The breakfast were delicious and perfectly cooked." - "Spotlessly clean and very modern Very close to town centre Would definitely stay again" - "Clean, quiet rooms, good bed, great breakfast" - "Great hosts, good room, easy parking, lovely breakfast and lots of effort to ensure the stay was good. 10/10" - "We had such a lovely stay - the bed was so comfortable and the air con was really welcome in the summer heat. The hosts were warm and friendly and made some great dinner recommendations. Delicious breakfast and just a short walk away from Rye and the train station."

Blue Sky Guest House offers accommodations in Brighton & Hove, a 13-minute walk from Victoria Gardens and 0.7 miles from Brighton Dome. With free Wifi, this 3-star guest house offers daily room service. Churchill Square Shopping Centre is a 17-minute walk from the guest house, and The Brighton Centre is 0.8 miles away. At the guest house, units come with a wardrobe and a flat-screen TV. At the guest house, all units are equipped with bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the guest house include Brighton Beach, Brighton Pier, and The Royal Pavilion. The nearest airport is London Gatwick Airport, 26 miles from Blue Sky Guest House.

- "Great communication. Brilliant location. Lovely, clean, modern room." - "We loved our stay in Brighton. Richard was really friendly and helpful. He gave us a lot of good tips to discover the city. The room was perfect." - "Good location. Quiet. clean and tidy." - "Richard, the owner, is a very friendly person. Helped us a lot by guiding where to go, what to see and where to eat. All suggestions were wonderful. The hotel is very nicely decorated, rooms have all needed things. The staff is friendly as well. Will recommend this place for sure."

Located in Uckfield, 12 miles from Glyndebourne Opera House, Trading Boundaries provides accommodations with a garden, free private parking and a terrace. The property is around 14 miles from AMEX Stadium, 17 miles from Hever Castle and 18 miles from Victoria Gardens. Guests can enjoy garden views. Guest rooms at the inn are equipped with a seating area and a flat-screen TV. With a private bathroom equipped with a shower and a hairdryer, rooms at Trading Boundaries also offer free WiFi, while some rooms are equipped with a patio. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a continental breakfast. Brighton Dome is 18 miles from Trading Boundaries, while Brighton Train Station is 18 miles away. The nearest airport is London Gatwick Airport, 16 miles from the inn.

- "This property was elegant and just what I hoped it be." - "Everything about trading Boundaries was fabulous. The team at trading boundaries went above and beyond to help us in any way they could. The rooms were amazing, beautifully decorated, cosy and the best beds I have slept in. We enjoyed our stay and I hope to return again one day." - "A beautiful venue with great facilities." - "Great hospitality and very kindly upgraded my room." - "Friendly staff. Super quirky facilities"