A seafront stay with character and culture, Sophie Ritchie shares how to spend a weekend in Brighton with Selina hotels
Offering guests a modern stay aimed at increasing sociability and a sense of community between guests, Selina Brighton is ideal for the contemporary traveler who likes to combine work with play. Part of the wider Selina family, which includes a further five hotels dotted around the UK, this seafront property has been curated to address the needs of millennial and Gen Z travellers.
When it comes to ambience, this colourful property is brimming with it – aided mostly by the genuinely friendly staff, who welcome guests with eager smiles and a plethora of helpful tips during check-in.
This 53-key hotel also offers an open plan co-working space alongside its rooms, decked out with mismatched furniture and playful wall illustrations, as well as a (temporarily closed) restaurant and small shop stocked with trinkets, local artwork and snacks, located within its petite lobby area.
The Room
Catering to the modern crowd who want to drop their bags and get on with the exploring, room categories are aimed at providing something for every Brighton budget. These start with communal hostel-style dormitories and move up to bigger, more comfortable private rooms with working desks and dedicated spaces to lounge.
I stay in the latter, a spacious private room that offers simplicity and all the essentials required for a decent night’s sleep. Decor wise, think shabby chic – rustically simplistic furnishings that create a calm atmosphere. Double bed, check. Plug socket straight next to the mattress, check. Comfortable pillows, double check.
Tall windows offer a nosy lookout into the nearby buildings and flood the room with natural light, whilst there’s also plenty of storage space for those who like to unpack during a getaway. A small wooden desk also sits in the corner of the room, which I waste no time in getting acquainted with whilst I catch up on emails before my guest arrives.
Selina goes against the grain when it comes to traditional in-room amenities – don’t expect to spot a kettle or coffee facilities within your abode, although towels and full-sized toiletries come as standard. If you’re desperate for a caffeine fix, you’ll still find a small complimentary station down in the lobby socked with simple instant coffee and hot water instead. If that idea leaves you ‘froth’ing at the mouth, an additional drinks menu can also be ordered at the on-site bar.
Things to try
A firm favourite amongst family and friends, it’s no secret that Brighton is a beacon for tourists when it comes to fun days out. Boasting a fantastic shoreline and buzzing atmosphere, here’s a handful of activities awaiting you in East Sussex…
1 Shorefront run: Pack your trainers, head out of Selina’s entrance and meander along the flat coastline for a scenic run by the sea. Tick off all the main attractions and get your beach fix in style – and expect to see plenty of other runners en-route, as this is one fit city.
2 Sauna by the sea: Open all year round, Beach Box Spa offers a unique wood-fired sauna spa experience directly on Brighton Beach. With space for 12 at a time, facilities include outdoor seating areas, changing rooms, fresh water showers, a chilled steel tub, cool plunge pool and a slipper bath – for you to cool off between sessions too. Upgrade your experience with handmade, natural in-sauna body treatments. There’s even a spa menu, for those in the mood for a little extra pampering.
3 Trip to the Laines: One of Brighton’s most unique attractions is its myriad of Laines, featuring narrow alleyways, tucked away squares, snoop-worthy shops, legendary jewellers and endless artisan places to perch and partake in something delicious.
4 An in-house Selina event: The property hosts a regular schedule of fun events for guests and locals to enjoy, ranging from yoga and painting workshops through to spiritual-based Moon Circles and more. Book your ticket and add another memory into the mix – you might even make new friends along the way. selina.com
The Wordrobe Verdict
Offering guests a modern stay aimed at increasing sociability and a sense of community between guests, Selina Brighton is ideal for the contemporary traveler who likes to combine work with play. This property forgoes the small details in favour of the bigger picture (and lighter budget).
Clean, comfortable and full of culture – if you love a weekend of exploring, this hotel is bound to tick all the right boxes.
Make it happen
How: To find out more and make a booking, visit selina.com
Where: 135 Kings Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 2HX
Words by Sophie Ritchie, editor
