West Side: Oriental Hotel

Lonely Planet Review

Behind the purple front door, stylish rooms and a funky bar await you. Positioned between the seafront and increasingly cosmopolitan Western Road, this friendly hotel is an excellent choice.

Rooms are comfortable, tasteful and get lots of light. Many have been refurbished with subtle purples and greens, Italian fittings and fabulous walk-in showers. All have sleek modern furnishings but are made homely with some antique-style pieces like heavy wooden tables. Older rooms don't really look old at all; they're a little plainer and less stylish but comfortable nonetheless. There's also a twin that gives a decent amount of privacy to both guests. The very hip, cosy bar downstairs has mosaic tiled tables, a sofa with a gazillion cushions, fairy lights and deep red stools. An organic breakfast is included in the rates with dishes like apple and pork sausages as well as vegetarian and vegan options. This place is a fantastic deal.

Korina Miller
Lonely Planet author

Expedia Description

Location. The Oriental is located in Brighton, England, 100 metres from the seafront by the West Pier and 300 metres from the boutiques, bars, and cafes of The Lanes. Brighton Pier is half a mile from the hotel, and Brighton railway station is one mile away.
Hotel Features. Occupying a Grade II-listed Regency building, the Oriental offers eco-friendly boutique accommodation. Its contemporary interiors are decorated with photography and modern art. Complimentary wireless Internet is available throughout. The local area offers public parking space.

The Oriental houses a lounge-style cocktail bar serving spirits, beers, and wines until mid-evening. A complimentary organic full English breakfast is offered every morning. Central Brighton offers plentiful dining opportunities.

The cocktail bar can also be used as a small meeting space, and the hotel also offers more formal conference rooms 50 metres down the street.

Bicycles can be hired from the Oriental. The beach offers water sports ranging from sailing to windsurfing. The nearest golf course, East Brighton Golf Club, is three miles away.

Guestrooms. The nine guestrooms at the Oriental feature contemporary décor, wooden floors, silk headboards, and beds with memory foam-mattresses. Amenities include LCD televisions with satellite channels, DVD/CD players, complimentary wireless Internet, aromatherapy lamps, and complimentary mineral water. Bathrooms feature walk-in showers and complimentary L'Occitane toiletries.

Expert Tip. The Oriental was once home to the 'Brighton Belle' club, one of the city's hottest nightspots. In its day it attracted DJs including Boy George and Norman Cook, and famous guests such as Howard Marks and Sadé.