Often dubbed ‘London by the sea’, Brighton is England’s much-loved hedonistic seaside city. Nestled on a South Coast shingle beach and backed by amusement arcades and grand Regency-era buildings, Brighton has always danced to its own beat—and that’s something I’ve always admired!
One of the things I love most is how it’s packed with so many gorgeous and unique boutique hotels, especially the kind you’d never find anywhere else. I’d long had my eye on one retro hotel in Brighton’s lively Kemptown district that stood out among the coolest places to stay in the city—Snooze Guest House, known for its bold design and pop-culture charm.
I’d always wanted to check out this Brighton boutique hotel with themed rooms, often voted England’s funkiest B&B. So, our videographer Gary Nunn and I took the short trip from London, eager to soak up the salty sea breeze and dive into a fun weekend in Brighton—complete with retro vibes, great food, and a video full of drone shots!
Watch: Our Viral Snooze Hotel & Brighton Weekend Video
See us check out the colourful interiors, incredible themed rooms, and Brighton’s stunning coast from above in our drone video!
Brighton – At a Quick Glance
- Location: South Coast of England, ~1 hour by train from London
- Famous For: Beachfront, independent shops, LGBTQ+ scene, street art
- Best Time to Visit: May–September for beach weather, but fun year-round
- Must-Do’s: Explore the Lanes, stroll the Pier, try Boho Gelato, enjoy vintage tea rooms, and soak in the sunset at the West Pier ruins
Brighton is an easy day trip from London, only taking an hour by train or a little more by car (traffic and train delays permitting). Snooze Guesthouse is located in Kemptown, one of the city’s “villages” with a distinctive flavour.
Historically known as the artists’ district, I love that it’s a charmingly lively but relaxed area with an eclectic mix of envy-inducing bow-fronted Georgian townhouses, interior design shops, artisan food stores, gay bars, and beautiful Regency crescents.
Snooze Hotel
Snooze Hotel, Brighton – At a Quick Glance
- Location: Kemptown, Brighton (a 10-minute walk from Brighton Pier)
- Vibe: Eclectic, retro, fun, design-focused B&B
- Best For: Couples, design lovers, boutique hotel fans
- Accommodation: Individually themed rooms and suites inspired by cult movies, 60s/70s decor, and vintage pop culture
- Facilities: Funky breakfast room, free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee trays, locally sourced breakfast
- Top Features: Boogie Nights Suite, themed rooms, mismatched retro crockery, colourful murals, vintage memorabilia
- Parking: Street parking available (permit system – check with hotel)
- Booking Tip: Popular rooms get booked up—reserve early for themed suites
Why Stay at Snooze Hotel in Brighton?
If you’re looking for somewhere that’s a true extension of Brighton’s quirky personality, Snooze Hotel is it. With cult film references, retro design, and a laid-back vibe, it’s ideal for a fun weekend escape, romantic break, or nostalgic trip with a twist.
What Was It Like Staying at Snooze Hotel?
Snooze was just as eclectic as the area itself! Housed in one of those much-envied Georgian townhouses, its elegant, pure-white exterior I loved that it gave no hint of the vibrant visual feast waiting just inside.
I first saw the reception/breakfast room which was a explosion of colourful kitsch—vintage movie and music memorabilia was crisscrossed with bright pop art, retro furniture, and there was even a graffiti-style mural on the ceiling. I was in love – the hotel was seriously eye-catching!
My suite was a spacious loft room with a raised bed adorned in leopard skin print and surrounded by brown beige walls accented with bright pop art.
From the cute Love Heart sweets and Brighton rock left out on the bedside table to the monochrome mosaic bathroom, each detail was perfectly thought out, all with an unmistakable sixties/seventies vibe – I thought sleeping there felt like being on the set of Boogie Nights or Velvet Goldmine!
The other rooms were equally as unique and splashes of colour awaited me at every turn – old lockers converted in wardrobes and retro advertisements and art embellished the bright funky walls.
All the rooms were individually decorated and we were told by the owner that they were frequently redesigned to offer visitors a new and fresh experience each time they stay.
I really admired how they took inspiration from cult films and vintage popular culture—Boogie Nights, Mad Men, Goodfellas, Quadrophenia, the list went on and on! I even spotted a room that reminded me of Coronation Street’s Vera Duckworth’s front room circa the 1980s which I thought was a genius idea!
Exploring Brighton – Food, Lanes, and the Pier
The next morning, I woke up to a very tasty veggie cooked breakfast and fresh tea served in purposely mismatched crockery (vintage, of course!) and then ventured out to explore the rest of the city.
I’d visited Brighton many times now, and it’s a place I know I’ll never tire of. Their obvious love of the outlandish, the carnivalesque pier, the warren of alleys and stone-paved streets flanked by independent boutiques and cool eateries, and the bracing salty air offer a welcoming feel of familiarity for me.
After a slow meander through the narrow bohemian backstreets of the North and South Laines, a vegan ice cream from Boho Gelato and a quiet moment in one of the city’s vintage tea rooms, we headed to the pier with Gary’s trusty drone in hand…
Brighton’s kitschy main pier was a true assault on all the senses. I loved how the air was thick with the sweet scent of burnt sugar from candy floss machines, the shrill cries of seagulls overhead, and the sight of the candy-striped helter-skelter and rickety roller coasters teetering atop the sturdy iron girders of the Victorian pier.
Our evening ended with a stroll along the pebbled shore edged by impressively turquoise waves, eventually arriving at the derelict burnt-out West pier just as the sunset.
I watched the nightly dusk ritual of the gentle babble of starlings before they nestled in to roost on the remains of the striking and hauntingly beautiful structure. I loved how Brighton always seemed to soothe my soul…
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a fun break in the UK and want to stay somewhere with serious personality, I personally think Snooze Guest House should be top of your list. With retro-themed rooms, a vibrant Kemptown location, super-welcoming owners and a whole lot of charm, it’s easily one of the most unusual stay in the city – and one I already can’t wait to return to!
