Brighton Harbour Hotel & Spa, Brighton, East Sussex

Cross the road and you will find yourself on Brighton's iconic seafront. It's also just a hop, skip and jump to the quirky shops and bars of The Lanes, and a short wander from the Royal Pavilion - as well as the rest of the city centre's delights.

In an ideal central location, you're not too far from the coach and train stations.

By car: around 2 hours from London, under 3 hours from Bristol and 3 hours 15 minutes from Birmingham. Paid parking available nearby.

By train: trains from London Bridge and London Victoria take around 1 hour. The station is a 15-minute walk or 5-minute taxi from the hotel. Book trains to Brighton.

Décor is firmly nautical, and the bright, modern and fun details contrast with the restored Regency building's elegant period exterior. In particular, we loved the sailor-style tattoo wallpaper in the Harby's Bar and Diner. Playful touches include the light features with 'Lick Me' on a vintage ice lolly sign and a fairground carousel horse on the bar.

While you're in a great location to explore Brighton, there are plenty of facilities. As well as a restaurant and bar, there's a spa equipped with a steam room, sauna, hydrotherapy suite, and an indoor heated swimming pool.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Beachfront
• Gym
• Swimming pool
• Spa
• Free Wi-Fi

The nautical theme continues in the bedrooms, with blues and greens and additional pops of colour. Relax the moment you check into your rooms, with complimentary gin and sherry.

Room types: Cosy, Inland, Seaview Glimpse, Superior Seaview, Deluxe Seaview, Seaview Corner Suite

Key amenities: ensuite shower room with The White Company toiletries, hairdryer, Nespresso machine, TV, free Wi-Fi

The hotel has an all-day dining venue with sea views and a menu that puts seafood front and centre. Enjoy a 'fancy' fish and chips or catch of the day. Book the Funfair Favourites afternoon tea, which includes fish finger sandwiches and sticky toffee cupcakes. We loved the Chip Shop Classics feasting tray, with haddock and chips as well as scampi, tempura prawns and a saveloy - seaside essentials!

Harby's Bar & Diner: seaside classics, burgers, small plates, desserts, afternoon teas, cocktails. Open daily for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Mains from £12.