Last Updated on April 12, 2021
The minute I set foot in the YHA Brighton hostel, I knew I would have a splendid time there. I saw the tasteful, stylish decor on the walls and I wondered: Am I in a hostel or in a boutique hotel? Instead of walking up to the reception, I was drawn to the bar & restaurant area, because they were so pretty.
I mean look at this:
Even though I had such an amazing first impression, I had no idea if my room would be equally as nice. Upon opening my door with a key card (also more hotel-like than hostel-like!) I was blown away by how spacious and how gorgeous the room was! Located on the top floor, not only did my room come with jaw dropping vistas over the promenade, but it came with a bathroom nearly as big as the room itself. It was among the biggest bathrooms I have seen anywhere I’ve ever stayed! And the best part: it came with a freestanding old-fashioned tub. Despite the old-fashioned look bathtub and shower (yes, there was an additional shower) were brand new, as was the sink. Added bonus: There even was a hairdryer!
My room had a little area with two cushions confined by a waist-high wall, but in all honestly, I just wanted to lay on my bed and enjoy these amazing views.
In addition to private rooms, the hostel has 3 and 4-bed rooms and several dorms, categorized in 4, 6 and 8-bed rooms. If you opt for a private room, you are provided with towels and soap, there is a dressing table, and some bathrooms come with a bathtub like I had. And if you want to indulge in the amazing sea views I got to enjoy, I recommend splurging on one of the 12 deluxe rooms, all of which come with a view and truly feel like a hotel rather than a hostel.
On the ground floor, there is a big breakfast room and the aforementioned bar/restaurant, which got quite lively in the evening and would be the place to mingle with other travelers. The prices for drinks are very reasonable which makes it easy to convince travelers to stay here and have a drink instead of going out, with glasses of wine for around 3.25, bottles for around 10 and pints of beer for around £3.25.
A full English breakfast can be purchased for only £5.25, and if you prefer making your own food, there is a fully equipped self-catering kitchen.
What makes the YHA Brighton stand out besides its excellent interior design and hipster factor is, without a doubt, its location. It took me about one minute to walk down to the beach, one minute to get to the Lanes (where most of all Brighton’s amazing restaurants, pubs and cafes are), and two minutes to the Royal Pavilion. If you want to go out at night, Kemptown’s gay bars and clubs are just a couple of minutes away, and so are all the other bars close to the beach.
YHA Brighton Hostel – The Details
- Location: Old Steine, Brighton, E Sussex, BN1 1NH Price: Dorm beds start at £16 per night, 5-bed ensuites start at £95, 6-bed ensuites at £115. Double ensuites start at £40, premium doubles at £50,single ensuites at £25, twin ensuites start at £40, triple ensuites at £60
- LGBT Friendly: Yes
- Digital Nomad Friendly: Comfortable communal areas with good wi-fi
- Amenities: Free wifi, breakfast (£5.25), bar and restaurant, luggage storage, kitchen, towels provided in all private rooms
- Website: www.yha.org.uk/brighton
