Drakes Hotel | A Curious Group of Hotels

"How did it strike you on arrival?Picture a classic English seaside townhouse, somewhere that might feature in an episode of Downton Abbey where the nobility would stay to take the air of a weekend. That's the impression one gets walking up to this stylish address on the seafront opposite Palace Pier Beach. On the outside at least. On the inside Drakes is slick and modern in design and feels wonderfully luxurious. What’s the crowd like?Cool London clubbers down for the weekend, couples in the mood for romance, foodies interested in the highly-rated restaurant, the Drakes tribe consists of boutique hotel fans who like a taste of the good life. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.There's really only one room to take of the 20 here. So I took it. Well more than one really, they are all perfectly considered down to every last detail, but the hotel's signature, sea-facing 25-square-meter triple aspect room is spectacular enough to forgo the rest. First thing to do is run a bath in the free-standing beauty set in front of floor-to-ceiling windows looking out at the beach, add a few candles at night and chill. Alternatively the monsoon shower is big enough for two (we tried it), before diving into a super king size bed so big you'll want to have a pillow fight. The floors and walls are all soft recycled bamboo, the lighting sensitive, with no superfluous art on the walls. There's also a stunning Nobilis chaise lounge to lay on and read the paper. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?The bed is huge, big enough for three if you're coming with a toddler and fancy doing without the hassle of a separate bed—though they can bring one in if you need it. More importantly, its sumptuous and comfy, the Vi-spring super king perfect for sinking into deep sleep, engulfed by the duck and goose down duvet. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention?When you've got big wide windows and a clear sea and sky above what else do you need but a telescope, and a fancy brass and wood freestanding one at that. This room has one, and not only does it work, but it's fabulous to spot fishing boats with their little lights at night twinkling on the ocean like a constellation of stars. It's exactly what I'd steal—if I could fit into my suitcase. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Like I said, a monsoon power shower cascaded over us, was hot quickly, the sort of shower you don't want to get out of. The free-standing bath with a view is also a winner, though splashing water over the bedroom floor is a bit tiresome. No complaints over the products, all White Company. And most importantly there were plenty of towels, all Egyptian cotton, including hand and face as well as bathrobes and slippers. Honestly, you could book the room for shower and bath alone. Room service: What should we order?A Full English breakfast to the room, piping hot eggs and sausages with the usual trimmings and my favorite black pudding, and all for £15. A bargain. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?If you're lucky enough to be drinking at the bar when Tom, Drakes' knowledgeable young bartender, is on shift get him to whip you up a highball Candy Pants. I am not into sweet cocktails but this concoction of vanilla vodka, pineapple juice and sweet vanilla syrup actually rocked my world. The prize is his! Anything stand out about other services and features?The sea view is arguably one of the best in Brighton, especially with the pier visible. Can't argue with the restaurant's food either—I normally avoid hotel restaurants on principle (why eat at your hotel when you've got a whole town to explore?) but the line-caught sea bass in a red-wine sauce and the pan-fried Barbary duck were both perfectly cooked and very good value." - Ramsay Short