Kemp Townhouse, Brighton

"You've NEVER been to Brighton?"
Dead silence.
"Err, no."
Cue me shuffling papers around my desk whilst my colleagues look on in amazement.
Such was their disgust I decided it was time to find out what the fuss was all about.

---

We hopped on a train at Victoria and an hour later we were breathing in sea air and on our way to Kemp Townhouse.

Just off the sea-front, on an elegant street of white-washed town houses, is one of Brighton's most stylish boutique hotels. Claas, the charming owner, immediately made us feel at home with his warm welcome which extended to lugging our embarrassingly heavy luggage up the original winding stone staircase to our room and offering us a welcome glass of wine in the lounge.

The Kemp Townhouse has been years in the making. Claas' dream has always been to own a hotel and whilst working in the industry he fine-tuned his eye for detail and design. Having collected swatches, product numbers and pictures from magazines over the years Claas was able to swing into action having found the perfect rundown building and renovate it into a cool, contemporary townhouse ready for guests in just three months. The result is his first hotel, Kemp Townhouse.

Our room was on the top floor with a glimpse of the sea from our window. Like the rest of the hotel, it was small but perfectly formed. A roll top bath stood at the foot of the luxurious bed, glass jars and bottles of bubble bath made it feel like home from home (although if my house was like this I'd never leave). The decor was contemporary with a nautical feel - getting into bed felt a bit like snuggling up in the captain's quarters.

Breakfast is served in the stunning lounge on the second floor. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow plenty of natural light to flood in, the original fire-place and architrave are off-set by a fabulous contemporary chandelier and chic, stylish furniture. And breakfast lives up to its surroundings. A delicious cooked menu of full English (and any variation on it) is available or continental breakfast is on offer, all made with fine, fresh ingredients and elegantly presented.

Claas is on hand to offer excellent restaurant recommendations. We followed Claas' advice and ate at a restaurant on Saint James Street which had a great menu, friendly service and excellent food.

Romantic, cosy and very welcoming, Kemp Townhouse is a true find. Just don't tell too many people as there are only seven rooms and I don't want to have to wait too long for my next visit.

Fiona Ferrer

Prices
Prices start from £70 per person per night. Minimum two night stay for Saturday bookings (i.e Friday + Saturday or Saturday + Sunday).

Contact details
Kemp Townhouse
21 Atlingworth Street
Brighton
East Sussex BN2 1PL
P: 01273 681 400
F: 01273 681 900
E: info@kemptownhouse.com
W: www.kemptownhouse.com

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