YHA Brighton YHA

The flagship YHA Brighton is basically a spruced-up central Brighton hotel that offers funky accommodation on a budget in a location that many of the pricier chains would kill for. Housed in a rather fine Regency building with handsome public spaces, the hostel is just a minute's walk away from Brighton Pier and handy for all the pubs, bars and nightlife – and with 24-hour access, there's no danger of missing out on the seaside action.

As a budget base, it hits all the right notes – you can still pay by the bed in good quality dorm rooms (mostly in 4- and 6-bed rooms, all of them en-suite) , and there's a good cafe and bar open to all, a well-equipped self-catering kitchen and a bike store. But if you're looking for a hostel city break with a difference, then YHA Brighton steps up a gear if you're prepared to pay more, in the shape of lots of en-suite double rooms (including the whole of the third floor) that are far more hotel than hostel. That means double beds instead of bunks, a TV and some furniture, maybe even a roll-top bath and a sea view. Parking is nearby at The Lanes car park, but you can unload outside the front door. It's very much in the vanguard of new British hostelling – value for money, whichever type of room you choose, but a genuinely stylish choice for travellers, backpackers, Brighton weekenders and budget-conscious families.