East Sussex has emerged as a sophisticated getaway destination, offering travelers an impressive array of accommodations ranging from elegant seaside hotels to quirky converted buildings. Long favored by city dwellers seeking countryside charm and invigorating ocean air, the region's villages and coastal towns increasingly resemble cosmopolitan suburbs of London, complete with world-class dining and cultural attractions.

Brighton continues to lead as a creative powerhouse, maintaining its reputation for being offbeat and deliberately eccentric. Meanwhile, towns like Hastings and Rye have undergone rapid gentrification, with art galleries, gastropubs, and upscale bistros sprouting along the entire south coast. For those seeking traditional seaside charm, classic attractions like fish and chips on the pier and windswept pebble beach walks remain readily available.

While Brighton offers the most extensive hotel selection, Rye and Hastings provide excellent alternatives. Visitors are encouraged to venture beyond coastal towns to explore rural Sussex, which boasts exceptional walking and cycling opportunities in the South Downs National Park and stunning white cliffs around Beachy Head. Travelers should note that parking can be challenging in popular destinations like Brighton and Rye, and breakfast isn't always included in quoted rates.

The Gallivant in Rye brings Hamptons-style elegance to blustery Camber Sands, transforming a 1970s motel into a chic seaside retreat. The 20 rooms feature coastal styling with sleek wood, extensive book collections, clawfoot tubs, and psychedelic patterns, plus French doors opening onto shared sea-themed gardens. Amenities include a Scandinavian-inspired restaurant, beach hut mini-spa, and experience classes covering yoga, wine tasting, and meditation walks.

Drakes Hotel in Brighton stands out among seafront accommodations, housed in a magnificent Grade II listed Georgian building with cream-colored facade, wrought-iron balconies, and sash windows. The 20 rooms showcase curved cornicing, gleaming floors, and Art Deco-style wooden paneling, with sea-view rooms commanding premium rates. Feature Rooms offer maximum romance with freestanding tubs positioned beneath windows overlooking the beach, while the location provides easy access to Kemptown's shops and Brighton Pier.

Hotel du Vin Brighton occupies a prime Ship Street location steps from the seafront, housed within mint-green townhouses that once belonged to a wine merchant. The property blends upmarket gentleman's club aesthetics with New England coastal elements, featuring leather banquettes, deep armchairs, red brick walls, and seaside decorative touches. The expansive property includes a first-rate brasserie and wine program, with the vibrant Lanes shopping district and Royal Pavilion within walking distance.

Hotel Una Brighton embodies the city's creative spirit through witty, imaginative design featuring surprising artworks and eclectic furniture combinations. The 17 river-named rooms each offer unique character, with some featuring exposed brick and rough wood, others showcasing floating beds, sculptures, private saunas, or strategically placed bathtubs. Located in an elegant Regency Square townhouse, the property provides one room with its own private cinema.

The Star in Alfriston, overseen by Olga Polizzi, occupies a former pilgrims' lodging house rich with beamed ceilings, irregular walls, and flagstone floors. The classic Polizzi aesthetic combines country chic with eclectic decorative elements including vintage lamps, weathered rocking chairs, silver candlesticks, and antique armoires. The fascinating building features leaded windows, large brick fireplaces, and pew benches, plus a charming courtyard garden for dining.

Artist Residence Brighton represents the original location of this creative mini-chain, defining the brand's signature blend of junk shop style and bohemian design. The 24 rooms incorporate upcycled furniture, tea-chest tables, vintage armchairs, copper bathtubs, and trademark murals by local artists. Sea-view rooms over Regency Square offer enhanced appeal, with the best featuring small balconies for outdoor breakfast dining, complemented by a lively cocktail bar and knowledgeable staff recommendations.

The George in Rye has triumphantly recovered from a devastating 2019 fire, with owners Alex and Katie Clarke completing a thoughtful restoration that preserves historic character while adding modern conveniences like an elevator. The cobbled high street location features boldly patterned wallpapers and carefully selected furniture reinforcing the classically English atmosphere, with suites showcasing more contemporary aesthetics perfect for exploring Rye.

Belle Tout Lighthouse at Beachy Head offers one of England's finest views from its 19th-century clifftop perch overlooking the Seven Sisters and English Channel. Room layouts reflect the building's circular architecture with quirky, compact configurations featuring shipshape character elements like the Captain's Cabin fireplace and Keeper's Loft bunk beds. The top-floor Lantern Room provides 360-degree panoramas across the South Downs and coastline.

Additional noteworthy properties include the Ginger Pig in Brighton's affluent Hove suburb, offering 11 contemporary rooms in charcoal and slate blue tones with luxury amenities. The historic Mermaid Inn in Rye, operating since 1420 with 12th-century cellars, provides authentic period atmosphere complete with four-poster beds, mullioned windows, and resident ghosts. The Port Hotel in Eastbourne delivers Victorian seafront elegance with 21st-century updates, featuring clean lines, cappuccino tones, and Scandinavian wood elements.

Countryside options encompass The Bell in Ticehurst, combining village pub charm with sophisticated accommodation and exceptional dining. Buxted Park Hotel near Uckfield occupies an impressive 300-year-old Palladian mansion with 43 stylishly appointed rooms and extensive grounds near Ashdown Forest. The Ram Inn in West Firle provides an ideal South Downs walking base beneath Firle Beacon, maintaining authentic country pub character across five distinctively styled rooms.