As near to the beachfront without actually having the sea ebbing at the doorstep, Hamptons is a refreshingly unpretentious place to stay in Brighton.

Shrugging off the 'boutique hotel' label, this is very much a Bed & Breakfast. Having said that you could be forgiven for mistaking it for a Chic Small Hotel, or whatever the buzzword may be for upmarket guesthouses. Both internally, and externally, proprietors, Mark & Kim, have maintained the gorgeous Georgian features and have created a contemporary and stylish look without unnecessary fuss.

The 13 bedrooms are all well above your average seaside guesthouse fare and surprisingly well equipped with both televisions and phones. Many rooms are ensuite and guests have the choice of king, double, twin and single rooms. A good number of the rooms also have sea views.

On the ground floor, there is a very handy residents' bar alongside the breakfast room. By night a great place to plan your evening out or partake of a nightcap, by morning a wonderful place to savour a full English or continental breakfast, particularly with its subtle nautical theming.

Perfectly situated in the heart of the cosmopolitan St James Street / Kemptown area, the beach is but a pebble’s throw away and it's a very short walk to the attractions, cultural, shopping and business areas of the city.

Hamptons is an excellent choice for visitors to Brighton and, with very sensible prices, provides outstanding value.