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Oriental Hotel ***

Brighton, East Sussex, close to the beach

Mid range

Small boutique hotel that’s both friendly and eco-friendly

DESCRIPTION

The Oriental claims to be Brighton’s first boutique hotel and describes itself as friendly, funky and chilled.

It occupies a Regency listed building which used to be a notorious night club where entertainers Boy George and Fatboy Slim performed. It is located in the centre of town, very close to the beach and to what remains of the resort’s West Pier.

There are just nine rooms. All the doubles have king sized beds and are en suite, and some luxury refurbished rooms have walk in showers (“big enough to share”) plus curvaceous Italian sinks and wooden flooring. All are individually decorated with warm, soothing colour schemes, fresh flowers and aromatherapy lights and are equipped with CD and DVD players with films available to borrow.

Breakfast is served until 10.30 at weekends. Although no evening meals are served there are plenty of restaurants nearby. Guests are invited to chill out in the lush “mediterraneanesque" courtyard or lounge in the stylish bar upstairs where snacks are available.

GREEN FEATURES

The Oriental prides itself on being eco-friendly. The hotel runs on green electricity, recycles 70 per cent of its waste and has been commended by in a recent environmental impact survey by a local agency.

It sources products locally where possible. It serves organic food at breakfast and is happy to cater for vegetarians and vegans on request. The rooms are supplied with natural body products.