Others will soon follow in the steps of Paskins - it has resolutely cast aside ordinariness in favour of its own values. It is neither grand nor chic, fancy nor smart, just easy-going and genuinely 'green' in outlook. Spread across two handsome townhouses, the hotel is just yards away from the beach. Inside, paint is used to mask some dilipidation and the colour schemes can be a little overwhelming. Some of the rooms are lovely, with the odd four poster: all are colourful, with old prints, cabaret posters and modern art on the walls, and all are impeccably clean and snug. It is fun, too. The Art Deco breakfast room is a joy to behold, as is breakfast - some say it's worth travelling to Brighton for: organic tomatoes sprinkled with basil, oak-smoked bacon and many varieties of sausage. Vegetarians are treated royally, too - they claim to serve the best veggie food on the South Coast. All the food is organic where available, from local farms if possible. On top of all that, the coffee is Fair Trade, the smellies are free of the taint of animal testing and you're so close to the centre of things - let your excellent room guide point the way. Terrific value.

Link to the Alastair Sawday's Special Places to Stay website

18/19 Charlotte Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 1AG
Tel: +44(0)1273 601203
Fax:+44(0)1273 621973