Brighton is probably one of the busiest hotel regions is the South East with a vast swath of B&Bs, guest houses, boutique hotels and large multi-nationals sitting cheek by jowl along the beach front, vying for business. New ones keep popping up and from time to time we take a look at them in our role of media sponsor for the Brighton & Hove Hotel Awards.

One such boutique hotel is the Sea Spray in the New Steine, a pretty square just along from the pier in the Kemptown district. This 15-bedroomed hotel is situated in two narrow Regency buildings and is billed as a themed hotel or at least that is what the sign outside stated. I must say that l didn’t see much evidence of a theme in my room although very tastefully decorated l did struggle to locate any theme.

There is a long-standing trend in the City to open small boutique hotels to cater for those who don’t want the large slightly corporate and impersonal feel of the big boys and, of course, the price is much more attractive too.

The decor is new and fresh, the beds and pillows sumptuous and the bathrooms, although mine was tiny are fully tiled, clean and with oversized shower heads. There is absolutely nothing one could complain about here and for those looking for something different and slightly left field, the Sea Spray would fit that bill perfectly.

The staff could not do enough for us and the breakfast room offers a wide range of yummy goods and a great full English. My wife is a gluten free vegetarian and had no problem at all finding what she wanted. If you are a late returner, they give you a key to let yourself in but do make it down for breakfast as it is very good, and unlimited.

The old days of grotty bed & breakfast establishments run by some harridan in curlers has long gone and Brighton is now full of great large hotels and fantastic small boutique style properties with something for everyone.

If you want a large bar, huge restaurant, spa and concierge parking, then off you go to the Grand but if you are looking for something a little more personal and less expensive, then the Sea Spray is well worth a look.

Prices depend of course on time of year and day of week but rooms can be booked from £76 midweek and that is fantastic value for money.

Sea Spray Hotel

25-26 New Steine, Brighton BN2 1PD

Phone: 01273 680332

Website: www.seaspraybrighton.co.uk