East Sussex hotels

Brighton sits on the southern coast of England and is officially part of the ceremonial county of East Sussex, though it functions as a city. It’s well connected to nearby towns and the countryside, so it’s easy to include Brighton as part of an East Sussex holiday. Brighton’s famous seafront, the Royal Pavilion and lively arts scene make it a magnet for visitors, whether you’re looking to stroll the pier, enjoy the beach or explore independent shops and cafes.

East Sussex is known for its dramatic coastline, rolling countryside, historic towns and cultural heritage. The South Downs National Park stretches across much of the county, offering stunning walking and cycling routes. Coastal towns like Hastings and Eastbourne are perfect for beach days, while inland villages like Alfriston and Robertsbridge show off the area’s picturesque charm. History buffs will love the castles, battle sites and literary connections sprinkled throughout the county.

What makes East Sussex special is its diversity. You can hike cliff-top trails with sea views at the Seven Sisters, explore medieval castles like Bodiam Castle or wander through historic towns like Lewes with its narrow streets and historic pubs. The county also has a strong arts and literary tradition, Rudyard Kipling’s home, Bateman’s and Virginia Woolf’s Monk’s House are both here.

Definitely! East Sussex is perfect for a mix of relaxation and adventure. Families can enjoy days out at Bluebell Railway or Drusillas Park, couples can take romantic walks along the coastline and solo travellers can explore historic towns and countryside trails. With so many beaches, castles, gardens and quaint villages, it’s easy to fill a weekend or longer with activities.

There’s loads to see and do in East Sussex, whether you’re after history, scenery or seaside fun. You can walk the dramatic cliffs at Beachy Head or the Seven Sisters, explore rolling countryside in the South Downs National Park, or relax by the sea in much-loved resorts like Brighton, Hastings and Eastbourne. History buffs can visit the Long Man of Wilmington, explore Battle Abbey where the 1066 Battle of Hastings took place, or step inside Bateman’s, the former home of Rudyard Kipling. The county is also full of traditional market towns like Lewes with its medieval streets and castle, plus working fishing ports where you can sample fresh seafood. We’ve got Premier Inn hotels across East Sussex that make a great base for all kinds of trips, whether you’re travelling for work, a family break or a weekend escape. And if you’re visiting on a budget, you’ll find affordable hotels that are comfortable and close to public transport, so it’s easy to get around and see the best of what East Sussex has to offer.

East Sussex is famous for its scenic coastline, historic castles and seaside towns. Hastings is known for its Old Town and the 1066 Battle of Hastings site. The Seven Sisters cliffs are iconic for hiking and photography, while cultural attractions like the Charleston Farmhouse (home of the Bloomsbury Group) and historic houses like Bateman’s highlight the county’s literary and artistic heritage.

The main town in East Sussex is Lewes. Known for Lewes Castle and its medieval streets, Lewes has a lively arts scene, local markets, independent shops and annual events like the famous Lewes Bonfire Night celebrations. It’s a convenient base for exploring the South Downs, nearby coastal towns and the surrounding villages.

East Sussex has several notable market towns, including Hastings, Battle and Robertsbridge. Hastings is a historic fishing town with a bustling Old Town, art galleries and a lively pier. Battle is best known for the 1066 Battle of Hastings, with a visitor centre and Abbey ruins. Robertsbridge is smaller but packed with history, charming streets and local shops, making it ideal for a quiet market town experience.

Flex – Pay now or on arrival, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Our most flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 1pm on the day of arrival. You can also amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Semi-Flex – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to three full days before arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to three full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Advance – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 28 full days before arrival, free to amend thereafter until the day of arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 28 full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Standard – Pay now, non-refundable. Free to amend booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Slightly flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel and get a full refund, but you can amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Non-Flex – Pay now. No amends or refunds. Our least flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel or amend your stay after booking.

Our standard check-in time is 3pm. For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

Checkout is by 12 noon on your departure date. If luggage storage is available, our teams will be happy to store any bags for you if you’d like to check out before 12pm.

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

In 2020 we launched Premier Inn CleanProtect™, our rigorous, daily cleaning method that’s used throughout our UK & Ireland hotels. Developed in partnership with Diversey, a global leader in cleaning and hygiene products for the healthcare and hospitality industries, our promise seeks to give you extra peace of mind so you can always book and stay with confidence.

Check-in - minimising contact at reception and providing hand sanitiser in most public areas for peace of mind. 

Bed linen and towels - laundering all our linen and towels at over 60°C to thermally disinfect them, so you can enjoy a great night’s sleep. We’ve also placed spare pillows in a zip-up bag, for extra peace of mind.

Equipping our teams - providing our team members with all the equipment and sanitisers they need, as well as always operating in the safest way possible for our teams and guests.

A generous serving of safety - you can relax knowing that enhanced cleaning measures are in place throughout our restaurants. Tables are cleaned between visits and contactless payment is in place too, so you can dine safely and comfortably with us every time.

Clean on request - if you'd like your room cleaned during your stay with us, just let us know at reception and use the handy door hanger on the back of your door by 12pm each day.

Most Premier Inns have specially-adapted rooms allowing easier access for customers with disabilities. If there is no specially-adapted room available at the hotel of your choice, we will be happy to offer you alternative accommodation at a nearby Premier Inn. If you have difficulty walking, but do not need a specially-adapted room, please feel free to request a room near reception on the ground floor for easy access. 

If you'd like get in touch, you can reach out to our specialist team via email at pi.accessible@whitbread.com or call us on 0333 0919 817 between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday (calls charged at local rate).

Unfortunately, with the exception of trained assistance dogs, we don't allow pets to stay at our hotels.