Some places just get hospitality. They don’t just offer you a bed for the night – they welcome you in, make you feel at home, and leave you wondering how soon you can come back. No. 124 Brighton by GuestHouse is exactly that kind of place. Having fallen head over heels for No. 15 Bath, Moose, my dog and I were curious (and excited!) to see if GuestHouse could pull off the same magic again…
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
We couldn’t have picked a windier time to visit Brighton, but in a funny way, it made the whole experience even better. With the sea roaring outside and the kind of wind that holds you up if you lean into it, as soon as we arrived at No. 124 Brighton we felt right at home. Opening its doors in November 2024, No. 124 Brighton is a stunning regency-style townhouse and the newest addition to the GuestHouse collection. A group of hotels founded by three brothers – Tristan, James, and Tom Guest – who all share a passion for crafting one-of-a-kind, wonder-filled hotels. Known for creating spaces that feel relaxed, inviting, and full of character, No. 124 is about as quintessentially Brighton as it gets – perched right on the seafront. It is the kind of place that just belongs there, with its tall windows, classic architecture, and a warm, stylish interior that immediately makes you want to kick off your shoes and sink into one of their armchairs.
Whether you want to unwind with a cocktail at the bar, lounge with a good book, or challenge your friends to a bit of friendly competition in the games room, they have made a space for everyone, even their four-legged guests.
OUR ROOM
As well as thoughtfully created guest spaces, GuestHouse knows how to design some seriously comfortable rooms. No. 124 Brighton has a total of thirty-two hotel rooms and suites, each one designed to showcase the building’s rich Victorian and Georgian features. We stayed in one of their Large Guest Room with a Sea View, so there was plenty of space for both Moose and I to stretch out and relax. Me in the super-king-sized bed (which was a dream) and Moose in his very own bed, courtesy of Ivy and Duke, embroidered with ‘No. 124 Brighton’ (he was very pleased with this).
Just like the one at No. 15 Bath, but this time with a touch of Sussex flair, the coffee station was cleverly tucked away in its own miniature beach hut, and, in true GuestHouse fashion, there was the iconic record player on top of the vanity table, adding that dash of nostalgia and charm. And then there were the binoculars, neatly placed on the marble coffee table between two comfy lounge chairs, perfect for spot of sea-gazing. The bathroom was equally indulgent, with its antiqued-brass fittings and fluted glass, elevating the sense of luxury. Between the cosy décor and all of the little touches, it was clear that no detail was overlooked in making not just our room, but every space of No. 124, feel luxurious and inviting. Honestly, it was the kind of space we didn’t want to leave – at least not anytime soon.
FOOD AND DRINK
No. 124 Brighton certainly knows how to deliver when it comes to food and drink, offering plenty of options whether you’re a guest of the hotel or not. The Ground Floor is home to the hotel bar, which serves up some of the best cocktails in Brighton, as well as a cosy lounge, a games room, and a courtyard – plus, all of these spaces are dog-friendly, so Moose felt right at home.
During our stay, we had a dinner reservation in the Courtyard, and I couldn’t help but be impressed by how thoughtful the team was. When we arrived, there was a special note left for Moose – ‘for our canine companion’ – along with a blanket, pillow and some treats for him to enjoy while we dined. How sweet is that? As for the food, I indulged in a delightful dinner from the house menu, starting with hot smoked salmon and cream cheese pâté with seaweed crisp breads. For the main, I enjoyed a roasted vegetable and goats cheese burger, and finished with two scoops of local Sussex chocolate ice cream.
Downstairs, you’ll find Pearly Cow, the sister brand of GuestHouse Hotels, known for its exceptional steaks and fresh seafood, coal-fire cooked or served on ice. Though we didn’t get the chance to dine there ourselves as dogs aren’t allowed, the buzz around Pearly Cow was impossible to ignore, with plenty of guests arriving to enjoy a meal with friends and family. From what we could see, the interior was just as inviting as the food, offering a laid-back yet stylish atmosphere that seemed ideal for anything from a casual lunch to a celebratory dinner. It’s definitely on our list for next time!
THE PANTRY
A standout feature of No. 124 Brighton and in fact all of the GuestHouse hotels, that absolutely deserves its own mention is the guest pantry. This iconic guest amenity is stocked with an irresistible selection of sweets, popcorn, savoury snacks, fresh fruit, soft drinks, and even home-baked goods, all available to guests at any time of the day or night. Moose was particularly pleased to find jars of dog treats, allowing him to create his very own pick ‘n’ mix! And the best part? It’s completely complimentary. If you were to ask me what my favourite thing about a stay at GuestHouse hotels is, this would definitely be up there! Whether you’re staying at No.124 Brighton, No. 15 Bath, No. 1 York, or No.42 Margate, you can count on finding a pantry stocked with delicious treats, always ready for you to enjoy.
MOOSE AND HIS STAY
If there’s one thing I truly appreciate, it’s a dog-friendly hotel that actually goes the extra mile. As a dog-friendly hotel, GuestHouse goes above and beyond to ensure that their canine guests feel just as welcome and pampered as their human counterparts. With all of the thoughtful touches, from his comfy Ivy and Duke bed, fresh bowls, and even a new ball waiting for him in our room, to the dog friendly treats in the pantry and the fuss he received when exploring the rest of the hotel, he was just as spoiled as I was.
Moose loved the extra attention from the staff, it’s quite obvious the team at No. 124 are ‘dog people’, and it seemed as though nearly every guest was eager to say hello and offer him a belly rub too. It’s always wonderful when you can travel with your dog and feel like they’re just as much a part of the experience. No. 124 might just be the most dog-friendly hotel in Brighton, and with the beach on the doorstep, we had plenty of space for morning and evening walks.
No. 124 Brighton didn’t just live up to expectations – it exceeded them (again)! The combination of seaside charm, thoughtful luxury, and genuinely warm hospitality made it one of those stays that we won’t ever forget. The location couldn’t be better. Sitting right on the seafront, you get those iconic Brighton sea views while still being a short stroll from the city’s best bits. The Lanes, with their independent shops and hidden gems, are just a short stroll from the hotel, and of course, the famous Brighton Pier, i360 and Upside Down House is practically on your doorstep.
As if I needed an excuse to come back, their Field Trip Spa is set to open late February, which means I’ll have to (for research purposes, obviously). GuestHouse have this incredible way of making you feel instantly at home but completely spoiled at the same time. So if you were to ask would I go back? Absolutely. Would Moose go back? He’s already packed.
Looking to book your own stay at No. 124 Brighton? Whether it’s a romantic retreat, a getaway with your best friends, a solo escape, or a trip with your dog, this is one hotel that deserves a spot on your must-visit list if you find yourself travelling to Brighton.
