Malmaison Brighton Marina: A Coastal Stay in Sussex

Explore Brighton’s hotel Malmaison and discover why it’s a great choice for your next seaside break in Sussex.

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Overlooking Brighton Marina’s yachts and colourful waterfront, Malmaison Brighton Marina is a stylish boutique hotel with contemporary rooms, a lively bar and excellent dining. While it’s tempting to stay put, the city’s famous seafront and attractions are only a scenic walk or short bike ride away. 

We spent one night at Malmaison Brighton Marina, a boutique hotel in Brighton. We were keen to experience both the waterside accommodation and pop-up restaurant SORA which serves Japanese contemporary cuisine and Malmaison’s renowned signature cocktails. 

Hotel at a glance

• Location: Brighton Marina 4* star
• Boutique Hotel
• Best for couples, drivers/road trippers, dog owners, business travellers
• Room types: A range of land-facing rooms or sea-view rooms and suites with balcony
• Restaurants: Chez Mal Brasserie and Bar plus summer pop-up restaurant SORA
• Free parking just steps away at Brighton Marina
• Dog friendly
• Wi-Fi included 

Where is Malmaison Brighton Marina?

This Brighton boutique hotel sits around 2-miles from the city centre. It’s a pleasant half hour walk along the seafront boardwalk to Brighton Palace Pier. Heading east the walk to Rottingdean along the undercliff takes around one hour. The city’s Beryl Bike scheme is convenient for bike hire.

First Impressions

We arrived and parked up at the marina car park which is just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel. We had a bit of trouble locating the entrance and more signage would’ve been helpful.

Once inside we found the hotel to be contemporary and modern with a relaxed atmosphere and a nice buzz coming from the nearby bar area. Check in was straightforward and the receptionist helpful and welcoming. The bar and lounge area is the kind of place you’d visit for a drink and end up staying all afternoon.

The Rooms

Malmaison is a luxury hotel in Brighton and has a range of room and suite categories with 73 rooms in all. We were booked into a land-facing Club Room.

Standard Rooms

• Standard Double: Comfortable room with a double bed and modern en-suite facilities.
• Standard Twin: Room featuring two single beds and contemporary styling. 

Club Rooms & Sea Views

• Club Room: Upgraded non-view room with extra comfort and amenities.
• Club Sea View: Double bed and views looking out toward the marina and sea.
• Club Deluxe Sea View: Enhanced space with premium king bedding and prime water views.
• Club Premium Sea View: Top-tier club option featuring extra space and superior outlooks over the marina. 

Suites

• Signature Suite: The most luxurious choice featuring a super-king bed, separate lounge area, monsoon shower, and a private balcony or prime marina views.

Our Club Room Bedroom

There was a lot to love about our room which was spacious, well-designed and modern. The decor was quite moody with splashes of neon pink and bold botanical wallpaper on the feature wall. The king-sized bed was incredibly comfortable with high-grade bed linen. 

The desk had tea making facilities, kettle, a coffee machine with pods and two Ferrero Rocher chocolates. There was also a small fridge with water inside. Malmaison reduces their plastic waste by offering filtered water in glass bottles in the rooms and around the hotel.

A small sofa, padded bench, two bedside tables and a further small table filled the space nicely without looking cluttered. There was also a suitcase stand, full-length mirror and another mirror above the desk. A large flat-screen digital TV was wall-mounted next to the window.

I was happy that there was a plug socket by the desk so I could sit down and dry my hair. So many hotels don’t have a plug socket near a mirror – one of my hotel pet-hates is drying my hair without a mirror. 

The wardrobe was home to two lovely white towelling robes plus slippers. An iron and ironing board were also provided along with a hairdryer and a safe.

Each side of the bed had a light switch, two plug sockets along with USB and C sockets for charging devices.

Our room had air-conditioning. Wi-Fi is included.

The Bathroom

The large en-suite had a single hand-basin with a mirror above with integral lighting. The spacious shower had a powerful monsoon shower and, of course, there was a loo. Some rooms in other categories have a bathtub.

Malmaison offers the wonderfully aromatic Arran toiletries (made in Arran, Scotland). Pump action containers are used to reduce single-use plastics with handwash by the basin and conditioning shampoo and body wash in the shower. 

Two sets of white fluffy towels were stored on a shelf beneath the basin.

I enjoyed our room and if we’d stayed longer I’d happily have spent more time relaxing there. The only issue I had was the view, which I know can’t be helped, but our room overlooked the shopping area and a huge glowing green Asda sign. I’d be happy to stay again but I’d definitely book a Club Room with waterfront view and balcony. That would make it a very special stay.

Dining at SORA Malmaison Brighton Marina

During July and August Malmaison’s exclusive Japanese restaurant and cocktail bar SORA takes up summer residence in the hotel. Pairing stunning waterfront views with contemporary Japanese cuisine and incredible cocktails, Sora is perfect for summer dining in the city.

We sat on the terrace overlooking the waterfront and I kicked off the evening with a delicious Passion Fruit Mai Tai while my companion opted for a beer. 

We shared a selection of Japanese-inspired small plates starting with shrimp crackers with avocado wasabi puree and Salmon Avocado Sushi Rolls.  

From the Robatayaki grill we opted for tasty Chicken Yakitori with tamarind and peanuts and Grain Fed Wagyu Sirloin Steak which were both tasty and tender. Next came the red prawns with chilli, lime and ponzu miso butter. 

We were pretty full by now but we did manage to find room for a delectable Passion Fruit Miso Brûlée which we shared. The food was superb, the presentation superb and the portions generous. 

We finished our meal with another cocktail. A Negroni for me and a Peach Mizuwari for him. before ending our evening watching a stunning sunset as we took a stroll along Brighton seafront.

Sora is only at the Malmaison until 31st August so book soon to enjoy this elevated dining experience by the water. At other times the Malmaison Bar & Grill serves its usual classic dishes mixing French style with modern American and Asian influences. 

Inside, the restaurant and bar area are also elegant spots to enjoy your meal or drinks.

Breakfast at Malmaison

After a good night’s sleep in the most comfortable of beds we headed to the terrace for a SORA breakfast and coffee.

After helping ourselves to yoghurt and fruit at the cold buffet we ordered from the cooked menu which had a tantalising Oriental twist. Well for me anyway, with the Salmon Royale Sriracha Hollandaise topped with crispy leek. Mr Jones plumped for a Full English. Both were superb and we left our plates spotless!

Facilities at Malmaison Brighton Marina

There are lounge areas and meeting rooms but no gym or swimming pool at this hotel.

Things to Do Nearby

As well as a stroll around the marina to look at the boats there’s a range of shops, chain restaurants and a Weatherspoons pub in the marina.

It’s a pleasant walk to Brighton’s main seafront from the hotel which takes around half an hour if you cut through from the car park at the back of the hotel. 

Along this seafront area, known as Black Rock, you’ll find an area of regeneration with a new boardwalk which runs along to the pier. The King Charles III England Coastal Path runs along this stretch of coastline.

A few minutes away is the beautifully renovated historic building, the Reading Room refectory. This inviting, book-filled, space started life in 1835 as a retreat and reading room for the residents of nearby Lewes Crescent. I’m glad to see it’s stayed true to its roots.

It now serves food and drinks from coffee and cake to roast dinners and is a place to enjoy the sea views and for local people to connect. We had a drink there after our meal and I’ll happily head back to eat when I get the chance.

Along the boardwalk there’s public art, a sauna, kid’s play area and of course, Brighton’s historic Volk’s railway which runs along the seafront. Sea Lanes pool is a heated outdoor pool which can be used on a pay-per-swim basis.

Of course, there’s a multitude of things to do nearby which are far too many to list here so you might like to read my post of the 22 best things to do in Brighton.

Who Is This Hotel Best For?

This hotel is perfect for:

✓ Couples

✓ Groups

✓ Food lovers

✓ Sea-faring types

✓ Weekend breaks

Less suitable for:

✗ Families with young children

✗ Budget travellers

✗ Those without a car

What I Loved

• Exceptional food and cocktails at SORA
• Being so close to the seafront and marina
• Super comfy beds
• Friendly staff

My verdict

If you’re looking for a coastal escape in East Sussex with great food and sea views, Malmaison is in the perfect location, especially if you’re driving. The stylish rooms, first-rate dining and relaxed atmosphere make it ideal for a weekend seaside getaway with plenty to do along the seafront. 

If you prefer staying somewhere a little calmer than the busy city centre, while still being within easy reach of the attractions, Malmaison strikes a lovely balance.

Malmaison Brighton Marina Review: Is It Worth Staying Here?

Yes, if you can book a waterfront room with a balcony and are arriving by car it’s definitely worth staying here. You’ll save around £30+ per night on parking as opposed to a hotel in the town centre. 

We ate at SORA which is the Malmaison’s summer residency restaurant and not their usual Chez Mal, which I haven’t experienced yet. I’d like to return to try it.

In my opinion this is one of the best hotels in Brighton with complimentary parking and I’d definitely stay again.

FAQs 

Does Malmaison Brighton Marina have parking?

Yes, it does have parking and it’s free, saving you around £30 for overnight parking compared with city centre hotels.

Park on level 6 of the Marina car park – the connecting over-road boardwalk takes you straight to the hotel.

Is Malmaison Brighton Marina dog friendly?

Yes, there are a number of dog-friendly rooms and a doggie water-bowl and treats in the reception area. A charge of £25 per night is charged for each pooch.

Does Malmaison Brighton Marina have a restaurant?

Chez Mal is the hotel restaurant for the majority of the year. In summer season the Japanese pop-up SORA takes over as restaurant and cocktail bar. If you’re looking for a hotel with a waterfront restaurant in Brighton this is it.

What is check-in and check-out time?

Check-in is 3pm and check-out 11am

Is Malmaison Brighton Marina suitable for families?

Children are accommodated in superior rooms which take cots (free of charge) and Z Beds for children aged three-14 years, charged at £30 per night. However it’s quite a long walk to Brighton, unless you arrive by car, where many of the child-friendly attractions like the Aquarium and pier are located.

Are there balconies in the rooms at Malmaison Brighton Marina?

There are 27 rooms with sea views and outdoor space. There’s a mix of shared and private balconies and I recommend you request your preference on booking.

Need to know

Address: The Waterfront, Brighton Marina Village, Brighton, BN2 5WA

Phone Number: 01273 041482

Malmaison Brighton Marina website

_{Disclaimer: I visited Malmaison Brighton Marina as a guest of Malmaison. However, all views, opinions and love of a boutique hotel by the sea are entirely my own.}