• Login
Hotel umi Hotel 3 star
Easyexperts
Brighton, United Kingdom -
See the map
Amy Adejokun Section editor

This perfectly placed hotel is a great budget option for leisure stays of any length. Although there are no dormitories, it does have a hostel feel to it and indeed has a fairly young clientele as well as a philosophy close to that of a hostel. The rooms are basic but clean and functional and there are some good facilities for a hotel of this standard, including a restaurant and bar. Guests and staff seem to mix in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere and there is certain buzz about the place. Possibly not one for a romantic weekend away, but perfect for groups of friends looking to make the most of what Brighton has to offer at the weekend.

+
  • Seaside
  • Family
  • Party
  • Well located
  • Flight
    Compare all the prices

    Price per night - Find at 47 partner(s)
    • - Ebookers - View prices
    • - booking.com - View prices
    • - Cancelon - View prices
    • - AccorHotels.com - View prices
    • - AsiaTravel.com - View prices
    • - Amoma - View prices
    • - Ctrip.com - View prices
    • - Ebookers - View prices
    • - Elvoline - View prices
    • - Expedia - View prices
    • - Site officiel de l'hotel - View prices
    • - Getaroom - View prices
    • - Hanatour - View prices
    • - HappyRooms - View prices
    • - Hilton.com - View prices
    • - Homestay.com - View prices
    • - Hotel.info - View prices
    • - Hotelius - View prices
    • - Hotelnjoy - View prices
    • - Hotelpass - View prices
    • - HotelJoin - View prices
    • - Hotelopia - View prices
    • - Hotell.no - View prices
    • - Superbreak - View prices
    • - Hotels.com - View prices
    • - HotelsClick.com - View prices
    • - HotelTravel - View prices
    • - Hotelquickly - View prices
    • - Hotusa - View prices
    • - Jalan - View prices
    • - Lastminute.com - View prices
    • - Laterooms - View prices
    • - Otel - View prices
    • - Ostrovok - View prices
    • - Ozon Travel - View prices
    • - Prestigia - View prices
    • - Rumbo BravoFly Volagratis - View prices
    • - Rakuten - View prices
    • - Reserver avec l?hotel - View prices
    • - Sembo - View prices
    • - Skoosh - View prices
    • - TravelClick - View prices
    • - Travelocity - View prices
    • - Voyage SNCF - View prices
    • - Yanolja - View prices
    • - ZenHotels HC - View prices
    • - Agoda - View prices
    Show more offers

    Location 7.68 /10

    It could be argued that the umi has the best location in Brighton as it's on the seafront but also a straight line from the railway station at the top of the road. Standing on the corner of King's Road and Middle Street, it is pretty much at the centre of things, close to all the major attractions, as well as the town centre, the Brighton Centre and of course the promenade. It can get a little noisy at times, especially weekends, with party-goers and stag and hen dos dominating the streets around. Trains from the station, a 10 minute walk or 5 minute taxi ride away, serve Gatwick airport (30 mins) and London (50 mins on fast train). There is no private parking but there is an NCP car park on Russell Road which charges £20-25 for 24 hours.

    Accommodation 7.70 /10

    Although technically the hotel offers several different categories, all the rooms are pretty much the same, with only their surface area changing. There is actually very little of note in the rooms, with them being painted entirely in off-white and just a few old prints on some of the walls. The only other modicum of colour comes from the matching blue carpet and bed plaids. The furniture consists of unremarkable light wood cupboards and drawers, which provide plenty of space for storage, and in most rooms there's a table and chairs (sofas in the largest rooms). Amenities in clued flatscreen television, tea and coffee facilities, safes and hairdryers (some also have trouser press). The bathrooms are a little dated, but are clean and spacious and have toiletries in holders (some of the larger rooms have a double vanity on the bathroom). Try and get a sea-facing room as the ones out to the back look onto an unsightly court. That said, these former can be quite noisy from the traffic and pedestrians going past at night. There is no air conditioning in the rooms, but fans and heaters can be provided.

    Overview 7.70 /10

    The exterior of the umi is quite grand, with balconies supported by arches and quite a bit of intricate moulding in white in opposition to the pale yellow colour the rest is painted in. It is just a shame that the rust running down the walls from the metal fixtures has not been cleaned up. Right in the top corner of the building, on the roof, is a spire, although with the sea right in front of the hotel, it is rendered slightly useless. The reception area, which can get a little crowded at times, is fitted with shiny black and white tiles and has mirrors with a rounded square pattern on with, a painting of a Japanese woman in traditional dress and partly stained glass windows with a coloured diamond pattern. The area is brightened up with an orchid plant while you'll find a PC for surfing the internet (£1 for 10 mins). The staff behind reception are very welcoming and patient (they were excellent in dealing with our numerous requests), and seem to be the type of people who would stay in a hotel like this (especially the young Dutch interns). Getting to the rooms is easy as there are two lifts just behind the reception and the corridors, although a little worse for wear, are kept clean and are not too complicate d to negotiate. The rooms to the right of reception is both a lounge and, later on in the evening, a bar, where guests can meet friends, do a bit of work or enjoy a drink in front of the television or with a book. The hotel is strictly non-smoking and animals are not accepted either. There is complimentary wifi throughout the hotel.

    Food and drink 7.20 /10

    For a hotel like umi, it is quite impressive the number of eateries it boasts: a breakfast room, a coffee shop, a restaurant and a bar. The first is just to the left of the lobby and therefore has a view onto the promenade and sea, which you can take in by grabbing a seat at the window bar with its funky white stools. Breakfast is the standard continental (toast, cereal, yoghurt etc) with the option of a hot breakfast in the form of a full English, bagel sandwiches eggs and porridge. This same space, and the room next door, turns into 'yumi' after breakfast hours, the hotel's coffee shop, which serves pastries, sandwiches and jacket potatoes throughout the afternoon. The hotel's restaurant, the umi Grill, which happened to debut during our stay, is just next door, and can be accessed either from the exterior, or through the bar/lounge. It's strangely set up (although that has much to do with the shape of the room) but does have views of the sea and a nice stained glass window at the back. There is not much in the way of decoration, however it is a correct setting and is well lit. On the menu is essentially the kind of food you'd find in a pub, nachos, chicken wings and Caesar salad to start, with steaks, burgers and a few fish dishes to follow. The food was reasonable and the prices too, although the service was very slow and the poor young girl looking after us was a little out her depth. That said, we ate there on the restaurant's first night and they were taken by surprise at the high number of clients.

    To know

    umi is a privately owned hotel and is part of the Lowy Group who also own The Kings hotel, Queens Hotel and The Best Western. It was opened in early 2008, replacing the old Bellgrove, which was also part of the same group. If you like this hotel, then you might also like to stay in umi London or even umi Moscow! Note that breakfast is always included in the rate although one not comprising breakfast is available.

    Equipment

    • Car park
    • Handicap access
    • Restaurant
    • Internet access
    • Air conditioning
    • Spa

      beauty salon, Turkish bath

    • Whirlpool bath
    • Safe
    • Non-smoking rooms
    • Meeting room

    advantage

    • Prime seafront location
    • Friendly staff
    • Yumi coffee shop

    disadvantages

    • Basic rooms, some tired
    • Courtyard view unpleasant

    Traveller Reviews

    • Overall Score nc/10
    Hotels near to Brighton
    • du Vin Bistro du Vin Bistro du Vin Bistro
      • Easyopinions nc
      • Value for money 7.14
      • Location 7.77

      They very fact that this hotel's name features the word 'bistro' tells you this is much more than just a place to sleep. The main focus of the Hotel du Vin is undoubtedly its food and wine. However, unlike other hotels where the emphasis is placed elsewhere other than in the rooms, one does not at any moment get the impression that this latter has been an afterthought. On the contrary, these are some of the best rooms in Brighton. One of our favourite properties in Brighton due to its stylish rooms, its professional, knowledgeable staff and above all the unrivalled atmosphere of its restaurant and in particular its bar, we thoroughly recommend this hotel to all those who appreciate their food and wine as well as those who want to experience one of the finest bars in the south of England.

      From
      See the offer
    • Una Una Una
      • Easyopinions nc
      • Value for money 7.12
      • Location 7.8

      This gem of a hotel, made up mainly of suites, is one of the finest in Brighton. Despite being housed, like many an establishment in this town, in a Regency building, the space and facilities of the rooms are incredible. Add to these top notch accommodations a great location, a husband-wife team and their staff who ooze passion for what they do and some tasteful décor and you have what TripAdvisor contributors crown the number one hotel in the town, and quite frankly it is difficult to argue. Strongly recommended for all types of traveller, for any length of stay. Particularly charming for couples looking for a romantic weekend getaway.

      From
      See the offer
    • Amsterdam Amsterdam Amsterdam
      • Easyopinions nc
      • Value for money 6.92
      • Location 8.23

      The Amsterdam hotel is somewhat of a Brighton institution. One of two openly gay hotels on the seafront, it is has a thronging terrace scene attracting clients of all sexualities while inside its sauna is a well-known meeting place for members of the gay community. If the drinking and leisure aspects of the hotel are rightly renowned, not as much can be said for the rooms which are basic, uninspiring and rough around the edges (fair enough as accommodation seems to play second fiddle to entertainment here). Not the place for a family holiday (kids not allowed) but rather for groups of friends or couples looking to meet and party with a clientele made up to a large extent by gays.

      From
      See the offer
    • Barcelo Old Ship Barcelo Old Ship Barcelo Old Ship
      • Easyopinions nc
      • Value for money 7.02
      • Location 8.23

      Although this hotel is a major venue for conferences and weddings, it should not be overlooked for leisure travellers as a base for a break in Brighton. A traditional seafront hotel with a rich history, it has large rooms with impressive views, a super location and lots of public space including lounges and a restaurant and bar. It may lack some of the facilities that the other 'big boys' can boast but it has a charm of its own which would appeal to older couples and foreign visitors. There is a reason the Barcelò has survived over 450 years as a hotel and we suggest that you come and find out why for yourselves. Recommended for all types of traveller for any length of stay.

      From
      See the offer
    • Brightonwave Brightonwave Brightonwave
      • Easyopinions nc
      • Value for money 6.99
      • Location 8.23

      Brightonwave is a smart and stylish bed and breakfast with an envious location, which goes to prove that all good things come in small packages. A quiet and laid back property, owned and run by a couple with the very same qualities, it offers the perfect retreat for a weekend away from the city or indeed a base from which to explore all that 'London by the sea' has to offer. You'll be looked after very well here and we would recommend this property highly to couples or friends looking for a certain degree of luxury at a reasonable price.

      From
      See the offer
    • Jurys Inn Jurys Inn Jurys Inn
      • Easyopinions nc
      • Value for money 8.02
      • Location 8.23

      A fairly standard hotel with only one type of room, the Jurys Inn is the kind of chain hotel that meets your basic needs and no more. True, it is comfortable, clean and conveniently located for transport links, but it lacks character and is one of the furthest establishments from the centre of Brighton. It would be a suitable base for business people or couples and families who are pushed for other options but if you book early enough you can find something much more inspiring closer into town.

      From
      See the offer
    • Pelirocco Pelirocco Pelirocco
      • Easyopinions nc
      • Value for money 7.04
      • Location 7.68

      This is unlike any other hotel you will come across in Brighton, and we'd be surprised if there was a similar one in the whole of the UK. One of the first of a wave of boutique hotels that popped up a decade or so ago, it has been a success right from day one due to its rock and roll image created by the music and related themes leitmotif. It does not have the facilities of the larger hotels in Brighton, but this is unimportant - you come here for unique rooms, good location and the sheer audacity of a hotel that has welcomed many a famous face over the years. It is true to say that the décor is not to everyone's taste and it is certainly not a place to bring kids to, but if you are a couple looking for a cheeky weekend away, you'd be pushed to do better.

      From
      See the offer
    • myhotel myhotel myhotel
      • Easyopinions nc
      • Value for money 8.54
      • Location 6.7

      It is perhaps not surprising to find a hotel based on the principles of feng shui in Brighton, however to find one that has been designed by Karim Rashid, one of the hottest and most recognisable architect/designers in the world, may raise a few eyebrows (and I dare say turn a few stomachs in the design world). Undoubtedly one of the leading hotels in the city, the style of the hotel may not be to everyone's taste, but it certainly has the characteristics of a top bolthole: well-equipped, functional rooms, trendy restaurants/bars, a great location and attentive staff. This is probably not the most suitable place for a family to spend their break in Brighton, but perfect for couples and groups of friends looking to be right in the mix of things. A design fan's heaven, there are not many better all-round properties than this one.

      From
      See the offer
    Top Hotels Brighton
    • myhotel myhotel myhotel
      • Easyopinions nc
      • Value for money 8.54
      • Location 6.7

      It is perhaps not surprising to find a hotel based on the principles of feng shui in Brighton, however to find one that has been designed by Karim Rashid, one of the hottest and most recognisable architect/designers in the world, may raise a few eyebrows (and I dare say turn a few stomachs in the design world). Undoubtedly one of the leading hotels in the city, the style of the hotel may not be to everyone's taste, but it certainly has the characteristics of a top bolthole: well-equipped, functional rooms, trendy restaurants/bars, a great location and attentive staff. This is probably not the most suitable place for a family to spend their break in Brighton, but perfect for couples and groups of friends looking to be right in the mix of things. A design fan's heaven, there are not many better all-round properties than this one.

      From
      See the offer
    • Hilton Metropole Hilton Metropole Hilton Metropole
      • Easyopinions nc
      • Value for money 8.38
      • Location 3.0

      With its history, grandeur and class, the Hilton Metropole probably just pips it as the swankiest of the traditional seafront hotels. It may have changed hands many a time since its opening just before the turn of the 20th century, but it has managed to keep its allure and standing and is a fine tribute to Victorian England. That said, it has also succeeded in dragging itself into the 21st century with good facilities and a partial makeover. The standard of service expected from a Hilton is certainly present at this Brighton hotel, which is suitable for all types of traveller whether they be a family, a couple or friends.

      From
      See the offer
    • The Grand The Grand The Grand
      • Easyopinions nc
      • Value for money 8.38
      • Location 3.0

      There is no doubt about it; there is still a buzz around The Grand that no other hotel in Brighton can compete with. Very much the old boy of the city's hotels, its history and sheer physical grandeur on the seafront continue to attract every type of guest and there is no sign that this is about to stop. It has managed to remain faithful to its Victorian roots, in many respects the real pull, while at the same time adding sufficient touches of modernity so as not to lose out to the explosion of boutique hotels over the last decade. An opulent setting, spacious rooms with unbeatable views and unrivalled service make of The Grand the only place to stay for that authentic British seaside holiday of yesteryear for families, couples or friends. Quality never goes out of fashion.

      From
      See the offer
    • Seattle Seattle Seattle
      • Easyopinions 8.00
      • Value for money 7.17
      • Location 5.5

      Without a shadow of doubt, this is one of the finest hotels in Brighton. To be perfectly frank, we can't really think of anything negative at all to say about the hotel! Even its one obvious default, being far from the town centre, for us is in fact a distinct plus as instead you are right on the marina, a much quieter area of Brighton, with a touch of glamour in the yachts that are moored here. The boutique style rooms are beautifully appointed, décor of the hotel is second to none and the restaurant is one of the best we experienced. What's more, this is one of the only really family-friendly properties in Brighton with several features devised especially for kids. For a slightly different, yet just as special, Brighton experience, you have absolutely to consider the Seattle, one of our favourites.

      From
      See the offer
    • du Vin Bistro du Vin Bistro du Vin Bistro
      • Easyopinions nc
      • Value for money 7.14
      • Location 7.77

      They very fact that this hotel's name features the word 'bistro' tells you this is much more than just a place to sleep. The main focus of the Hotel du Vin is undoubtedly its food and wine. However, unlike other hotels where the emphasis is placed elsewhere other than in the rooms, one does not at any moment get the impression that this latter has been an afterthought. On the contrary, these are some of the best rooms in Brighton. One of our favourite properties in Brighton due to its stylish rooms, its professional, knowledgeable staff and above all the unrivalled atmosphere of its restaurant and in particular its bar, we thoroughly recommend this hotel to all those who appreciate their food and wine as well as those who want to experience one of the finest bars in the south of England.

      From
      See the offer
    • Drakes Drakes Drakes
      • Easyopinions nc
      • Value for money 7.12
      • Location 9.6

      Drakes is arguably the stand out hotel of the sea front, although it is in a very different mould to many of the established big boys further towards the centre. This is a top end boutique hotel excelling in every area with fresh, funky, functional rooms, a professional staff and a superb restaurant. It's no wonder that all this, together with its ideal location and warm welcome, have made it the choice of some big celebrity names. No need to be famous though to stay at Drakes. Everyone is welcome, including children, and Easyvoyage would encourage all those thinking of a break in Brighton to consider this gem.

      From
      See the offer
    • Una Una Una
      • Easyopinions nc
      • Value for money 7.12
      • Location 7.8

      This gem of a hotel, made up mainly of suites, is one of the finest in Brighton. Despite being housed, like many an establishment in this town, in a Regency building, the space and facilities of the rooms are incredible. Add to these top notch accommodations a great location, a husband-wife team and their staff who ooze passion for what they do and some tasteful décor and you have what TripAdvisor contributors crown the number one hotel in the town, and quite frankly it is difficult to argue. Strongly recommended for all types of traveller, for any length of stay. Particularly charming for couples looking for a romantic weekend getaway.

      From
      See the offer
    • Blanch House Blanch House Blanch House
      • Easyopinions nc
      • Value for money 7.12
      • Location 9.25

      It's remarkable what you can find these days behind the façades of the Victorian terraces that line the streets off of the seafront. Probably the best all-round hotel package in Brighton, Blanch House gets it spot on from the rooms' design to the superb restaurant and from the choice of staff to the cocktail bar where any self-respecting dipsomaniac would want to be seen. The experience and enthusiasm of the husband and wife team is there for all to see and we challenge you not to enjoy your stay at this property. Although kids are allowed at Blanch House, it is essentially a retreat for couples looking for a sexy weekend away from the big city. A big thumbs up from easyvoyage.co.uk!

      From
      See the offer