The Old Ship Hotel

32-38 Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 1NR -

Up to
300 guests
Internal Catering
allowed

About Venue

The 12 elegant and stylish meeting rooms are bright, airy and elegantly furnished and can accommodate up to 250 delegates theatre style and 180 for a banquet or dinner dance.

If you are searching for a quirky venue, full of character for a conference, meeting or private dinner, then the Wine Cellars are ideal. Legend has it that these eerie old caves, deep in the heart of the hotel, were once used by smugglers to hide their booty; now carefully restored they provide a wonderful, atmospheric backdrop for private parties.

Dating back in parts to 1559, The Old Ship Hotel is the oldest hotel in Brighton and stands proud on the bustling seafront in this popular British destination.
From its magnificent white façade to contemporary modern reception area, the Hotel prides itself on excellent customer service in comfortable relaxed surroundings.

The largest suite in the hotel is the spectacular Paganini Ballroom, which dates back to the 17th century, and is the oldest meeting room in Brighton.

Message In A Bottle!
The iconic 154 room Old Ship Hotel in Brighton is excited to announce a new exciting look for its outdoor terrace, which boasts a prime sea-front location.
Brighton’s most historic hotel has decked the terrace out with stunning new furniture in preparation for the summer months.
This is THE place to have a drink and watch the world go by, with singers performing live music every weekend during the summer.
Not only will it look good, it will further enhance the eco-friendly credentials of the hotel as it’s entirely made from recycled plastic bottles.
Each chair alone is made from over 500 bottles, definitely a very green “Message in a Bottle” to shout about to your clients!

Capacity & Layout

Standing

up to 300

Theatre

up to 250

Boardroom

up to 60

Cabaret

up to 100

Classroom

up to 100

Food & Beverage

Catering arrangements

Catering facilities

Refreshments

Alcohol

Facilities & Amenities

Premises parking

Overnight accommodation

Air conditioning

Disabled access

Stage

Space Rules

Allowed events

Licensed for alcohol

Cancellation policy

Terms and Conditions on request

Location

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Reviews

Katie McNally
March 2026
Reading these reviews I was nervous to go and stay at the old ship, but when we got there I was pleasantly surprised! Yes the outside of the hotel looks quite run down but once you get inside the interior is nice and Staff are really friendly. The corridors are old fashioned and could do with some work - but the room (255) was lovely and clean. There was some damage to the wall near the window but it was just surface level. The bed was so comfy, the room was warm, blackout curtains and lovely clean bathroom and shower with hot water and good pressure. People are very critical, but me and my boyfriend loved our stay here!!
Peta Gilbert
January 2026
This is a heritage hotel. If you want genuine history, the warmest of welcomes, lovely staff and a clean warm comfortable night with a great meal in the restaurant, look beyond the external paintwork and quaint fittings. We loved it. Right on the front, amidst the main shopping and restaurant area, we stayed for a show at The Dome. We played Pool and drank cocktails before bed. Great fun Just don’t park right next door at The Lanes Car Park. It is the most expensive in Brighton.
David Farrar
February 2026
I would say that at some stage, many years ago, this would have been a 4 star hotel but sadly not at the moment. It is desperately in need of a massive refurb, the place is tired and worn out. Too many to list but it is going to need significant money spending both inside and out. The location is excellent, the staff friendly and helpful. Value for money? Not for me I’m afraid.£18 each for breakfast , you wouldn’t pay that at the Ritz and there plenty of places to have breakfast in Brighton for half that price. Hopefully they will get this hotel back to the 4 star rating that they believe it is 😳