The Old Ship Hotel, Paganini Ballroom photo #2
The Old Ship Hotel, Paganini Ballroom photo #3

The Old Ship Hotel, Paganini Ballroom

Location pin

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

  • Users

    Up to
    300 guests

  • Table with chairs

    Offers
    catering

  • Delivery truck

    Internal Catering
    allowed

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!

Grade A listed, Paganini himself once played here in 1831, regency in style, no wall attachments, no pillars, has natural daylight. Use of the Regency Suite as a bar area which is next door.

Oldest meeting room in Brighton dating back to 17th Century. High ceiling, high impact, natural daylight, separate entrance, 3 chandeliers

Capacity & layout

Standing

Standing

up to 300

Theatre

Theatre

up to 250

Boardroom

Boardroom

up to 60

Cabaret

Cabaret

up to 100

Classroom

Classroom

up to 100

Pricing
& opening hours

Weekly schedule
  • monday

    0:00 - 24:00

  • tuesday

    0:00 - 24:00

  • wednesday

    0:00 - 24:00

  • thursday

    0:00 - 24:00

  • friday

    0:00 - 24:00

  • saturday

    0:00 - 24:00

  • sunday

    0:00 - 24:00

Catering & drinks

Catering arrangements

Catering arrangements

Catering facilities

Catering facilities

Refreshments

Refreshments

Alcohol

Alcohol

Amenities

Stage

Stage

Disabled access

Disabled access

Premises parking

Premises parking

Overnight accommodation

Overnight accommodation

Space rules

Allowed events

alcoholLicense

Licensed for alcohol

Cancellation policy

Terms and Conditions on request

Location

Reviews

  • Max Arthey

    July 2024

    The Old Ship Hotel in Brighton offers a charming and welcoming stay. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, always ready with a smile and helpful suggestions for local attractions. The breakfast buffet was a highlight, boasting a wide variety of fresh and delicious options to start the day right. While the rooms were simple in design, they were clean, functional, and surprisingly spacious. The beds were exceptionally comfortable, guaranteeing a restful night's sleep after a day of exploring the city. The hotel's central location, just steps from the beach and pier, made it a convenient base for sightseeing and enjoying Brighton's vibrant atmosphere.

  • Charlotte Tasker

    August 2024

    I stayed here for a weekend away with a friend. The staff were welcoming and friendly, the room was clean and the beds were comfortable. The floor in the bathroom was a bit damaged near the toilet (from water I’m guessing). It was quite hot in the room and one of the fans didn’t work and the other one squeaked when it moved but apart from that it was good. It’s in a brilliant location on the seafront with walking distance to the pier, the lanes, the royal pavilion & the observation tower.

  • Michael

    August 2024

    Nice hotel in a great location on the sea front.. close to the bars and restaurants of the town, which is really handy. Great views of the ocean/peir from the room. Staff were all very friendly and helpful, check in was really easy to do. We were on the fifth floor. There is a lift at the location, but it is small and from the 1920s, so it is slow. This, for me, is a typical seaside hotel, needs some paint here and there and some new carpet.. The shower was more dribble than power, and both taps at the sink went hot after a few seconds. Breakfast in the morning for a buffet was good and definitely a good idea to start yourself for the day. The windows didn't open fully, so during the summer months, it's going to be hot. There was a fan in the cupboard. Overall not a bad location for those on a tighter budget or if the room is just some where to lay your head.

  • Kim Land

    August 2024

    Hotel is looking a bit tired & could really do with updating (including our shower that we couldn't turn off & had to get someone in). But, the hotel was very quirky with a nautical theme, clean & in a great location. Couldn't fault the staff in the restaurant, bar, reception and the car park. Breakfast was lovely & our Afternoon Tea was one of the best we've had 😋.

  • Sheila Handy

    August 2024

    I knew going in that the reviews weren't great and that it was a hotel that needed an update. It's a historic hotel and it's not crazy expensive even though it's beachfront. We were concerned about the heat as there was no AC but the window did open, there was a ceiling fan in our room, and they gave us a pedestal fan to use as well. It was still warm but bearable. The bathroom could've used an exhaust fan as it got very humid in there. Overall it was a pleasant enough stay. The location was great. The staff were welcoming. The room was descent. However it was dirty and dusty. There were things covered in dust under the desk in our room. A paper and something else I didn't want to touch. The electric kettle was crusted with limescale. But we still used it.