A Brighton hotel has been voted one of the best six new places to stay in the UK.

Nineteen, in Broad Street, Kemp Town, is described in the Which? Hotel Guide 2002 as "soothing minimalist chic in a townhouse hotel just off Brighton seafront."

The guide, published today, votes it one of the top six most notable newcomers in its Hotel of the Year awards.

Judges said Nineteen did not face much competition because too many hotels focused on the fripperies rather than getting the basics right.

It said the popularity of cheap chains like Travel Inn or Holiday Inn Express showed there was a dearth of affordable, reasonable quality accommodation in Britain, especially in cities.

Which? said customers wanted value for money and their expectations had risen, particularly because they travel more and compare standards abroad with what is available in the UK.

Nineteen has steered away from the flowery decor of many hotels in the mid-price range.

Illuminated glass brick beds, white walls, polished wood floors and modern art paintings by Brighton artist Daniel Lawrence contribute to its image at the cutting-edge of style.

Keith Allison, owner of Nineteen, said he wanted to make guests feel they were staying at a friend's house without the usual fuss of hotel etiquette.

He said the success of his hotel was testament to a new era of tourism on the South Coast, attracting couples aged from 20 to 40 who wanted a break by the sea, rather than families.

He said: "We attract people who just want to get away from the big smoke and chill out, perhaps go to a club."