Brighton has an ugly seafront, tacky pier and is packed full of wealthy Londoners, according to one of the world's most renowned travel guides.

The "dirty weekend" city is also noted for its large homeless population and monstrous-looking hotels, says the newly published Rough Guide to England.

But while the respected travel book lists the negative aspects of the city, it also remarks on Brighton's fabulous shopping, nightlife and Georgian charm.

The guide says: "Much of Brighton's seafront is an ugly mix of shops, entertainment complexes and hotels, ranging from the impressively pompous plasterwork of the Grand Hotel...to the green-glass monstrosity of the Brighton Thistle Hotel."

But Brighton and Hove city councillor David Smith, chairman of culture, recreation and tourism, disagreed with the travel book.

He said: "I can't see how the writers of the guide have come to that opinion. Brighton is a brilliant city.

"Although Barcelona is a lot bigger than our city in terms of size and population, I am of the opinion we are equal culturally.

"We have got seven-miles of flat seafront, which very few seaside resorts in the world can boast, and wonderful shops, restaurants and nightlife.

"I have spoken to business leaders who say, when conferences are organised to be held in Brighton, twice as many people want to attend."

Mark Jones, chairman of Brighton and Hove Hotels Association and manager of Colson House in Upper Rock Gardens, Brighton, defended the city's accommodation.

He said: "We have a great city with a huge selection of top-class hotels.

"To call any one of them monstrous seems an odd choice of word.

"We have probably got the highest proportion of four-star hotels in the country."

However, the guidebook does lavish praise on Brighton's bohemian atmosphere, created by the city's gay community, students and holiday-makers.

It says: "Brighton now highlights its Georgian charm, its upmarket shops and classy restaurants, and a thriving conference industry."

The guide also lists the "exuberant Royal Pavilion", which it describes as one of Britain's best-loved building, and the city's numerous excellent cafes, restaurants and bars.

Praise is also heaped on the "remarkably good-lucking" Lewes, which boasts "some of Englandís most appealing chalkland" and "numerous traces of a history".

But other areas of Sussex are given mixed reviews.

Chichester is described as "attractive, if scruffy" and Hastings is a "part tacky, part pretty seaside resort" with "oddly neglected Regency architecture".

The Rough Guide to England is priced £15.99.

Do you agree with the Rough Guide?