Stayed in July 2018. The hotel has a stunning position on the seafront overlooking lovely gardens and beach, with Eastbourne Pier to left. We were allocated a complimentary upgrade to a very spacious, dual aspect sea view room with bath and separate shower. Breakfasts were self service, hot and plentiful with plenty of choice. Evening meals were mostly quite tasty, but one or two dinners were fast food standard and rather dry. Weather was warm and sunny so we visited HevEr Castle which had some of the loveliest gardens we’ve seen. We also took the train to Brighton, well worth the visit. The hotel entertainment included some very good singers.

I would like to know why the windows are locked and it isn’t possible to open them? It is scorching hot at the moment. I am very worried, we are booked into the Burlington shortly and the thought of an airless hot room is unacceptable. Why isnt it possible to either phone or e mail the hotel direct?

Have visited Eastbourne many times (especially during the tennis week) first time stay in the Burlington which is a very centrally located property for everything Eastbourne has to offer.

Single room, reasonably sized with high ceiling (but lots of peeling wallpaper and bits of flaking plaster dropping onto the floor) and some black on the grouting in the bathroom, hotel seemed a bit more 'tired' than I expected.

Cold water flow to sink was negligible (maybe flows reduced due to water shortage?) and tv reception of BBC channels was very poor (atmospherics according to reception in the hot weather!). Soap provided but bring your own shower gel or shampoo (also on sale from cabinets near reception).

Had Half board as part of my package but despite booking my table number for a given time, found other people sitting at it so just sat in another area !

Dinner quickly served and reasonable quality, breakfast buffet had a decent enough choice but despite usually opting for bacon and sausages didn't like those particular items served here. Other breakfast choices were ok.

So overall a mixed bag for me. Value was definitely satisfactory. Would I return? Maybe - if the standard rooms were improved and the overall decoration of the property was maintained to the quality you would expect this prestigious property warrants.

We booked this hotel for our midweek break in a sea view standard plus room. On arrival we were upgraded to a superior room 211 which seemed OK at the time,but we soon got fed up with the squeaking floorboards,windows that wouldn't open and a blocked sink,the windows and sink were fixed by the maintenance staff. In the bathroom we couldn't get to the shower or the toilet without walking sideways as the corridor was too narrow and to get off the toilet was a joke with the wall facing you and not much room to get up.
Also there was no hotel questionnaire to fill in given to us at all.
We have stayed at this hotel several times in the past but this was our worst experience yet.
Will have to think about another hotel in Eastbourne next year.

We stayed here on a Shearings weekend, which was very enjoyable.
The staff were very welcoming, and we had a room on the top floor. The room was clean, had all the required amenities, and was a nice size. It had a slight step into the bathroom, and a sign on the door to warn us, although we still managed to trip over it at first, until we got used to it!
It was a very hot weekend, so it would have been more comfortable if we could’ve opened a window, but this wasn’t possible.
Dinner could definitely have been much better, and we struggled to get the waitress to understand what we had asked for, but she did work hard. One night, my partner requested a salad, but was instead presented with a plate of chips!
Breakfast was buffet style, hot and plenty of selection.
We didn’t sample the entertainment, so couldn’t comment on it.
The lifts in the hotel need a complete overhaul, but the stay was still very enjoyable, and we will go back again soon.
The trip itself....a special mention for our driver Steve, who looked after us impeccably, despite difficult and traffic delayed journeys both ways, and he kept everyone comfortable by stopping when he needed to, instead of carrying on Regardless, so thank you Steve.
Also, the excursion to Brighton was brilliant, and he even managed to give us a bit of time at Beachy Head too, which was really good.
All in all, an enjoyable trip, and highly recommended - Thank You

I have just spent a lovely week at the Burlington Hotel. Having previously visited with my late father I now visit alone
A big thanks to all the staff on reception, in the restaurant and the night porters for being so helpful and friendly. A most enjoyable break was enhanced by visits to Tunbridge Wells and the tennis at Devonshire Park. The choice of food on the menu seems to improve each time that I visit. The meals are always hot and there is a great choice. The bedrooms are clean, modern and very comfortable. The location is central and easily accessible by road or rail. Nothing is too much trouble for any of the staff, I have booked a return visit in a few weeks time.

we travelled with Shearings to Eastbourne we have been here before but not with Shearings the hotel is close to the pier we knew what to expect with the hotel because most of Shearings hotels are similar 1st night was a bit of a disaster as everyone was in the dinning room at the same time we found the room was comfortable for the time we stayed in it

Took our first Shearings holiday and stayed here 7 nights. First impression was of tired paintwork around the entrance and dated inside. 2 lifts, one like a cupboard that will take 2 people.
Our room was 309 with nice view of the pier but right opposite the lifts. That was a problem the first evening because of the constant banging of doors and loud voices but this became less of a problem as the days passed. The room itself was very spacious and newly furnished although the grey paintwork throughout was depressing. the bed and bedding were very clean and comfortable. The windows would be a problem in winter as it was not possible to close the right one leaving a large vent between the inner and outer frames. The windows and paintwork were in a poor state and being single glazed did not keep out street noise.
Meals were acceptable, breakfast was a buffet with 2 or 3 items that could be ordered from the kitchen (e.g. kippers) and there was a decent selection for the evening meal.
Staff were helpful and pleasant. Entertainment was bingo, quiz and entertainers of limited talent but were well received by guests less critical than me. The one beer I tried was a smooth bitter that was returned after I struggled to drink a third of it. No refund offered so no more money spent on drinks.

just come back from the burlington hotel, eastbourne.My mother and myself have been here three times now,and always been happy.I would like to say though this time,the room we were put in was very clean and had been updated.( room 203 ) 2nd floor,but why cant this room have two wardrobes, instead of one single one!!!! there is plenty of room for one, eg two big alcoves!!!!,also the dressing table was opposite the window,all we could see when we looked in the mirror,was our outlines!!!!!!!!!!!! The bedroom needs reorganizing.Television should be mounted on the chimney breast,freeing up more room!!!!!!. I dont think the dining room staff were as nice as the last two visits,and the couple on the next table,was not happy with the service at all.When I had fish,instead of in a small dish with tartar sauce in it,I had two sachets on my plate!!!!! very transport cafe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.The whitebait on thursday night was a joke,just breadcrumbs and skin, no fish at all.Dont think we will be going back,which is a shame, as mom really loves it there.but she was very disappointed with the things that could so easily have been put right!!!!!!!.mrs a smith.

Stayed here for 4 nights from 28th May. The position of the hotel is perfect just opposite the pier. The hotel may need a little updating in the communal areas but it is spotlessly clean. We had a beautiful, huge seafront room (116). Lovely and clean and really good en suite. Our other family members had 2 single rooms that they were very pleased with. The restaurant food was perfect for us. A good choice everyday. We upgraded to the steak one night and it was delicious. We had no problems with getting a table as others have mentioned. Finely the staff are just fabulous. We were treated so well by everyone but would like to especially mention moses in the restaurant for looking after us..... The only negative I have is the hotel is incredibly hot.

Took a first ever, last minute coach holiday to Eastbourne with Shearings. Not sure what to expect. Fully satisfied with this hotel. Staff were very helpful and hard working. Food was lovely and plentiful. Some areas were in need of a spruce up, but overall not too bad.

We went to the Burlington on the 28th of May for five days with National holidays.
The hotel is in a great position and the food was excellent and a good choice the service let it down we were on the 7.15 sitting and had to wait to be served but it got better as the week went on .
And I think they need to clear the tables from the first sitting!
Entertainment in the hotel was very good as well Mark the compere did a great job, bingo prize money was fantastic not that I won lol.
We paid extra for a sea view well worth the money we were on the third floor and the room was spotlessly clean and had a walk in shower the bathroom was massive (room 318). The pictures are the view from our room.
Thoroughly recommend this hotel.

The first day was a bit crazy in the restaurant staff running round like headless chickens but got better as the week went on. Not as organized as other Shearing's Hotels we have stayed in.

The room was large and clean with an excellent view which we paid for, the only problem with the room was shortage of drawers which really annoyed my wife.

This is the first time we booked way in advance but never again as people who booked two week prior to leaving paid £100 per person less ( lesson learned ).

The trip to Hever castle was excellent, great gardens and the castle was like a tardis
looks small but lots to see inside.

I have just returned from a short stay, here with a group of friends. We paid £98 a couple for a 3 night stay half board. For this price you can not expect the Ritz. The room we had was clean and tidy. The view to the back of the hotel is not brilliant. But we only used the room to sleep and watch television.
One of my favourite parts of this hotel is the small lift, and watching peoples surprise when they open the door to get in and see the size.
The food is ok but the portions are quite small in the evening. Breakfast is a buffet so you can have as much as you like. The waiting staff are very busy and you can wait a while to get served But I keep reminding myself £98 for 3 days. A bargain!
If I was in Eastbourne I would stay again
Thank you for a fun long weekend

The views are the best of all on the sea front. It is worth trying to get sea view despite having to pay for it - it's worth it.
Good room with plenty space. Shower room only but pretty modern. TV on wall and and free view.

I booked a long week-end for myself husband and my elderly mother. I was aware at the time of booking that access was a little difficult for people with mobility issues, but with help from us my mum could manage the few steps in to the hotel. First impressions mmmmmmm, I think the location on the sea front is the main seller for this hotel, it was dark and tired inside, but passable. We were a little early so decided to have a drink in their conservatory that runs along the front of the building, a little wait for a staff member, and sitting in the conservatory was bloomin hot! no air at all. We went to our rooms, I took my mum to hers, for a single room it was ok, bedding clean and bed comfortable, but the general cleanliness needed addressing, also remote did not work so straight out the gate we were chasing down batteries. Other than that my mum seemed happy. Then to our room, back of hotel, that's ok, but a very dark room and the décor did nothing to brighten the room. Two different beds ????? very noticeable due to the difference in height! Checked out the bathroom Oh my goodness, a quite big leak from the toilet, also dirty black marks all down the side of the bath. Again cleaning, with a bit of Jif and a scourer these marks would be removed, it does not take much. Bedding clean. We unpacked and thought ok we are only here for 3 nights so grin and bare, although we would report the leak of course. On opening one of the drawers found a tablet of some description. I'm glad I did not have a child with me as this might have been a concern.....check drawers when guest leave guys. Anyhoo, checked on mum she was good, we then went down to report the leak, they said they would send someone to deal with it....when we came back their answer to this issue was to roll up a towel and put it under the u-bend, they said if we wanted to change rooms they would check availability, I said no as we were tired we had unpacked but mostly I needed to be near my mum (she has health issues and I am her carer). We agreed to stay but said please change the towel each day....it wasn't and the leak was not addressed whilst we were there. Food was hit and miss, and staff were a little searly, and had obvious favourite guests and you had to insist on service sometimes. The lifts in the hotel are small and smaller, on the day of departure, the bigger of the 2 lifts was taken over by a member of staff to fill it with cases to take down leaving only the very small lift for the entire hotel guests to use, most of the guest that week-end were of an elderly nature with mobility problems including my mum, 2 ladies had already been waiting 20 minutes to get down, they had walkers, we arrived and continued to wait for the little lift, it duly arrived but nobody could access it because it was taken over by a member of the cleaning staff and her trolley, she would not get out. In the end I had to manoeuvre my 84 year old mother down two flights of stairs as this was the only way. I know its an old building but I expected that there should have been a service lift or something, but I did not expect the only 2 lifts to be given priority to staff. I also know cases have to brought down somehow, but the big lift was out of action for at least an hour, and that was just the first floor! After all that would we go again, to Eastbourne definitely, The Burlington…...I would have to look at the sea view rooms, it may be worth paying more, also I would only do breakfast as outside food options are a little better. Oh p.s. Dining room no nice touches, no place mats no linen, and I get it keeps costs down, but I think these things enhance, so instead of walking in and going wow :) you walked in and went wow :(. Little things like change dead light bulbs, straighten wonky fixtures and fittings, that doesn't cost anything and gives a much better impression. Entertainment.....was ok'ish, my mum liked him, but it was a bit sluggish. Overall not a bad hotel, but not good either. Sorry Burlington for my review, but small changes could make such a difference for you. I would have paid more for better. It was an inexpensive break and I joked when I booked it why was it so cheap, I know why now.

Spent 4 nights here with shearings paid an extra £56 for a sea view which was well worth the money as the view was great room was large and clean and we had no complaints with it. Meals were small and nice but nothing special. The waitress we had never smiled once and would clear the plates before we’d even finished! Entertainment was a real let down very very poor indeed .this could have been a great holiday if the evening entertainment was better. Because of this i would recommend you have dinner and use other hotels if you want some decent entertainment in the evenings

If you book a 3 or 4 night deal with Shearings this place is great value.
Often under £100/person for 3 nights half board.
Stayed here 5 years ago & although not Ritz class it has improved especially my bathroom which was awful before but now small but quite acceptable.
Food is not the best although the staff really try their best to please.
Excellent location on the sea front

If any of you have read my review of the Beresford Hotel Newquay you will know that at 9th April I was a virgin!!
This was my second venture with Shearings and it was equally as enjoyable as the first.
I was a bit worried when I was dispatched to room 101 (could not get Frank Skinner out of my head) but was pleasantly surprised to find I had been allocated a double room well appointed and obviously recently refurbished.
So what about the food as we read so many negatives on this site about Shearings cuisine. It was wholesome with a varied selection of starters, mains and deserts with the option of cheese and biscuits for those without a sweet tooth.
Hurray the fish at this hotel was served with chips and mushy peas.
The staff in all departments were friendly and helpful and were 100% committed to the ethos of customer service, however I did have to mention to one of the waitresses that when she smiled she looked gorgeous and recommended she did it more often (it worked).
Like all the Bay Hotels the Burlington is undergoing refurbishment. Have to say the entertainment was a curates egg but the star turn was Ray on the Thursday night who was a fantastic keyboard player and comedian who not once swore throughout his two and a half hour act.
I respectfully suggest that those moaners who never seem to be satisfied might pay five star prices somewhere else or would they be satisfied even then?

Went with two friends for a long weekend we had a lovely time. We all had our own rooms which were bright clean and comfortable. The hotel could do with a lot of maintenance work which seems to be on going. The staff were great. I have a vegan diet and they done me some lovely evening meals. No fresh fruit for breakfast. The entertainment was terrible no talent and too much bingo and quizzes. The lifts could do with being replaced.

Just returned from a five day holiday, while the hotel is clean and warm we found some of the restaurant staff unhelpful,you do not get a dedicated table number therefore no dedicated waiter/waitress even though we were first in we sat there for upwards of thirty minuets before being served the restaurant staff continually serve the tables on the right near the kitchen doors so if you want to get served in a reasonably short time DONT sit near the Windows,even after asking the staff why certain tables get attended to last got no response, if you like salads as my wife does then you may be disappointed the ham is fatty the lettuce limp and not much else on the plate.

Have stayed at many shearings hotels for over 5 years so know what to expect. we origionaly booked the majestic but was informed due to low numbers for this weekend 20th to 23rd of april it would be closed, so we could transfer to any other bay hotel, as we wanted eastbourn we transfered to the Birlington. It started well, drove down from north kent, arrived at 12, no parking in hotel park as full but found a space behind the hotel and paid 1 pound per day excelent. Reception very good and sorted our paperwork there and then and told to collect our key at 3pm.Room a sea view upgrade on the 1st floor was very good, clean and large. Generaly the hotel was very clean but showing signs of wear and tear, seating in the lounge very worn.We was informed that
the reastaraunt now had 3 sittings, 6,15 6,45,and 7,15 and no reserved tables as is normal at shearings, well friday was a joke a huge que at 7,15 a job to get a table which was layed like a cheap caffe and the food was the worst we have had at any bay Hotel, no atmosphere and very few staff i think the reason for this, the staff did work hard and where 1st class. Then breakfast Oh dear same thing and dreadfull. my wife would never normaly leave food but it was so bad she could not eat it and getting your food was que que, To be fair sat night was much better and no complaints about the staff, so decided to leave sunday morning instead of monday and would never go to this Hotell again so hope our next shearings trip is back to there normal ex value

We stayed for a long weekend apart of a coach party and found it most enjoyable. Our room was very clean as was the bathroom and shower, only snag was the bathroom /shower was very cramped.....The good was varied and of good quality with a buffet at breakfast and waited service for dinner...The 3 sittings at stayed times however was a complete farce with people wandering in at all times..Having said that the service was very good....The entertainment was good and bar service was excellent, but we, and others thought the bar prices were excessive.The staff in all parts of the hotel were efficient and helpful that ensured that we enjoyed our weekend very much. We will happily return.

Visited this hotel as part of a coach party for a long weekend, check in was very efficient, but while the room was clean the carpet had several (old) stains and the bathroom was very cramped in fact had we been larger than average it would have been a really tight squeeze also despite mentioning that I had slight mobility problems when booking, we were given a room quite a walk from the lift and with a quite high step into the bathroom.
They emphasize the importance of letting reception know what time evening meal setting you require BUT in our experience people just wandered into the restaurant at any time took their seats and were served.....having said this the food was very good and the service also very good...really liked the breakfast buffet (know it's not for everyone).
The bar staff are very efficient and pleasant and the prices were not too high, the entertainment was pretty average (the guest male singer on Sunday evening was by far the best we saw while there) the bingo didn't last too long and the prize money was good.
Overall as with a lot of hotels of this age and type it could really do with a refurb, this said we did enjoy our stay and would return

My wife and I travelled by car to Eastbourne from Edinburgh . The Burlington is one of the bigger Bay/Shearing hotels which we've visited. We'd booked three extras: a room upgrade, a sea view and reserved parking (the last request had been advised at time of booking).
Firstly - when we got into our room - it wasn't the upgrade we'd paid for. We had to traipse all our luggage etc. back to reception and then wait whilst it was sorted out (not what you want after our lengthy journey). The sea view over the pier and gardens was indeed worth the extra. At time of booking we' been told the hotel had undergone a major refurb - this was obvious in some parts of the hotel but many areas are still well worn, tired and in need of attention. The lifts are quite inadequate for the numbers and demograph of the clientele. The meals are reasonably varied but unimaginative. Staffing levels in restaurant is poor - n.b. staff choosing to clear dinner tables and set for next days' breakfasts whilst dinner diners are waitng to be served is surely a training issue!.
It became obvious after the first day that the extra I paid for my parking was totally unnecessary . I was told parking was restricted- hence the need to reserve - but at no time in the week was the car park more than a third full - the vast majority of guests are Shearing's coach parties and the hotel was certainly not at full capacity!!.
We have used Bay/ C&C for many years in a great number of their hotels but have to say this stay was a big disappointment - especially as we had travelled 500+ miles to enjoy our seaside break !!.
Be aware Shearing's..... that recently we have found similar 'independent car traveller' companies that have offered us better value 'breaks' than our experience with you, during the first week in April, turned out to be.