We found this Shearing Hotel good value for money at just £99 for a 5 day stay in February on half board, this included the coach trip from the North of England to Eastbourne and back, plus 2 day trips out to Brighten and Bexhill.
The dining room was large and well laid out and the waitress service was admirable. The food was good and plentiful with lots of choice. The bedroom furniture and carpets were a little tired but the beds were comfortable,the heating in the room worked well as did the shower etc in the bathroom.
There was nothing to complain about the whole of the holiday and I would go again and would recommend it to a friend.
Having read other reviews of the Burlington Hotel I totally disagree with the ones which rubbished everything about this Hotel

On December 17th 2010 we set off to Eastbourne with Shearings on a Noel weekend. We went to the Gateway on the M1 and it started snowing as we left around midday. It continued snowing all the way there and we certainly had a Noel weekend in that respect.
We stayed four nights at the Burlington Hotel in a room at the side of the hotel on the third floor. They were looking for £15 for a sea view room but we declined. The room was a fair size but the bathroom was tiny and the room was cold. We later learned that most rooms we the same.
Dinner was very good with two meat courses on offer, one fish course and a vegetarian option. There was a range of starters and desserts. All meals were table served. The hotel is quite old and could do with some updating. I feel the place might look better in the summer.
When we got back to the room the radiator was cool so we went to bed to keep warm.
Breakfast was a full English and you could choose what you wanted as well as cereal. Again it was table served. The coffee was of good quality and as a coffee drinker I have had some really bad coffee over the years so this was a nice surprise. My wife said the tea was quite good. It was a good meal.
On the Saturday we went for an included trip to Rye and that was a laugh. When we got there the pavements were too slippy to walk on so we came back to Eastbourne in a snowstorm. That made a change.
On Saturday night the heating system packed up and was off until late Sunday afternoon. The whole place was freezing and the staff didn't say anything about it apart from an engineer was on his way from Essex. A new pump had been fitted on the day we arrived and it had stopped working.
I made a request to reception for a room heater on Saturday morning but it didn't appear until Sunday afternoon. The heater we received was a small oil heater and produced as much heat as a hot water bottle. There was a distinct lack of communication from the staff in the hotel about the heating system. Some of the people there were quite elderly and had problems coping with the cold. They couldn't even get to the shopping area because the pavements were covered in ice.
There were a number of cases of stomach upset in our group and several of them went back home using other means apart from the coach. In each room was a leaflet on the Norovirus and my wife was sick with most of the symptoms of this condition. I succumbed as we got home and we were still ill at Christmas so had no Christmas dinner.
The television in the room was very small so we watched the final of Strictly Come Dancing and The Apprentice along with other guests in the lounge but it was cold in there.
It was a different weekend with a cold hotel, good food and lots of snow. There was no Christmas music played at all and there was a distinct lack of atmosphere throughout the weekend.
We shall go back to Eastbourne, perhaps even to the Burlington, but not in the winter.

Good journey down there, brilliant coach driver called Chris.
Great welcome, check in easy,all staff very pleasant and helpful.
The hotel in need of alot of TLC, but did seem clean.We had a room at the back of the hotel, very shabby, but spotlessly clean, the shower didn't work, but lashings of hot water for a bath.The meals were good, our waiter lovely, looked after us really well. The entertainment good especially on New Years Eve.
BUT......we were not warned before our trip or when we got to our room as some guests were that NOVAVIRUS was in the hotel, we had no idea until i became ill on our return home, it took me 5 days to get over it and 3 days loss of earnings. Its a shame because it has put me off returning to this hotel or recommending it to anyone, if they care so little of their guests welfare.I have always been a fan of shearings holidays, but now not sure if i trust them.

just back from this fab hotel, and as my previous review 2 years ago enjoyed every minute. there are a lot of new faces in hotel staff, but some still remain, which is understandable in any carering buisiness. Room was clean, food was excellent bar was same prices as our local. for those who read our last review on this hotel the cliental has not changed, but what a fantastic group of people from all walks of life.will be returning again without doubt and will enjoy again.

A pleasant arrival & booking in.
Overall thehotel was too hot.
The food & service in dining room were very good. Staff kind & helpful here.
Our room looked over the sea & was spacious--but tired looking.
The shower was hopeless altho' we could have hot baths.

The decor is OK downstairs but the upper floors need attention & are very shabby.

The norovirus struck the last day which was awful . They were fumigating the bedrooms when we left.

Just got back from the Burlington Eastbourne lots of people there were suffering with norovirus, we had to make extra stop on journey home for ambulance to collect a passenger she was taken off coach hope she is ok. there were info sheets in rooms about virus would had been nice to have been told in advance so we coul...d have cancelled and not put us at risk of infection this close to xmas dissapointed with you shearings. took us a week to recover not going back

Just returned from a Tinsel and Turkey Weekend at the Burlington in Eastbourne. Hotel is in an ideal location, right on sea front and close to shops.
Our room was on the top floor and overlooked the Pier, it was adequate, having all the necessary equipment. It was cosy and warm,unlike some of the other rooms we discovered from our fellow guests, mainly retired couples. The food was good and plentiful and served by very friendly eastern european staff.
My main complaint is the unorganised car park at the rear of the hotel. Had there been proper marked parking bays the 'selfish' parking by other guest would have enabled many more guests to use the facility. However 'parking permits' are available from reception and only cost 50p for over 24hours in nearby streets.

Went on our first "first Noel" break with Shearings (self drive) and stayed at the Burlington. Fri- Mon.
Hotel nice and warm downstairs, although there was a problem with the heating, and our radiators did not work in our room-although they provided a small heater, so ok.
Room a bit dated (standard) although clean with plenty of tea/ coffee provided and fresh towels. One of the lifts was out of order, so that was a problem at times. Parking at the back of the Hotel a bit of a problem, and would be much better if marked out so that people would take up less space than necessary. The parking in the locality was not easy to find once the hotel car park was full. (Hotel provide permits for 50p)
The staff were really friendly and we were really surprised at the choice and quality of the meals both at breakfast and evening, always served hot, and on hot plates. Our waiter Janos deserves a mention- very helpful and polite thanks! Didn't manage to get a seat in the entertainment area, but we didn't go for that and were happy to have a drink in the tv room. Nice location on the sea front and enjoyed the shopping area close by. All in all had a good time and hopefully will visit a few more Shearings hotels for short breaks!

My wife and i have just returned from 4 nights at the Burlington in Eastbourne,and we had a lovely time.The downstairs we found very nice,clean and bright throughout,from the reception to the bar areas entertainment lounge and dining room.There are 2 lifts although 1 is very small.Upstairs looks a little tired with one or two paches on the carpets and a lick of paint wouldn't be a bad idea but nothing serious.We had a standard room at the rear of the hotel and we were plesantly supprised at the size of both the room and the bathroom.The room was clean well equiped although more drawers would have been nice.The beds were made daily, hospitality tray refreshed and fresh towels when needed.Meal times were flexible, breakfast 8:00 am to 9:30 am, and dinner 6:30 until 8:00 pm.Breakfast was ok with a good choice,and the evening meals we found were first class with again a good choice each evening.The entertainment was not bad,but the bar prices were a little high.
All in all we enjoyed our stay very much and would definitely stay there again

This is an old hotel which is gradually being restored, but in the meantime the standard of cleanliness was good and the daily maintenance couldnt be criticised. The position by the pier was very pleasant and convenient. The staff were foreign, which made things difficult for them, but they were doing there best to be as helpful and as pleasant as could be. The food was varied, well cooked, hot and well presented, both at breakfast and evening meals. The hotel may be lacking in the expected modern facilities of computers, endless tv channels etc, but in my opinion it is a holiday resort for relaxation! The single room I had was adequate for my needs, warm, clean and as much hot water as I needed for a deep bath, so I wasnt too worried that the shower wasnt working. Sometimes there isnt a necessity to complain about the small niggles, when in the main everything else was good. There was a varied entertainment programme, but we chose to go out as we were so close to other facilities in the town. I would say that the food in this hotel was a better standard than other Shearings hotels I have had experience of, and Bruno, our waiter, was very cheerful and helpful at all times. This hotel is certainly value for the money I spent on the trip in general.

just had an eight day holiday, with shearings. our bedroom was super, we were on the first floor overlooking the sea. what a view! the food was really good and always piping hot with plenty of choices. everyone of the staff was most helpful, nothing was too much trouble. we can,t comment on the entertainment, as we went out every night (hotel prices too dear) we have stayed in quite a few shearings hotels but this was by far the best. we shall definitely be back!!!! each and everyone of the staff needs a gold star.

We travelled with Shearings for a week's holiday. Stayed in their other hotel - The Majestic - 3 years ago and was disgusted with it, so decided to try the Burlington. We had room 320 which was on the corner of the building by Harry Ramsdens. The smokers who stand at the entrance give a really bad impression - the hotel should provide somewhere for them which is out of the public view. We paid extra for a sea view and were pleasantly surprised with the room. It had two windows on the sea side and another window on the side overlooking the rest of the Prom. The bathroom was a good size, grotty handbasin, with a window that also overlooked the Prom. The furnishings were the standard Shearings with the old fashioned bedspreads and white sheets which resemble hospital beds. As usual the bedside lampshades were broken. The TV only had 5 channels and was poor reception although the TV in the "TV lounge" (which resembles a very basic coffee bar) had a digital flat screen TV with every channel!! There are two lifts serving the whole building. The smallest only takes 2 with comfort, although is supposed to take 4. The other will take 6, but is supposed to take 8. They caused a real problem at meal times and when the whole coach full returned from a trip out, as nearly all the people staying here are in their 70s and 80s and a lot of them have difficulty walking or use wheelchairs. What would happen if there was a fire and the lifts couldn't be used I dread to think. Some of the people couldn't walk down the stairs and would therefore hold up the able bodied trying to get out of a burning building! All the staff are foreign and have to work very hard. Everyone is packed into the dining room at mealtimes. At the beginning of the week service was very slow between courses, but seemed to improve as the week went on. Some of the staff never smile and practically throw your plate at you. The food resembles school dinners and the portions are never big enough. They serve some of the strangest combinations of potatoes and veg that you have ever seen. The breakfast is the same every day - a selection of cereals and tinned prunes and grapefruit and fruit juices. The cooked breakfast seems to get smaller every time you stay at one of their hotels . With the evening meal you now get 1 slice of a small rubbery french stick. This used to be a warm roll. They are cutting back everyway that they can. The decoration in the corridors of the hotel is terrible. The carpet has strips of tape covering the holes and the wallpaper looks like its been there since the 1970s. All the doors are scuffed and need a coat of paint. The coaching side of the holiday is excellent. Theo was an excellent driver and always in a pleasant chatty mood. The variety show at the Hippodrome is also excellent and well worth going to. We only tried the evening entertainment in the hotel once. It was quite depressing in the entertainment area and the comedian seemed to talk to the guests like they were residents in an old folk's home. The hotel has the best position on Eastbourne's prom and could be made so nice if only Shearings spent some of their profits and improved the food and decoration.

We stayed at this hotel at Easter. As we have travelled with Shearings previously we were aware to book an upgraded bedroom, which was worth the extra charge. The room we were allocated was lovely, spacious, brand new fittings and furnishings and the bathroom was very good, with bath and shower and plenty of room to move about. The food and entertainment were also very good. I would stay at this hotel again but only in an upgraded bedroom.

We have stayed 4 times, the rooms vary a lot, this time we paid extra for an upgraded room and it was worth it,. The location really makes this a great place to stay, if you sleep with the window open you can hear the sea lapping on the beach, We both suffer with bad backs and the beds have always been very comfortable. Meals are a bit rushed the poor staff have to practically run about but the food is good with plenty of choice. There are plenty of nice hotels in Eastbourne, but the Burlington is very good value. don't forget to add the cost of parking to your stay, be careful if you park in the car park because you may get boxed in by inconsiderate drivers.

Thoroughly enjoyed your stay in the Burlington Hotel. The entrance rooms are comfortable, clean and updated (also very warm). The bedroom we were in on the 3rd floor was comfortable and clean, if a little tired looking. Food and service excellent. Well done the Burlington catering for so many guests.

Although in a good location next to pier and shopping , hotel in bad need of refurbishment. If you are booking a stay make sure your room is not behind the lifts or you will get "1st floor doors opening, 2nd floor doors opening" etc most of the night which can be clearly heard when you are trying to sleep. Staff excellent - evening meal average but breakfast good. Mark the entertainments manager was a diamond as was the bar staff.

stayed for 4 nights with Shearings, room lovely paid extra for sea view, newish bathoom, food very good, quite a good choice, well cooked and served, lounge where the entertainment was on was rather cold though, but the hotel generally was warm. Would definitely recommend the Burlington and would stay again.

Just got back from a brilliant weekend at the Birlington. Our room 407 was very impressive and had an excellent view of the pier and sea front. It was clean, warm and very spacious with a newly fitted bathroom. The food was very good, as was the service. We enjoyed the caberet entertainment and of course the all inclusive bar and gala dinner. It was excellent value for money, I dont know how they do it. We will definately go again, there were four in our party and we all equally enjoyed ourselves. If you are going to be picky, the hotel was in need of a bit of a face lift in some parts, but for me it added to the charm and character of the 160 year old beautiful building. Free parking was also an added bonus. I would recommend this hotel and location to my family and friends.

Travelled to this Hotel in January, food is first class ,entertainment is great Mark is a star and sure to get everybody going.Hotel is very clean and our room 310 sea view very spacious and clean. Although the wind can whistle through the windows the curtains are heavy enough to stop it penetrating the room. The room held the heat and we NEVER had the radiator on overnight. Would recomend this hotel

Hotel situated on seafront,close to all amenities, hotel bedroom very draughty,and shabby, no central heating, radiator valves missing to turn heating on. Hotel supplied very small heater which was inadequate for size of room, however good points of visit, the food was excellent, service was very good. Entertainment :, Debbie Lee-James who was excellent , also a male comedian, and a male vocalist made for a good weekend, (shame only very few guests acutally got up to dance). Driver Noel /National hols was superb, driving in extreme adverse weather conditions got us safely to Eastbourne and home again.Come on Burlington update your hotel, !!! I would visit hotel again but would ask for a better room.It did have porterage facility but only if you were a Shearings client- as we were National clients we didnt 'qualify' for this service!!!!!!! and we were told so.

We have stayed extensively with Shearings at various locations including this one on several previous occasions with varying degrees of satisfaction and (with one or two unfortunate exceptions at other locations) have generally got what we've paid for; and really if you want the 4 or 5 star trappings ... then go somewhere else and pay the proper money. We had a 3 night Turkey & Tinsel break 13th Nov. and could not fault this break in any way, it was exactly what we were looking and hoping for and were not disappointed; hotel was tastefully decorated, food was good; well cooked, well prepared and plentiful, staff were pleasant and helpful at all levels, room was clean (and kept clean) and the entertainment package was superb. We particularly enjoyed Mr. Peter Scott-Powel on Saturday, a polished and truly professional performer punching way below his weight in this setting. Entertainment host Alistair did a splendid job and did his very best to accomodate all tastes, particularly enjoyed the little tea-dance on Saturday afternoon, (foul weather outside) what a perfect touch. Fellow guests were pleasant, friendly and all out to enjoy themselves. Well done Shearings, hope you can do it again next year.

We went for a 5 day trip this hotel with Shearings in August. On arrival we were allocated room 427 on the 4th floor - what a disappointment. No way was this a room for a couple to a 3 star standard. I would have rather slept in the reception area than used this room. Dirty carpet, dirty walls, wallpaper peeling off, dirty bathroom, no wardrobe or storage space, broken bed - I went to reception and was given another room on the 3rd floor which was not perfect, but a lot better than 427.
This room is suitable maybe for storage, but should not be given to guests in its current state.
Shearings should either stop allocating this room altogether or spent a lot of time and money on it - even then it would be only suitable for a single person, not a couple.
Otherwise things were okay - food nice, bar prices reasonable, nice staff etc but avoid room 427 at all costs!

Stayed mid july , got a real bargain from a discount site £140 for 5 days half board. Hotel is faded but refurbed rooms are avaliable , we had sea view older style room. Clean enormous , and quiaintly wonderful . Brilliant old fashioned bathroom with very very hot water in large ammounts.
Meals are a bit school dinnerish but in a good way. Lovely lovely staff who dealt with the older age groups with charm and real good manners .
The evening entertainment was enjoyed by the residents ( we only stayed for one event ) but that was fun. Neither I or my husband are in the "target" age group of the hotel but we had a brilliant time . cant rate it highly enough, You wont get a "boutique " experience but it will be fun.
The hotel is directly opposite the pier and really well placed for the town centre , We are already planning our next stay.

We booked a 4 Day weekend break from Yorkshire,and we had a really good weekend. The rooms do need refurbishing but are spotless,we had great heating and very hot water in our single rooms.
It would cost hundeds of thousands of pounds to renovate the whole hotel, and as we only paid £69.00 for the 4 day trip i can't see were they would find all the money.
A superb weekend, many thanks to our coach driver Chris and also Little Lily the best behaved child i have had the pleasure of meeting !!

booked on wed for 3 nights fri,sat and sun. did not realise that it was for shall we say the more mature person. the room was clean and spacious, fantasic view from room 308 over looking the sea front and pier, we paid extra for this and glad we did. shower in room did not work but we lived with that. restaurant was clean and food apertising and served by an enthustic young man, Moses who was charming and took everything in his stride.bar area was also clean but cold as on of revolving doors was missing and as it is no smoking was constanly left open by smokers going out for smoke. only gripe about bar was the fact that the hotel was not full yet there was not enough seating. although we are not teens or even early 20's or 30's we were the youngest couple there and throughly enjoyed are stay, the other guests were fantastic and friendly. we would certaintly return to the Burlington and will return to 'eastbourne as it is a ideal place well situated in a pleasant part of the uk, close to other resorts such as brighton which we visited on the local bus at a reasonable price. all in all the burlington may not be the ritz but it os not fawlty towers either. a great weekend was had and i would like to say thank you to all staff.