we cut short our christmas break at the burlington hotel due to my wife contracting the norovirus bug. when we checked on tripadvisor we found according to previous reviews that the hotel was rife with the norovirus bug. its a pity the hotel had not informed us of the virus as we would have cancelled and avoided a disasterous christmas. room 303 was very cold and the windows were ill fitting and draughty. not the best of rooms to be unwell in.

This was our second Christmas at The Burlington and once again, it was nothing less than FANTASTIC.

The manager (Christine I think) is "top notch", so, led by a good manager, her staff can't do enough for you. All were so friendly and helpful again. The Christmas food / meals were first class and plenty of it too, including chocolates and fruit in the rooms and on reception desk.

Mark, the resident compare, was his usual happy and friendly self, mixing with all the guests. He kept everyone happy with the entertainment and the bingo every evening. Well done Mark.

As for suggestions: definitely more COMFORTABLE seating required in the entrance lobby area (soft chairs/settee), where guests can relax, chat and read newspapers etc. Last year, there was just a couple more comfortable seats, but it's been changed this year and has even fewer comfortable seats. Currently room for only five, with two two seater settees and one chair ! Nowhere near enough ! Also, the conservatories had absolutely no heating in them this year, making it impossible to sit in them !

Other than those two suggestions, I would highly recommend The Burlington. So if you want a good Christmas, with good food, good company and wonderful staff....book The Burlington.

I took a group to this hotel in November, one in a wheelchair, although the hotel was aware we ended up on the 4th floor , narrow corridors, tiny lifts with too many people requiring them.one area on 1st was more like a building site, the meal service was slow due to not enough staff on duty, the one saving grace the entertainment was excellent

had a good time, room comfortable, strong smell of paint as several rooms were being refurbished. meals were plentiful and acceptable for the price paid.
Would visit again.
Have now read the reports on here regarding Norovirus, we experienced nothing of the sort. we were there from November 25th until November 29th, in our experience sanitisors were plainly visible on entry to the hotel and also in the toilets we used. we were a party of 8 adults 6 of whom are retired, we had no problems at all.
All in All a reasonable hotel, staff helpful and polite, car park adjacent at the rear and easily reached, our only complaint is the entertainment area is a poor shape and in parts it is difficult to see and hear performers.

I felt I had to write a positive review after reading all the negative reviews. I visit the Burlington hotel four times a year with my dad, aunt and friend and meet up with other people who we have come to know, we are returning in February and have two other holidays booked . All the staff are great and provide a great service nothing is ever to much trouble. The food is good, the entertainment great, rooms are comfortable too. Its on the seafront in a perfect location. What more could you want ? Don't be put off by other people's reviews people are always quick to point out the negatives, but not to quick to complement. We are all looking forward to our next trip. Keep up the good work !

I have not got enough fingers on my hand twice over to say how many times we have been to the hotel.
We are going again in January 2014 and we will book again when we get there for later in the year.
I can't understand how people can moan as we have had such a nice time there and the staff have been great every time we have been there and the food we find is great. Ok the price of drinks may be high but you are going to get that no matter where you go and if you looking for cheap drinks no.but I can't see how people can moan about the service as we found it was excellent.the rooms were being upgraded and the outside at the front was being painted so this time the view was not as good as in the past.
Nothing will stop us from going there in the future.

hi ,will try again my last review was pending but did not appear, returned 13th dec, hotel shabby, worn stained carpets, bar prices to high, entertainment poor, food o/k rebecca in dining room very good. not to bad for price payed, but a very tired hotel. downside, no one told use about the sickness in the hotel . i collapsed on the coach going home at leic serv's and had to go by ambulance to leic hospital, suffering from violent sickness, it appears another person taken to hospital at next serv's, 2 friends travelling with us have fallen sick, i did not see any measures in hotel to combat this outbreak, have e/mailed shearings and told them about situation, but not had reply, i am concerned about the people that are there now

Thirty of us went for a Friday to Monday break. My room was great but the rest of the party had some dissatisfaction with their rooms. Some were shabby and one had a large wet patch on the ceiling. The food was excellent and the entertainment was very good. Our waiter was rather abrupt, as when my friend came down after us and sat with us in her normal seat; it appeared that he was annoyed as he had to put the cutlery there that he had previously removed.
The big problem we had was the sickness and diarrhea virus that one friend had from Saturday night onwards. The reception staff were very helpful with getting a perscription sorted out but by Monday 6 of us had it and by the Tuesday another 4 of us had it. It was evident form what other guests were saying that a large number of people staying had it.

We were perfectly happy with the Summer Break that we spent here, obviously, as we wouldn't have come back so soon. I mentioned just two things that we thought were missing at the time, 21st Century tv's and a wifi hotspot. 5 months later we were delighted to see that both had arrived. This time we had a Standard Plus room up on the 4th floor. It had been totally redecorated and refurbished, with a new bathroom and suite, furniture, mirrorS, and curtains (red "Velvet", but blackouts!). All the staff were again as pleasant, polite and helpful as before. The food was delicious. You are never going to totally satisfy the tastes of 250 visitors at any one time. Such a shame that those who are happy with it rarely bother to say so, but the odd ones who aren't, speak loudest. I enjoyed two of the Chef's Specials and both were delicious.
So, no complaints at all, and we may well be back next year.

We recently went to this hotel as a party of twelve firstly we were told that we could not park our van as we told there wasent enough space all being carpark was almost empty,on entering hotel were told could book in but could not have key until 2.30 ok that was fine asked if we could get a sandwich sorry was reply only served till 2 but bar was open for a drink.When we finaly got to our room took of our shoes went into bathroom and got soaking wet feet on inspection washhand basin had been previously broken and stuck together with some sort of glue,tap was permently running unable to turn off,informed reception leak was rectified with more glue.food was very average not a lot of festive feel, entertainment was very poor normal bingo,disco and of course the resident tried to entertain as best he could on th whole hotel is very tired floorboards creak,window did not open hardly, room was clean though and bed was comfy, only good thing were the staff very helpful and polite would we go back or recomend this hotel no J/S

Am staying at this hotel on a turkey and tinsel break. My room is lovely. It has been completely refurbished and is clean, light and has a lovely view. The food is excellent value for money and the staff are helpful and friendly. The position of the hotel is great for the shops, the buses and the pier. I have been really impressed with all the changes they have made and would highly recommend this hotel if you are looking for a short break.

I have recently spent 3 nights at the Burlington on a Shearings Turkey & Tinsel weekend with family. I had a very spacious single room which had been refurbished with duvet, matching curtains and bed runner and cushion. Could have done with a better tv but adequate. Food was very good, plenty of choices and afternoon Xmas cake and tea on Saturday with Xmas dinner in the evening, all food hot and fresh and they cater for allergies. Entertainment average but lively! Hotel was clean and comfortable and all staff were very helpful. Excellent value for a hotel on the seafront and only a short walk from the shops

We have just returned from a weekend break and our room and experience was very good. Its a large hotel but the hardworking staff couldn't do enough for us. We did have a radiator that needed bleeding and it was done as promised. They also gave us an oil filled rad to help heat the room as the weather was cold but fortunately sunny for the length of our visit. The room 302 had been recently redecorated and was very spacious. The bathroom does need updating but it was spotlessly clean and you cant ask more than that. The hotel is undergoing updates as I write this and we have booked a sea view room for the air show in August. A mention for Mark the compare in the ballroom, he was very funny with a lovely personality. The background music was a bit too loud for us though but it was a small complaint to a very enjoyable weekend away with friends. The hotel is in a fantastic seafront position and we made use of the excellent buses on the doorstep to visit Brighton for the day. Free if you are of a certain age, £7 return for me.

I took my elderly father away for a weekend tinsel and turkey break to a new hotel which we had not visited previously. Before the holiday I was concerned that the hotel which is huge may not be warm and was also worried about the service. My fears were unfounded, the bedroom and all rooms we visited were warm and the waiter service was excellent. The short break was enhanced by a lovely sunny weekend (on the sunshine coast). The bedroom was very comfortable and the bathroom containing bath and shower were lovely. The food was hot and there was plenty of choice. Each evening there was entertainment provided which enhanced a relaxing and enjoyable short break.

Just returned from a 5 day turkey and tinsel break at the Burlington.
We had a wonderful time.
Room large and warm ok in need of updating but clean and after all its only for sleeping in.
Food hot and plenty to choose from. Waitress always had a smile on her face and was really efficient.
Bar staff worked really hard. Entertainment varied,Mark especially kept everyone entertained.
Tony 'two teds' our driver was excellent and very informative.
Enjoyed it so much we have booked to go back so we can explore more of the area.
Looking forward to our next visit.

My wife and I and 4 friends have just returned from a turkey and tinsel weekend at the Burlington at Eastbourne, organised by Shearings travel who own the hotel. The turkey was the coach travel and the tinsel the hotel!!! The system is to be picked up by feeder coach from your area and taken to the coach station to swap to another coach to Eastbourne, The feeder coach was on time , but main coach was 90 minutes late which delayed everything, after eventually starting off we travelled for only an hour before the driver had to stop at services for 45 miutes because his hours were up! The journey was a nightmare of roadworks and traffic jams (not Shearings fault} before arriving at hotel after 6 hours!! Then things changed for the better, Every thing being pre booked reception was completed very quickly by very pleasant and helpful staff, after a mulled wine reception we went to our rooms where our luggage was out side our rooms.
The rooms were spotlessly clean large and warm, Ok so far although the carpets and décor was a little tired and dated, the hotel is being renovated a little at a time everywhere is clean and tidy.
The food was plentiful and very good, always hot, and we had excellent service off Maria ( thank you Maria) The evening entertainment was Christmas themed and in my opinion was excellent, it was aimed at the guests ( mainly pensioners) so we had a sing song and a very good singer in Billy Miller, Mark Snow the compere and all round entertainer was very good and had us laughing at his one man show. All in all a good weekend, only downside being the weather!! and of course the southern prices in the hotel and surrounding bars and cafes!! I know prices are higher in hotels but why rip people off on everyday things which you can get any where for less than half the price they charge!!

My wife,and I ,and my Brother in law,and my Sister in law, went to stay at the Burlington Hotel on the 7th of October this year,2013, to the 14th.
We travelled with Shearings Holidays ,who own Bay Hotels,
we travelled by car to the Shearings coach station at Warrington,and parked up, and then joined the coach which was taking us down to Eastbourne,
The coach was superb ,and the driver Tony was a joy to travel with, being witty,and chatty,and really made the journey, which is a long one really enjoyable.He was also our driver on the inclusive excursions, which ,include Beachy Head, Hastings,and Brighton,,Battle,Bexhill,etc.
The hotel is huge,and old ,but for all that spotlessly clean, the rooms are big, and comfortable,
The staff are very friendly,and the meals ,very,very good.
The evening entertainment was varied with Bingo starting the proceedings ,we did not partake in this, as we don't enjoy it.
The rest of the entertaiment was very good,
Our driver Tony is first class ,and handled the massive coach through the tight country roads
masterfully.
The weather was mixed , but all ,in all it didn't detract from our enjoyment.
To sum up an excellent mini holiday.

Just returned from a three night stay at this hotel .
Booked thr shearings self drive.
We have stayed in lots of shearings hotels before as they offer great value for money when exploring with friends.
This time all five of us in 50s voted this as the best so far.
Beautiful and clean, warm everywhere and great staff, nothing was ever a problem.
Entertainment was enjoyed by a packed audience something for all ages.
Our room overlooking the sea was large not refurbished like other rooms in our group but towels sheets pure white and plenty of tea/coffee available a bonus at this price.
Hot water all day long, coffee bar/bar affordable for all.
Meal times a great choice but some staff try to rush you a quite word helps.
Amazing value for money will be returning with friends as so easy to get out and about even without a car as buses stop outside the door.
Pleasantly surprised with Eastbourne.
Do book car park space well worth it.

Hotel was clean and room very nice (tv was rubbish could not get picture)
Food was okay but did not feel there was enough choice. What really let the burlington down was the scaffolding outside the window and the paint fumes from the works being carried out (I am an asthma sufferer and this was not pleasant) My mother paid extra for the sea view and the building repairs were not mentioned on the website.

Just back from this hotel had a long weekend break with national holidays,rooms large food good very nice hotel. My only complaint was I had to pay an extra £30 for a sea view room as that was all that was left but our sea view room was covered with scaffolding as the outside was getting painted and when we were in our room during the day or getting ready to go out we had to keep the curtains closed as there were workmen all about.

Four of us had very pleasant stay food was thebest we have had at a shearings hotel served by pleasant waitress bedrooms need painting and new carpets wallace arnold carpets are well passed best we enjoyed entertainment and all agreed it was very good value thankyou for a lovely stay we hope to return

A cheap 3-night weekend away where we got what we paid for. Hotel right on the sea front near the pier, traffic noise acceptable. Room large, clean and reasonably comfortable with sufficient furniture but poor TV [didn't bother me but wife less happy]. Breakfast ok, dinner was set meal and very school dinnerish but then we only paid £37 per night per person D,B & B so couldn't expect much more. There was evening entertainment i.e bingo and "cabaret" every night which we didn't go to. Staff cheerful and friendly but needed more table waiters as they were rushed off their feet at meal times as everybody came to dinner at 6.30pm! Location made the hotel easy to access the long, flat promenade walk to the cliffs near Beachy Head and access to shopping in the town centre. Bus stop on opposite side of the road by the pier.

Wife (79) and self (83) stayed at the Burlington from 11 to 14 October 2013, we like Eastbourne and chose the Bay Hotel's Burlington for its position, price and reputation. Our receptiuon was excellent, seafront twin room (I had upgraded from Standard to Superior room and sea-facing, at extra cost, but still good value. Room well-equipped and bathroom very new. Both wanted a shower after our car journey but could not regulate water temperature. Cold day and the radiator would not get hot. Switched on the new TV which ahd Freeview but BBC 1 & 2 both cut out after a few seonds. Rang reception to report all this and was told that maintenance would look after problems.No reaction after a few hours so rang reception again- they arrived with a portable oil-filled heater and the room warmed up. Saturday we returned from shopping at mid-day, Radiator fixed, room warm. Problerm with water and TV remained. Rang reception who said that maintenance had it in hand and would fix it, I queried when and was told 'As soon as possible' I insisted on some action and maintenance arrived soon after - demonsatrated that the LH tap was for water and RH device (matched the tap!) was a thermostat, 'by law' but the symbol was out of sight underneath. Told me that the radiator had needed the lockshield valve opening and needed bleeding. Showed me that the TV needed an analogue signal and the Freeview needed Digital - both available fron 'Source' on the remote. Now, apart from a terrible draught (wind in the south) from one sash window which had onlya weight cord on one side and closed lopsided, all was working! My main grouse is that none of the foregoing problems would have needed intervention if simple instructions had been left in the room, or advice beenn forthcoming from reception when i complained. I had read all the information in the room folder. My lkast complaint was that when I asked about Wi-Fi at reception, I was told only on the ground floor ans that I had to set up 'Cloud' on my iPad - fortunately a boffin was available at reception who got me logged on; again, no information in the room.I accept thet the majority of guests are aged but wee are not morons and can read (if instructiuoins are available), Facilities are there to be used, not complained about!
In spite of my moans, the meals are first-class and our waiter Bruno really brightened our days. Apart from being poorly trained./advised, staff are excellent.
Would I stay again? We will probably try someoither chain.

We used this hotel as a base for three nights to meet up with friends who live in Eastbourne at a very reasonable price, travelling with National Holidays.

First impressions thIs hotel would have been very grand in its day and still very nice. The bar area is lovely and the bar staff very efficient and friendly, which accounts for all the staff.

Our room was nice, a little tired but extremely clean and the housekeeping was excellent.

The restaurant was lovely and again all the staff efficient and extremely pleasant. The food was of a good standard and the best I have encountered in a hotel of this category in the United Kingdom, a good chef. We are well travelled and stay in four and five star hotels around the world.

If in the area again, I would have/no hesitation in staying here again.

4 days / 3 nights BB & EM with National Holidays from the North East, on arrival we were greeted on the bus and the meal times confirmed , room allocation was quick, we had a sea view twin room on 1st floor room 106 massive room with great view of the sea and pier just across the road. The room was ok decor wise, but needs a little touch up, loads of hot water, meals ok and the service very good, some guests were a bit impatient as to getting their meals served quickly but didn't think to allow for the fact some of the waiters were still training as stated on their name tags , one guest sort out the head waiter to express his dissatisfaction to the time waiting when the lad was trying his best, Some people have no consideration. As stated Mark head of Entertainment works his socks off doing the Bingo, Quiz, Dancing and always had time to chat to the guests. bar prices are a bit expensive but we are used to Wetherspoons competive prices but it didn't stop us having a few and we were normally the last couple out of the bar, my only criticism was the inconsiderate guests who decided to smoke at the entrance to the Hotel not even bothering to go down the couple of steps to stand to the left or right of the hotel main entrance even though it had a big sign NO Smoking .My partner smokes but she always moved well away to the side or even went to the corner of the road opposite Harry Ramsdens. All in all a nice hotel with very friendly competent staff.