The Grand Hotel Eastbourne
Latest Reviews
Having stayed at this hotel previously myself and my husband decided to spend a few days in Eastbourne (27th to 30th September). From arrival at this 5* hotel we found our parking space clearly defined by our name on a board. We were met at the entrance by the concierge Simon who was most helpful and courteous and who then transported our luggage to our room. Once in our hotel room he placed our coats, cardigans, etc, on hangers in our wardrobe. Prior to arriving at our room the booking in process went smoothly and indeed the booking in clerk was most polite and helpful. Our room was spacious and had a lovely soft bed and lovely bathroom. The hotel has a lovely charm about it. Breakfasts were faultless too and a vast selection to cater for everyone. Our stay was most enjoyable and we will be back again next year.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very convenient location. Good choice of restaurants nearby. Friendly and efficient staff.
Source: expedia.co.uk
The stay we had was wonderful and pleasant. Great interiors and swimming pool. Staff was excellent.
I was only let down as they didn't have variety in breakfast.
I was only let down as they didn't have variety in breakfast.
Source: expedia.co.uk
..well it’s Grand by name and by nature. If you’re expecting over the top decor and gold gilded tacky decor at every turn this isn’t that type of Grand but it is the people who work there, the level of detail and the location that make this a wonderful overall experience. We were greated so well from the moment we stepped out of the car. Nothing was ever too much trouble. The food is delicious and give generous portions of everything! The fast room service was great, when we wanted thicker pillows it was 3 mins after we got to our room that they were delivered. Parking is tricky because space is limited but if you have a little patience they’ll make sure you have a space everytime. The only mark against was our bed was too soft for us but to be fair that is a personal preference and it was just getting used to a different bed. Given help with places to visit and a map of the area upon arrival. Loved it! Amazing, will go again!
Source: expedia.co.uk
The last time I stayed at the hotel was about 27 years ago (as a child) so I thought it was about time to return, this time bringing my kids!
Four of us stayed two nights over the August bank holiday weekend when the weather was gorgeous, which meant most of our time was spent around the outdoor pool. Whilst the pool was very pleasant, the general lack of pool seating was a bit of a problem and should be improved.
The junior suite accommodated all four of us and it was nice that the kids both got their own bed rather than having to share a sofa bed, which is the usual family option at other hotels. Although room was categorised as an inland view, from the bay window we could see the sea. The kids liked the perks and associated with the 'Junior Crew' package. They spent a few hours in the kids clubs and enjoyed what it had to offer.
We ate dinner in the hotel both nights which worked well, especially the family dining option.
We loved the fact that the hotel holds on to its traditional roots, even down to the uniform worn by the housekeeping staff.
All staff were friendly.
Although a positive review, I felt that breakfast was a let down for this calibre of hotel. I travel a lot and when compared to other luxury hotels, there just wasn't the range of breakfast items on offer. Too often, which felt the case here, hotels focus on the cooked breakfast items. I remember Tylney Hall and Ashdown Park (part of the same group) offering better.
We would return and hopefully without such a long gaps between visits!
Four of us stayed two nights over the August bank holiday weekend when the weather was gorgeous, which meant most of our time was spent around the outdoor pool. Whilst the pool was very pleasant, the general lack of pool seating was a bit of a problem and should be improved.
The junior suite accommodated all four of us and it was nice that the kids both got their own bed rather than having to share a sofa bed, which is the usual family option at other hotels. Although room was categorised as an inland view, from the bay window we could see the sea. The kids liked the perks and associated with the 'Junior Crew' package. They spent a few hours in the kids clubs and enjoyed what it had to offer.
We ate dinner in the hotel both nights which worked well, especially the family dining option.
We loved the fact that the hotel holds on to its traditional roots, even down to the uniform worn by the housekeeping staff.
All staff were friendly.
Although a positive review, I felt that breakfast was a let down for this calibre of hotel. I travel a lot and when compared to other luxury hotels, there just wasn't the range of breakfast items on offer. Too often, which felt the case here, hotels focus on the cooked breakfast items. I remember Tylney Hall and Ashdown Park (part of the same group) offering better.
We would return and hopefully without such a long gaps between visits!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely day! It was for my wife's birthday. Very pleasant! Make sure you sit in the main hall not the dining room as the setting is spectacular. Food is very nice and they have a wide selection of teas. We followed it by a drink in the bar - very nice.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The hotel was superb, it was very clean and comfortable. The service was first class and the food was excellent . I have often stay at this hotel as I know what to expect, no hidden surprises - everything is always 100%
Source: expedia.co.uk
Being too late for lunch in the dining room the kindly doorman offered lunch 🍴 in the lounge. A delicious light lunch was served with suitable linen and accoutrements by discrete and charming staff. Sunday papers provided and comfortable furniture to relax in and enjoy old school ambiance
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Well not a real boxer, it was a lovely dog. We also met a poodle that had just flown to Gatwick from Canada and the people were really nice. Why am I telling you all this? Well, the Grand takes dogs (accompanied by responsible adults). My wife and I had booked a weeks holiday and the hotel upgraded us to a sea view suit The staff here are excellent and really go the extra mile to look after guests. I know it's five star and you would expect good service but it's a real pleasure staying here. The hotel car park is well managed and we have always found a space. If you want to experience a bit of old world charm and meet some nice dogs in the lift, it's just the place for you. By the way, they do a nice afternoon cream tea if you are not worried about a few extra inches on the old waist. Just let your belt out a few more notches!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Stayed here for 2 nights after our wedding as it was the first place we had stayed as a couple 7 years ago. Although nice, our deluxe sea-view room was nothing special and not very large (not as large as the one we had 7 years ago!). Staff were all very polite and helpful but the service at breakfast was slow. The toast on both days was cold and the tea stewed when it eventually arrived, the rest of the breakfast food was quite tasty with a good variety. The evening meal was fantastic and the service good. I'm not sure I'd come here again, I was hoping to feel special but left feeling anonymous and invisible (from the hotel staff, not my lovely new husband!)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a fantastic all round hotel. Service amazing and extremely spacious, clean and comfortable. I absolutely recommend it unreservedly. Molton Brown products an absolute bonus.
Source: expedia.co.uk
We spent one night in this hotel. We are a family with two kids, aged 9 and 10. The hotel is dated but this is the very essence of it. We liked its style, probably not changed much in the last 50 yrs. The bathroom was in good condition and dated, I think it needs an update... this is the only part of a room that has to be very modern! Shame that the creche which was advertised on the website was closed. We would have appreciated a call from the hotel, we were hoping to have spa treatments for my bday and we couldn't for this reason!! We had booked a room with a sea view, but this got changed for an upgrade to inland junior suite but no sea view. This was very disappointing, we ended up in a large room with living room but with 2 tiny windows! Nothing like the pics in the website. My husband was disappointed because he wanted the weekend to be perfect and within 30 minutes from arrival no sea view and no creche. The service is EXCELLENT. This basically saved the weekend. The staff managed to find a place at the mirabelle restaurant where we were treated really well. Even the kids were treated like prince and princess... a bit like in a show, the waiters were lovely. When we got to the room they got warm milk and cookies!the small slippers and the small robes. They travel a lot but i think they will remember this hotel for ever! Such a shame for the room though. I wish we had had one like in the pics.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have stayed here several times and love it. The food wherever you eat in the hotel is first class. The staff are exceptional ; nothing is too much trouble. The public areas are beautifully kept and luxurious. Our only negatives are that the guest rooms are becoming a little tired - the carpet in our room was worn and threadbare in places. Shabby chic? However we overlooked that because of the overall charm of the room. Another comment is that the dress code in the restaurants is not enforced. Some very scruffy characters were eating in the mirabelle (no jacket or tie) and a weird couple turned up for breakfast in such a scruffy state (ripped jeans and coat and scarf + baseball caps kept on all throughout breakfast despite the warmth of the room). Several older couples were upset over that. This is a 5*hotel - dress should be appropriate. I know it is awkward to refuse someone entry to a restaurant but there are signs up stating the dress code. Other than that we will return as we feel pampered and relaxed there and we dress appropriately!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We came back here for a three night break. We were allocated the suite we had booked. Check in was very smooth with the concierge parking our car and taking our luggage to the room effortlessly. Staff throughout the hotel are helpful, efficient and pleasant.
The suite has been recently tastefully re-decorated . The balcony overlooking the sea was large with a table and chairs and a lounger. One TV in the bedroom and one in the sitting room. There is a dining table and chairs in the sitting room for room service meals. Everything was very clean with fresh flowers on the table. water and fruit. Water is replaced twice a day. The turn down service is great where they wash up the cups and tidy up the room. The four poster bed was very comfortable with excellent pillows. The room was cleaned well each day . There is a complimentary newspaper delivered each morning.
The bathroom is large and has Molton Brown shampoo etc which I like. My only dislike is the shower curtain over the bath which is one of my pet hates. The towels are large and fluffy.
Breakfast is of a high standard with a buffet but also the option to order hot food freshly cooked.
We ate in the Garden restaurant and the food and service were very good. Afternoon tea is a must with a selection of sandwiches, cakes, scones and tea or coffee. This was the only part where the service was a bit slow.
I think this is my favourite hotel in the UK.
The suite has been recently tastefully re-decorated . The balcony overlooking the sea was large with a table and chairs and a lounger. One TV in the bedroom and one in the sitting room. There is a dining table and chairs in the sitting room for room service meals. Everything was very clean with fresh flowers on the table. water and fruit. Water is replaced twice a day. The turn down service is great where they wash up the cups and tidy up the room. The four poster bed was very comfortable with excellent pillows. The room was cleaned well each day . There is a complimentary newspaper delivered each morning.
The bathroom is large and has Molton Brown shampoo etc which I like. My only dislike is the shower curtain over the bath which is one of my pet hates. The towels are large and fluffy.
Breakfast is of a high standard with a buffet but also the option to order hot food freshly cooked.
We ate in the Garden restaurant and the food and service were very good. Afternoon tea is a must with a selection of sandwiches, cakes, scones and tea or coffee. This was the only part where the service was a bit slow.
I think this is my favourite hotel in the UK.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Having reported a very poor experience in the restaurant a few weeks ago we were treated to a wedding anniversary tea in the great hall. A much improved occasion. Service was good and the delicate sandwiches and scones/butter/preserve/clotted cream were very tasty. The pastries, however, were a little on the sweet side but All in all a pleasurable afternoon.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My husband and I have just returned from a lovely 3 day stay at the Grand.
Having been here many times, before we do feel its actually improved.
The staff are brilliant...from Chris and Gary in Concierge to Emma on reception...to a fantastic room service lady who's name I can't remember but was most obliging for all the milk jugs we requested for tea in the room!!
A special mention for Elena in the Garden Restaurant...she knows her stuff and was excellent ..as was the Restaurant Manager.
The Grand is a " grand old hotel" and yes some of the rooms are a tad dated,but I'd suggest spoil yourself and upgrade to a seaview suite...fab.
Thanks to everyone for making our visit so special on what was a special anniversary.
See you again soon
James & Angela
Having been here many times, before we do feel its actually improved.
The staff are brilliant...from Chris and Gary in Concierge to Emma on reception...to a fantastic room service lady who's name I can't remember but was most obliging for all the milk jugs we requested for tea in the room!!
A special mention for Elena in the Garden Restaurant...she knows her stuff and was excellent ..as was the Restaurant Manager.
The Grand is a " grand old hotel" and yes some of the rooms are a tad dated,but I'd suggest spoil yourself and upgrade to a seaview suite...fab.
Thanks to everyone for making our visit so special on what was a special anniversary.
See you again soon
James & Angela
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Enjoyable but expensive
We were fortunate that we had nice weather, so we were able to sit outside on the veranda to enjoy afternoon tea. We had pre-booked, but that seemed unnecessary, given the number of clientele present, although in the high season this would potentially be a wise precaution.
It was quite expensive as afternoon teas go, at nearly £30 a head, but the sandwiches were freshly made, and scones, clotted cream and jam were delicious.
The selection of cakes and tartlets were also varied and tasty.
Service, for the most part, was attentive and friendly, although I would have expected perfection with a 5* hotel.
The ambience might be a little 'stuffy' for some, especially inside, but outdoors it was more relaxed.
Parking was a bit of an issue, as empty places out the front of the hotel had all been reserved for arriving guests later that day, and if parking on the road directly outside, there is a charge.
A nice place to experience a typical English tradition, albeit expensive ...
We were fortunate that we had nice weather, so we were able to sit outside on the veranda to enjoy afternoon tea. We had pre-booked, but that seemed unnecessary, given the number of clientele present, although in the high season this would potentially be a wise precaution.
It was quite expensive as afternoon teas go, at nearly £30 a head, but the sandwiches were freshly made, and scones, clotted cream and jam were delicious.
The selection of cakes and tartlets were also varied and tasty.
Service, for the most part, was attentive and friendly, although I would have expected perfection with a 5* hotel.
The ambience might be a little 'stuffy' for some, especially inside, but outdoors it was more relaxed.
Parking was a bit of an issue, as empty places out the front of the hotel had all been reserved for arriving guests later that day, and if parking on the road directly outside, there is a charge.
A nice place to experience a typical English tradition, albeit expensive ...
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had a wonderful family Sunday lunch celebrating a Golden Wedding anniversary at The Garden Restaurant from driving in and having the car parked for us, to having pre lunch drinks in a comfortable lounge we felt spoilt and special. Our lunch order was taken while indulging in the snacks placed before us, the starters were all delicious as was the main courses of roast beef and chicken with Madeira sauce. The sweet trolley looked very enticing and the profiteroles, cheese plate, cheese cake and chocolate torte were all very good, although the chocolate torte was very rich and couldn't be finished. A lovely touch of Happy Anniversary written on the top of the plate in chocolate was a very thoughtful thing to do. All the staff we encountered were excellent, parking the car, pouring the beer, taking our orders for lunch to service, couldn't fault anything. Would definitely return in the future. An alround wonderful experience for a special occasion.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
After we had parked and walked into the hotel I wanted to laugh. I didn't realise hotels like this still existed. The staff were very welcoming and very efficient throughout our stay. Lovely large rooms and high ceilings but definitely in need of an upgrade as the interior is very dated and tired. The lighting in the bedroom was not conducive to reading, neither in the armchair nor in bed. Lots of cupboard and drawer space. Lovely view. The bar staff were excellent and the dinner was good but definitely not top class. Breakfast was a bit disappointing - sliced bread is a bit passe. Most places now have artisan bread? The mushrooms were steamed but the scrambled egg was okay. Beautiful large dining room which was very busy for a Monday morning. The old-fashioned atmosphere was rather nice and brought back memories of my childhood.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Daughter invited us to afternoon tea with brother and wife visiting from US.
Sons wife suitably impressed with decor, service and food.
I did have trouble trying to attract waitresses attention for more coffee. Think it may have been where we were seated in the room by the bar.
However, this was my second 'tea' here, both as a guest so can't comment on value for money.
Overall very nice.
Sons wife suitably impressed with decor, service and food.
I did have trouble trying to attract waitresses attention for more coffee. Think it may have been where we were seated in the room by the bar.
However, this was my second 'tea' here, both as a guest so can't comment on value for money.
Overall very nice.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The hotel is lovely we stayed over the august bank holiday. Room nice but only a double bed. The photos on all the websites show a larger room. The service on the whole is good. The only big let down was the breakfast I think they had problem coping with the number of people, but I don't think it should be my problem. 2 days running they had virtually nothing in the self service,I did complain twice. This hotel prides it self on 5 star but been to basic bed and breakfast with better breakfast. Nice outside and inside pools and plenty of nice areas to have afternoon tea.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Stayed for 1 night as visiting family. Staff were very friendly room was clean and bed comfortable. Would definately stay again beautiful decor throughout hotel.
Source: expedia.co.uk
....and it is truly grand! My husband and I stayed for 1 night having finished walking the South Downs Way and loved its' old style seaside grandeur. The room and bathroom was immaculate and beautifully furnished. We ate in the Garden restaurant and both had lamb which was perfectly cooked and served in 'old colonial style' with silver platters and attentive waiters - what a treat! All the staff were extremely helpful and friendly - as we were walking although we had brought with us some smart clothes, my husband had not brought a tie or jacket - this is preferred in the restaurant. Breakfast was buffet style or you could order from the kitchen. Wonderful experience and we will be returning.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very helpful staff. Sat in the Great Hall a full gluten-free afternoon tea for one friend and a vegetarian for another. All delicious and beautifully served. Light piano music in the background plenty of cake and cream. Very enjoyable.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Made a very special stay even more beautiful
Source: expedia.co.uk
