Generally extremely good. Birthday dinner for 15 was simple and professionally served. Food all came out at the same time and was lovely and hot.

Tea was a little odd with a rather non traditional menu offering jam sandwiches accompanied with cold mushroom soup. Not the best combination. The tea was also not served as hot as it should have been. A warmed pot would have made all the difference.

Cream tea afternoon followed by a swim. Fantastic meal and spent the night in a junior suite and breakfast this morning.

Check in was smooth and without issue.

Cream tea was ok but nothing fancy (definitely not Fortnum and Masons) however the service was good and the hotel very busy due to it being Mother's Day.

Pool was ok but very cloudy water made swimming rather difficult. Very small in size but the changing facilities were good, take a £ for the locker.

Dinner in the garden restaurant was delicious although the service was rather slow (and the restaurant rather empty) however the meal was interspersed nicely with pallet cleansers, a very nice touch.

The room was large and the bathroom very large. On the whole the hotel requires an overhaul esp the bathrooms which sadly have showers over the bath. Bedding etc were very good quality and thankfully the windows opened as the entire hotel is boiling hot.

Breakfast was the only disappointment with my poached eggs taking so long to arrive that the rest of my buffet breakfast was nearly finished.

The reason for four stars instead of five is based not on the hotel but on its clientele. Sadly at breakfast we witnessed clients clicking their fingers to gain the attention of staff and speak in raised voices in what can only be described as deeply racist remarks about the heritage of the waiter.I appreciate this is a traditional hotel and money speaks however this horrible couple should have been thrown out and banned. Such a shame to have to experience the class system up and running at its very worst.

Stayed at the Grand hotel in Eastbourne after a function within the hotel. The main rooms of the hotel are sumptuously furnished as you'd expect for a 5* hotel, likewise the drinks are 5* hotel priced (London excepted!) Furniture is well worn but it does fit in with the bygone age of 'elegant Eastbourne'. The hotel room we had was large, bathroom was extremely nice, lots of marble. The bedroom though - carpet had seen better days and the furniture was again well worn. The bed was quite the worst I have slept in for a good many a year. Travelodge or Premier Inn beds are much superior. Perhaps the hotel is due a refit, if it isn't in the plan then it should be. The hotel and grounds are excellent but the fixtures and fittings do need some modernisation. We had breakfast booked but because we had had that bad a nights sleep we checked out and drove home before breakfast was even open. Didn't use the facilities so cannot comment. Would I stay here again, I doubt it especially if I'm paying, you can find equal for £30 night and better for £50-60, to me the hotel isn't worth £150 per night. Maybe we had a bad room - I don't know.

stayed in good sized room, with side sea view. No fridge but had one delivered which whilst small served purpose. Book evening meal externally so only had breakfast. This was fine and service good. The drinks are pricey but as you would expect for a 5 star. The hotel has changed little since my last visit 32 years ago. I would expect this is the best hotel in Eastbourne and does tick all boxes. I would recommend this hotel. The health spa a little basic but pool is a good size.

We booked into the Grand for a overnight stay as a treat as we regularly stay in Eastbourne to visit family and I had never stayed at the Grand.

We booked via Small Luxury Hotels of the world for Dinner Bed & Breakfast and thanks to booking with them them we received an upgrade on arrival.

The staff were all very nice and the room was nice a little disappointing that there were no bathrobes. We went down to use the pool which was a good size for a hotel leisure pool, the steam room was very good but the Jacuzzi was very poor, the sauna was single sex so not able to enjoy together.

We booked to have dinner in the Mirabelle restaurant based on the reviews we had read, the ambiance was very nice and the staff very attentive but the food was very definitely nothing more than ok. the fact that the food was delivered very quickly after ordering indicated that it was mostly pre-prepared, it was lacking in flavour and the vegetables to accompany my lamb main course were overcooked. The saving grace was the cheeseboard which was excellent (no cooking involved) even my licquor coffee was lacking in coffee taste along with the smallest serving of Amaretto my partner has ever been served and the most expensive.

Breakfast was again nothing more than average, left under heating lamps I ordered a poached egg which was overcooked the bacon had spent too long under the lights and was again overcooked.

Overall the experience was not what I had expected and been so looking forward to, I will in future return to our tried and trusted hotel at a third of the price on our family visits. The wifi although free was very slow.

4th March A gift from my sons ...highly recommended. A wonderful hot stone massage ….amazing ! Really helped my shoulders unknot! Parked easily on hotel front ....If you have the time why not stay for a coffee/ refreshments on the sun terrace or lounge.

We visited Eastbourne to attend a friend's wedding which coincided with a birthday for one of us; so a good reason to push the boat out and enjoy an expensive 3 night weekend at The Grand.
The public spaces are large and well proportioned and the bedrooms are comfortable and well equipped (see further comment below). The health spa, pool and steam room etc, was also a bonus.
From arrival to departure the staff were fantastic and looked after us extremely well; a constantly high level of discrete attention is assured at all times (this is of course the primary criteria in ranking any hotel). For example on the Friday evening I left my spectacles in our room and realised that I would struggle to read the menu at my birthday dinner in their attractive Garden restaurant so I mentioned this to the concierge who promptly arranged for someone to recover my glasses from our room and deliver them to me at the bar.
We are not difficult guests for a hotel but we are a little particular; the reason we haven't awarded them 5 stars (it would deserve 5 stars except for the 2 minor gripes which I will mention), for example firstly the wifi wasn't working at all in our room and when I mentioned this at reception they said that they would fix it while we were out. Upon return I asked and was told that it had been fixed but when we returned to our room it was still the same, the signal was non-existent. So we complained again and to their credit they room-moved us to a higher grade room but in all honesty the signal there was poor as well. Secondly, we enjoy Lapsang Souchong tea with breakfast and were told that they had it but once ordered this took a good while to arrive (over 30 mins on the second morning) at our table. It made us suspect that they had actually sent someone out to buy it for us which, again in fairness, would mean that their commitment to us was very high. But if not then it was just very slow service.
However, despite those two minor gripes the hotel clearly deserves a 'big tick' for the comfort and high levels of service we enjoyed during our Thursday to Sunday stay. It wasn't cheap at almost £200 per night plus expenses but the hotel most certainly gave us a memorable time and we recommend it to anyone who wants to enjoy the well recognised and old fashioned high standards of an English quality seaside hotel.
Save up and go there if you wish to mark an important event in your life.

The reservation for the seven of us was made by telephone with a charming and helpful lady called Luigina. During the conversation I mentioned that we were visiting Eastbourne to celebrate my wife's birthday. From the moment we arrived at the hotel we were made to feel really welcome by the Concierge team and at Reception my wife was given a birthday card. The bedrooms we were allotted were all excellent and my wife loved the Master Suite which was superb and recently refurbished. Although the hotel is undergoing much renovation work over the next couple of years this did not impinge on our enjoyment. The public rooms are very elegant and the family enjoyed the indoor pool and the Spa facilities. The Sunday lunch was beautifully cooked and presented and the piano accompaniment was appreciated. The Hotel is in an excellent location and parking on site wasn't a problem. We look forward to returning in the future.

Came down to the Grand for the weekend. The room that I had was absolutely fantastic with a lovely sea view, nice, and spacious to. The room was so quiet. There was a poor little dog barking in the next room and it was not until I opened the door that I heard him. Emily and Lotte in the bar were fantastic again they both remembered what I like from the last time I was there, also the new Maitre’d that had come from the Cavendish Hotel remembered me (I never did know his name) and what I like even though I had not seen him for a few months. Will defiantly be going back

There is nowhere else in the UK quite like the Grand, and we have been back here many times. This time we had a lovely, refurbished room which was much more up to date than usual. Service is as always excellent and the staff are extremely well trained, as one would expect since this is all extremely expensive.
The spa is good, though this particular weekend it was extremely crowded with a (nice!) hen party. The bar is excellent, there is a band playing at the weekends with opportunity for dancing, a pianist in the restaurant etc etc. All very lovely!
My only slight complaint is that I wish the Grand would get a bit more on board with modern dietary requirements; there is no soya milk, yoghurt, or non-dairy margarine around, and the vegetarian menu is fine but not the greatest or most imaginative for vegans even though I had made my request in writing well in advance. So I would love it if someone in the kitchen could have a think about all that!
Other than that, we'll be back as we often are......

Called in for Sunday lunch. No booking - so we could only sit in the restaurant much later on.
So we had a lounge lunch.

Mushroom soup and a club sandwich.
All top class and service excellent.
Not the cheapest but still good value for the entire experience.

Excellent food beautifully presented with first class service.
We had 3 courses for about £26 on the set menu. There were 4 or 5 choices within each course and the food was delicious. We felt it was very good value for the quality of the meal. The drinks do of course increase the cost but as a relaxed meal with friends this was the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
We had coffee and chocs after the meal and were not rushed at all. The bar, restaurant and public areas we saw in the hotel are all tastefully decorated and beautifully kept.
Highly recommend.

Just returned from a night stay in this historic hotel.

We went straight to the pool and sauna area everything seemed perfect to me - service excellent towels provided.

We then took in some afternoon cocktails - expensive but of the highest quality and nibbles readily filled up and I am talking top class olives and nuts.

Dinner and breakfast were taken in the garden restaurant and all in all everything was just about perfect. Price again the only thing you might question. But then when you looked around the dining room the decor was spectacular and that all needs paying for.

The one let down for me was the decor in the common parts and the room that I stayed in - I felt for the money being charged perfection is required. It wasn't perfect it needed decorating and new carpets were required.

All in all a thoroughly enjoyable experience and one I'd be happy to revisit again soon. Victorian style hotels like this should continue to provide us with a feel of times gone by.

We had been doing quite a lot of driving Last Thursday,a hospital visit to Maidstone and got lost at one point so we were nearly home.(Hastings).In need of a cuppa and the loo we turned into the Grand. My partner said I wonder what the Concierge will make of my old Daggenham Dustbin ? ( old Ford).And our casual clothes.,We are usually better turned out.And a bit embarassed by our attire Not a flicker of snottiness from the Concierge, Nice Man, a warm welcome of good afternoon Sir and Madam and would we like afternoon tea ? We were shown into the front Lounge and very quickly the staff laid the coffee table with a linen cloth and Napkins followed swiftly with Tea and scones, Jam and clotted cream.Much needed and to do it in style is a great treat for us and a pick me up for me as Ive been through the wars with face surgery recently and more to come.Everyone made us feel like Royalty and we will be back soon.Many thanks to all.

My family and I came here as a family member of our turned 70 and had paid for all the family to come down for a lovely meal and see each other again. Our family was huge and the staff were very friendly and helpful. The food was amazing I had no complaints about anything it all tasted amazing. The table was nicely set and we had lovely flowers in the middle of the table. The toilets were clean and tidy and we had everything we needed. Would definitely come here again!

I have pointed out the bad bits first! Do read until the end! Upon arriving it was suggested I carry my suitcase up the stairs - I asked for the concierge and he was very helpful. The room - deluxe, was spacious with a corner view of the sea front. All the bed sheets were soft and sheer. The bathroom was nothing special, and if you are not careful the top window is not frosted and the top rooms of the buildings opposite can see down into the bathroom in certain places.
I found the hotel in places not up to scratch for a 5 star. Electric leads blaring trailing on the walls and not hidden behind furniture, bits of chipped wood, wallpaper nicked, and light wooden furniture - not solid wood, perhaps plywood, and dusty pink carpet needed updating, no cushions on the armchairs. Odd things nothing 'big; or obvious but there if noticed. Also - the pillows were too soft - like putting your head into a flour pot - which some people might like. I left a note for them to be replaced with a firm pillow but it did not happen. So did not sleep as well as I could have. It was very quiet and solid walls.
Finally dinner in the Garden restaurant was disappointing - stringy beans, a grey lump of fennel, although the fish was superb - presentation was very poor as well. The fruit was not ripe enough to eat. I was surprised by the breakfast - a help yourself buffet - which I have never experienced in a 4 or 5 star hotel before. A few things can be freshly cooked if requested. I have had better and more varied choice selections. Worse - sliced bread for toast - not special or homemade breads, and the tiny glass pots of jams - not homemade marmalade etc. that I've had at other 4-5 star hotels.
Nevertheless, praise where due,the hallways,the ceilings, staff uniforms, general decor, were opulent and grand indeed. Lots of graceful places, halls, and stairs. People were polite, and easy and relaxed of course, so a nice atmosphere to relax. It is dog-friendly apparently.
The best part about the place was the staff - friendly, helpful, professional, and seemed to enjoy their work, very attentive to guests. I can't praise the staff enough especially in the Garden restaurant, and the bar/tea lounge. Reception was a rush out with no 'how was your stay' and brusque, other receptionists were helpful and friendly.. That did not matter as I intended to write it here! So in a 5 star the attention is really to detail, which was lacking in this hotel. However, I recommend it, for the experience, the chance to relax, and as a great place in a great location.

Took advantage of their 2 nights for 1 B & B offer which was excellent value. Dined in restaurant on the Friday night and the service and food was superb. Nice ambiance and surroundings.
Will definitely stay again when we need to be in Eastbourne

The staff were very attentive and kind at all times

We spent a weekend break here .It was sheer luxury as one would expect.Attentive staff and delicious food.We always are aware that the most important thing for a hotel is reception and the Grand is no exception, We were greeted by Emma who is most charming and polite, an asset to the hotel.The porters were a delight and the restaurant was an event.Luxurious bedrooms a joy to behold.

We had a wonderful night. Hotel luxurious with an elegant sophisticated charm to it. Very good service. Ate in the Mirabelle Restaurant- superb!!! Ambience, food and very attentive but discreet service. Restaurant Manager and staff first class!! Thank you very much for making it such a special evening!

Service is superb - room clean and presentable and service is impeccable. A mention for Tony the concierge - excellent manner and a gentleman.

The indoor pool is great - in fact many of the facilities are five star standard as one would expect.

Loved our stay. Will be back.

This is a very grand Victorian building which still manages considerable style. From the moment your car is parked and your cases whisked away by the porters everything run smoothly. Mirabelle restaurant excellent food, splendid afternoon tea in Chatsworth Room (though the scones were a little hard), and huge choice for breakfast (though why are the pancakes extra?). We paid extra for larger room with side seaview and I would recommend this. A little reminder of the gilded age.

I took my mother and two friend to The Grand Hotel to celebrate her 90th birthday. From the moment we arrived we were treated courteously, attentively and with thoughtfulness. A priority car parking space by the front entrance, help with unloading the wheelchair and transporting my mother into the hotel. The staff were gracious and always available to refresh cups of tea and attend to our needs. A very good selection of sandwiches, scones, savoury items and patisserie and a huge array of teas to choose from. We were even offered a take home box for the foods we could not eat. Gluten free and vegetarian options also available. On top of all this were the sumptuous and beautiful surroundings of The Grand Hotel - it is certainly worthy of its title!

We stayed here whilst visiting relatives, and as the dog was allowed it seemed like a good choice. The parking is very limited, but the helpful chap on the door sorted this out. Our luggage was taken for us and we were escorted to the room. The dog has his own bed, and once requested, a bag full of food. The room was a little dated decor wise, but clean and tidy and very well equipped, everything once could need was there, coffee machine, tea, coffee, biscuits, show shine, sewing kit, Molten Brown toiletries etc etc.

The pool area was also in need of a little facelift, but was perfectly useable, the steam room was particularly nice with the menthol scent. The changing area, in the ladies at any rate, was again perfectly adequate, plenty of toiletries and spinner and bag to out wet costumes in.

Breakfast was very nice, you could go to the buffet or order at the table. A nice selection of fruit, cereal and hot buffet.

Dinner was a treat, the lamb carved at the table was very delicious and the service throughout was faultless.

I had to think long and hard whether to score 4 or 5, I would like to say 4.5, I personally think the hotel needs an refresh and although the dog is welcome in the bedrooms, I think they should be allowed in one lounge area. The car parking is also tricky and to guarantee a space, you have to pay extra. An excellent stay was had by all, but there is room for improvement when you consider what you pay to stay here.

We stayed for 3 nights, taking along our little dog. Lovely hotel, staff extremely helpful. It won't disappoint. Really enjoyed the wonderful cocktail menu. Would happily stay again. The only disappointment: we would have liked to have been able to take our dog in the bar. It would have been easier (following a walk out) when we wanted a drink in the bar.