The staff in this hotel could not do enough for you. It was amazing. From the minute you enter the hotel where your luggage is taken from you to your room (or from your car if you wish) to the incredily knowladgeable and friendly receptionists. Nothing was too much. Beautiful rooms, incredibly comfortable lounges and bedrooms. So many places to sit in the lounge areas with such comfortable seating that it was hard to leave the hotel. Bedrooms have expresso machines and beds are very comfortable and peaceful. Your beds are even turned down in the evening. We didn't have a room with so much of a view but that didnt matter as it was so quiet which was a first for me in a hotel and we didnt spend much time in the room. You can ask for sea, garden views etc.
Breakfast was amazing, so much choice and was the longest breakfast I have enjoyed, Very relaxed atmosphere, lots of freindly staff on hand to cater for your every need.
I cant wait to go back.

Lovely cooked to order breakfast this morning and polite, helpful staff throughout our stay. We also liked the position of The Grand and the fact that it provided free parking . However, neither of us slept that well. The mattress really needed replacing . Not only was it very soft but it seemed to dip towards the headboard. The pillows were also well past their best, thin and rather lumpy. I would rather go without the molten brown toiletries and have more attention paid to a comfortable nights sleep. It was also a very hot night so we had windows open and the noise from the air conditioning units for the kitchens (?) was incessant throughout our stay. Overall, I am surprised that this hotel has a five star rating as our room certainly did not match the quality of some of the public areas.

A lovely place to stay in Eastbourne. We last stayed at the Grand over 20 years ago.
Now as before it still has an old style charm and dignity.
Our deluxe room (none sea view- we've seen the sea here many times before) was lovely.
All anyone could wish for, Comfortable,clean,quiet.
Facilities of the usual safe, TV (some BT sport channels)hairdryer,toiletries, tea making and an Nespresso coffee machine and a daily supply of 4 pods.
Shower over bath,plenty of drawer and wardrobe space-never ever quite enough coat hangers but extra can be requested.
The food is very very good whatever the meal time. Dinner can be a little quiet in the evening as fewer guests seem to enjoy eating in these days.
-anyone expecting instant food service will be disappointed, meals are of course cooked to order and served when ready. If you want quick go to a burger bar.
This is a hotel for a stay at a more leisurely pace as would be expected.
I Like it and always have.

Stayed at the Grand for a weekend. . The staff there are so friendly and helpful. Some of them remembered me from previous visits. They have an outdoor AND indoor pool I used the outdoor pool as there are not many opportunities to swim outdoors this year. Thank you to Emily and Lotte in the bar were absolutely fantastic. I will be back at the Grand shortly.

This was our first time down that neck of the woods.
We chose this Hotel and were not disappointed, the quality and professionalism of all the staff we came into contact with was exceptional, they could not be anymore helpful.
We did not use the Hotels restaurant as we went out for the evening but if the breakfast was anything to go by I am sure it would have been more than acceptable. The Hotel was Grand, it was a true pleasure to have stayed there and one thing is for sure it won't be our last visit.
Thanks to all at the Grand Hotel

We have stayed her a few times as it is a lovely hotel where you are made to feel special, it has free parking - a boon in Eastbourne and is near the best part of the promenade.
We had an Executive Seaview which was lovely although old-fashioned: spacious with very large bathroom, Molton Brown toiletries, tea making and coffee machine.
Staff are all so polite and the service is very good.
The best breakfast anywhere with a good selection of fruits, pastries etc and a perfectly cooked full English.

Just come back from an overnight stay at the Grand Hotel in Eastbourne. Overall the service from porters, receptionists and waiting staff was really good. Everyone smiling and helpful. The room was a big let down. It is in a bad need of updating. It is still stuck in the Seventies, and the bathroom is not up to five star quality. The room was so hot even with the fan provided it was not enough. We had the window open all night but did not help at all. The bed was so soft, there was no support for your back, and if you like us suffer from back problems it was very bad. However everything was very clean and it had all you needed. The problem is that when you pay this sort of money, you expect it all to be to five star standard. We went to the spa, Jacuzzi not working, so that was disappointing but the pool and steam room was nice.
Breakfast was also a let down. The hot food from the buffet was cold and the Danish pastries was quite dry.

Can't thank the grand enough for squeezing us in at the last minute as our other hotel we had booked was not up to standard . We had a lovely room with partial sea view , the spa facilities were great the jacuzzi was out of order tho . Breakfast was great fantastic potions and polite friendly staff who couldn't do enough for you. Check in was fantastic and so professional from start to finish . The room was one of their more cheaper rooms but it was still so beautiful had everything we needed and the bed was so comfy . Will defo be returning and will be a bit more prepared this time ! Thankyou again ! X

There is nothing faded about the grandeur of this hotel. The service, the accommodation and the breakfast were all excellent. I was similarly impressed with Eastbourne. I had anticipated a seaside town with its best days behind it, but not a bit of it. Obviously I'm not recommending it for hens or stags, but it was clean and tidy with a great beach, seafront promenade and pier. There are also plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants. I'll definitely be going back.

We had a great stay and also took along our dog who was well looked after and was treated to her own bed and room service meal! The rest of the hotel though doesn't seem to be dog friendly as you can't take them into any of the bars or restaurant. The parking was a bit limited. The weather was lovely and the hotel does have an outdoor pool which we would have like to have used but all of the sunbeds were taken although it appeared that people had claimed them but weren't actually sitting at them or in the pool!
As the weather was warm we found the room to be very hot and does not have air conditioning.

Our experience here was excellent from start to finish - friendly helpful reception staff; lovely room; comfortable bed; great location; nice food; Molton Brown toiletries; good value spa treatments. The price was pitched just right for this resort. Couldn't fault anything.

We stayed for 3 nights in a sea view executive room. The view made up for the old fashioned faded furnishings. Be warned a sea view is south facing and the room became very hot, no fan provided or air conditioning. The bathroom was huge, but only a small bath with shower over, equally south facing and it some became like a sauna!
We booked a package including food, but was not impressed. The breakfast buffet was poor, the staff attentive but it was like a huge cafeteria in a holiday camp! Dinner was very disappointing. We ate in both restaurants. The menus looked interesting, but the food bland. Portion sizes were out of control and prices very high. Starters were the size of a main course and a main course was enough food for 2! We faired no better in the gourmet restaurant. Wine prices very high for ordinary wine, they could not provide the vintage on the wine list and could not understand why we had complained.
The indoor pool, changing area was dirty and clearly needed upgrading. The bar empty in an evening I think due to high prices.
Overall a grand building that does not live up to its name

This wonderful hotel is a gem. The service is first class from the minute you arrive. There is limited car parking at the front and somehow they manage to squeeze in your car.

The building is very impressive and unlike some older hotels it is very well maintained. The decor is grand and plush and you feel like you are stepping back in time.

Our room was a deluxe sea facing room. It was very spacious and everything was to a high standard from the furniture to the toiletries. To add to the feeling of luxury was a nightly turndown service.

Breakfast was included in our rate and this was also a great experience with a delicious hot and cold buffet on offer.

The lounge and bar are great for relaxing or drinking or both.

The leisure facilities are you excellent particularly the heated outdoor pool.

Overall this was a great weekend away. We were made to feel special from the minute we drove through the gate.

Stayed for 10 days. Mostly excellent. Service was great, breakfast okay but nothing special, bar prices astronomic (£6.70 soda) the spa and leisure facilities brilliant and the staff there couldn't have been better. Think the management need to rethink breakfast when the place is busy.

We've just spent 3 enjoyable days at this very comfortable, traditional hotel. Our light and airy room was enormous and very well equipped with two large wardrobes, settee, armchairs, coffee maker and kettle. The bathroom too was spacious with 2 sinks and good quality toiletries. As befits a 5 star hotel, our room was turned down each evening, without our having to request the service. Breakfast was generous and freshly cooked. The outdoor heated pool is a pleasure. We have stayed here many times over the years and shall definitely look forward to returning.

Happy to be here again after an enjoyable time last year ( see previous review). However, a year on and the hotel seems a lot more old-fashioned and faded than last time. We had a "deluxe" double room but it had dated furniture, creaking taps, a tiny TV set and the smallest double bed we have ever slept in! Also, no a/c and in the hottest week of the year we had to keep the window open with a depressing view of grey roofs and had to suffer the constant noise from a huge extractor fan outside; There was a portable fan in the bedroom but that was even louder than the extractor outside.

On the plus side the staff in all areas were excellent, always helpful and kind and nothing was too much trouble. The concierges were great, always there to organize our free parking in a very congested car park. The swimming pool was very good and it was lovely to sit and relax in the garden after a swim. Food was also good at breakfast but lunch and dinner were much too expensive for us so we always ate out. We would go there again so long as we didn't get Room 324.

And very grand it is too, the splendid Victoriana wedding cake exterior perhaps surpassed by the sumptuous interior.
Made to feel welcome throughout with old-fashioned courtesy.
Breakfast great, greeted at door. Nice touch, asked for name, not room number. Led to table and toast and tea/coffee ordered on way. Arrived promptly, toast freshly warm, and nice soft pats of butter on table. Cooked fare available from kitchen, or help you self from eclectic choice.
Cosy room, with comfortable chairs and bed.
Nearly every day room serviced whilst at breakfast, so came back to tidy room, shortly after getting up.
Concierge service most helpful in suggesting things to do, plus arranged Gatwick airport taxi, which was prompt and efficient.
Cannot comment on evening restaurant, as dined elsewhere, but a companion said it was excellent.
Bar comfortable, and staff helpful.
Huge, comfortable lounge area, with lots of papers and magazines.
Lift a bit tired, and floor buttons a bit hard to see, but a very minor issue.
I hope the hotel continues to thrive. It was as good as any I have stayed in, and not seriously the worse for its age.
It ain't cheap, but well worth it.

Had an amazing stay at the hotel shortly prior to my wedding. The staff are always friendly and very helpful couldn't fault them or the hotel.

Only booked a week ago as a spur of the moment idea. Wanted lots of sun and relaxation and that is what we got. Pool was great and poolside staff especially James were helpful and pleasant. Pool bit tired and needs a bit of a makeover but despite being busy was great to cool off in. Our first room, 343, was fine but the view was awful. We knew we weren't going to get a sea view but still at £215 a night to have a view of decaying external pipes, rotting windows and roofs was a bit much, plus we were near the kitchen extractor so our room smelt of cooking and grease. In the 30 degree heat that was a no no. So after a restless night we asked if we could move and we got lucky. For a £25 upgrade we moved to room 331 which had a fabulous side sea view. Worth every penny.
Food expensive but special, we ate in both restaurants. Staff all helpful. Breakfast was superb. We chose to have ours cooked to order and it was excellent. Lots of choice and good quality.
The hotel is a bit tired in parts and on checkout we commented again about the need to do some work on the exterior parts to make the views from rooms like our first one better. We were told that there is a plan to do some refurb in the near future. When we return we will be sure to ask for a side sea view room like 331; worth paying extra. Parking and bellboy arrangements worked well and overall we were happy with our stay. Would have given top rating if the maintenance issues were not apparent. Hopefully next time we visit, the whole hotel will have been spruced up to a 5* standard, but at the moment it falls a little short. But had a great stay overall.

Been for a short summer break. My wife and I wanted to relax next to the sea after a hectic summer in London. However, the hotel is not for young couples that want luxury and amenities.
First, Wifi was pretty much non-existent. I had to make Skype calls with my partners abroad but that was almost impossible. Moreover, I went to the business room but Skype was not installed to the computer. Connection was only good to receive emails.
Second, quality and variety of food best matches a 4* hotel. A weak point especially during breakfast time. For instance, we asked for a decaf coffee and it was the worst coffee ever (check coffee's colour in the image attached).
Third, the initial room that we had was small and definitely not for a 5* hotel. (Please see image attached).
The silver lining was that personnel was extremely polite, helpful and ready to assist. They directly understood that we have to change the room and they provided a far better one.
A final plus was the indoor pool and the gym that were clean and well-organised.

This was just an excellent break...my wife and I had three days in Eastbourne........granted we got the weather.........gosh it was hot........lazing at the pool...............strolling into town...........and THEN ..experiencing the 6 course taster menu at the Mirabelle restaurant.......MARVELLOUS...just do it...it was wonderful...so refined (not like me) ...so tasteful...so sophisticated (is my spelling correct............hehe)..............no seriously.................what a place .....what a team...what service...what luxury.....7STAR

I went to boarding school 40 odd years ago...... and when ever we walk passed The Grand Hotel I would wonder at the size of it and wonder about the people who would go there.... Now I am in a position to return and visit I did.
I booked a long weekend but then had to cancel and rebook the weekend before due to a family wedding, it was dealt with it smoothly and no issues arose.
We arrived on a Friday evening after a seven and half hour drive, we booked in and had our room upgraded for free, we had booked a sea view but ended up with a sea view and veranda and huge suite. My wife and I loved it.
Breakfast was perfect, what ever you wanted was there, you just had to ask and we were very well looked after by our waitress(who looked after us at most meals).
Off for the day around Eastbourne...( Eastbourne is'nt a place to visit for the town) We visited a few old haunts, the school I went to is now closed and turned into flat, the games field is a block of flats...I guess its progress.? We walked up to Paradise woods and up to the dew pond, it all brought back a lot of happy memories.
Back for afternoon tea, I would recommend it, We had to wait for a table but the wait was worth it, the 'tea' was great, and all served with the grandure that befits the hotel, infact I think I would come back just for that.
Dinner in the Garden Restaurant, (well where we had breakfast) was good but not amazing, but still good and not a let down. The hotel info in the room says jackets and ties for dinner, I had a shirt with a collar and was allowed in, once again everything was done as it should be in 'The Grand'
The Hotel is old (not worn out) Everything is done as it should be, I loved the chambermaids dressed in the 'old fashioned' frilly outfits, I bet they hate it and it doesn't help when cleaning the rooms but It is 'it is the grand'.
We had a lovely time in The Grand, the sea front was enjoyable as you might expect but the town isn't.
The room was spaceous and the bed was sooooo comfortable y clean.furnishing were grand and there was plenty of hot water and the room was clean.. ver
The Hotel is GRAND in every sense of the word, everything is done well, all the staff are helpful and a credit to the Management.
Would I go back....YES YES YES for the hotel... but not the town.

We spent 5 nights in junior suite 220, with our son on a creaky sofa bed in the lounge and it cost a LOT of money. The whole hotel is actually a bit shabby and needs a refurb (peeling wallpaper, cobwebs, patchy carpet). The breakfast started off ok but on our last day it took 4 attempts to bring us 2 medium boiled eggs each correctly. My husband got one hard boiled and one soft and when mine arrived 5 mins later, both were so soft they were entirely liquid and I couldn't stomach them. I gave up at this point and had cold toast as it had taken over an hour. The day before that it took over an hour to get breakfast because the staff were run off their feet and it took an age to get served. We spent a nice couple of afternoons by the outdoor pool, which was the primary reason we booked as we thought there was nice weather coming, but the water had a visible film on it, there are not enough sunbeds for hot days and it's almost impossible to get served a drink. Staff should be walking round the beds all the time. The indoor pool is small and dark and none of it felt very clean. Although they have their 5 stars in all honesty it needs a lot of work. The staff were lovely but I didn't notice really exceptional service over and above what we'd reasonably expect at those prices. No air con in the room and wifi was patchy - lounge ok, bedroom nothing. As mentioned by others the Windows rattled when it was windy at night. If we hadn't used the pool during our mini holiday I'd have felt I didn't get value for money - as it is I am still wondering if it justified the high price tag. I got the impression that many of the guests like to think they are a cut above staying here, the rest chose what they thought was 5 star and got a poor relation.

I am a disabled person and upon arrival we found that we had a designated parking space (with our name on it!) very close to the entrance. Immediately. John, a member of staff appeared and took our luggage into the hotel for us. Unfortunately rooms are not available until 3.00pm, so we had a few hours wait before we could get changed and into holiday mode. When we were eventually given our key my husband went to look at the room and was dismayed to find that it was on the fourth floor, the main lift stops at the third floor and you have to walk round to another lift to take you up to the next floor. This lift, however, is so small that it would not accommodate my mobility scooter. I must say that we were allotted another room quite quickly but had to wait (again) this time for it to be inspected. It was a pleasant room, much better than the one originally allotted, which according to my husband was like a small garret room with small windows! Although room was OK with nice sea views, there was no wow factor. This room was £260 per night (we took advantage of a deal on offer).

The outside of this hotel is very impressive but the inside is faded grandeur. It certainly does need a refurb. The hotel is situated at the end of the seafront and although this makes for a very quiet night, it is quite a long walk to the main area, pier etc.

We had lovely weather and the swimming pool is lovely, with a lifeguard on duty all the time that we sat there. The children seemed to be having a lovely time. Possibly could do with some more sun loungers, especially some that don't leave black marks on your clothes.

We had dinner in the restaurant, ordering a sirloin steak and crepes suzette each. This was ridiculously expensive (£104 for two, no drinks) given the very average steak and SIX chips, two mushrooms and a few tomatoes on the vine! I must say, however, that the Garden Room restaurant itself was very classy. Service was very good. Food mediocre.

We had breakfast (and dinner of which all must be booked beforehand) in this restaurant and was taken on a route march through the restaurant, passing empty tables laid for two, given that I have walking and breathing difficulties, this was quite an ordeal. We were eventually shown to a table outside of the main restaurant, in the corridor alongside and I was offered a glass of water! Breakfast, again, average. Quite a good selection but our toast must have just been waved over the toaster, all white and floppy, and should you be able to SLICE scrambled egg?

Did not get the morning paper we ordered.

I hope this doesn't sound too negative because the service we received from the personnel was great, just a few tweaks in the hotel itself are needed. Would we stay here again? Maybe!

We had a fantastic time at the Grand hotel for a short weekend break. The hotel has lots of charm and although it is in need of renovation in some areas it is a fantastic seaside hotel. The location is great and we were able to walk to the famous downs within 15minutes. We ate out of the hotel at local smaller restaurants but enjoyed a very good breakfast. Our room was number 229 and we had a beautiful view of the sea. On request we asked for more shower gels and this was also no problem.