The Grand Hotel Eastbourne
Latest Reviews
We really like The Grand.It is as simple as that.The staff are all so friendly and happy to look after you.The food in the 2 dining rooms is of a very high Hotel Dining Room standard.Housekeeping is excellent.If you are lucky with the weather(Oct30 we were swimming in the outdoor pool!) you have magnificent walks on your door step.This Hotel is a one off......simple as that!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Making a reservation was easy and Joanna was extremely helpful and efficient . On arrival the professional and friendly style continued in all areas of the hotel`s operations . Our room had a side sea view and was pleasantly large and the bed very comfortable ! However the furnishings and décor were dated . Curtains didn`t quite pull together and they were all fitted inside the frame so there was always a gap where light came in . One window was leaking - more of that later ! - and the bedside light switch didn`t make proper contact and the bulb had to be moved around to get it to come on . I reported this to reception and the following day the Duty Manager came to me and asked about my concerns and said he would deal with the leaking window that day . Nothing happened to the window or the light during our 3 night stay .
Dinner in The Garden Restaurant was good with attentive service , although pre dinner drinks and wine were expensive - central London prices ! Another concern was that at breakfast the tea , and hot water , was serviced in metal containers and you were given a folded paper serviette to stop the handles burning you . This policy is potentially dangerous as the paper slips easily when on the metal handles and could easily scald some one .
Overall great staff but not backed up by dynamic management and certainly not five star accommodation . Shame as it has potential .
Dinner in The Garden Restaurant was good with attentive service , although pre dinner drinks and wine were expensive - central London prices ! Another concern was that at breakfast the tea , and hot water , was serviced in metal containers and you were given a folded paper serviette to stop the handles burning you . This policy is potentially dangerous as the paper slips easily when on the metal handles and could easily scald some one .
Overall great staff but not backed up by dynamic management and certainly not five star accommodation . Shame as it has potential .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We arrived in pouring rain to be greeted by the concierge "Welcome to the Sunshine Coast". Our room had a sea view. As the weather was warm enough to have the window open at night it was great to hear the waves in the distance but not be bothered by traffic. The room was very comfortable and clean. Nice bathroom with over-the-bath shower: there was enough room for a standalone shower so maybe on the next refurbishment this could be considered.
We dined in the Mirabelle restaurant: impeccable food and service and in the garden restaurant, and lunched in one of the lounges. Delicious food all round.
A grand stay
We dined in the Mirabelle restaurant: impeccable food and service and in the garden restaurant, and lunched in one of the lounges. Delicious food all round.
A grand stay
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My husband and I stayed here for one night as a real treat. Having grown up in Eastbourne as a Child, I always dreamed of staying at The Grand. I was not at all disappointed. We were shown a couple of rooms and chose the best! To wake and hear waves crashing and to see a beautiful sunrise was absolutely priceless. Our evening meal in The Garden restaurant was delicious and so was breakfast. I took the freshly cooked option! Fantastic stay!...one very happy Lady!! X
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Took my 90 year old mother for short break in august. Asked for a room to accommodate her wheelchair and with adapted bathroom. She was allocated a ground floor room with own balcony and the room was like a small studio. Wonderful. 3 of us could sit comfortably on the balcony and watch the afternoon jazz concert and the world go by.
the restaurant where we had breakfast and evening meal was very pleasant. Breakfast was buffet style, but tea and toast were promptly served.evening meal was good and service efficient. Loved the lounge and the general ambience of this hotel.
Very easy access for wheelchair users in and out and for crossing to the promenade.
Undoubtedly the main advantage of staying here are the staff. Without exception we were treated to warm smiles, greetings and great service. Everyone seemed happy to be working here and the atmosphere was consequently so happy. We felt very special and everyone was woncerfully kind to my mother.
the restaurant where we had breakfast and evening meal was very pleasant. Breakfast was buffet style, but tea and toast were promptly served.evening meal was good and service efficient. Loved the lounge and the general ambience of this hotel.
Very easy access for wheelchair users in and out and for crossing to the promenade.
Undoubtedly the main advantage of staying here are the staff. Without exception we were treated to warm smiles, greetings and great service. Everyone seemed happy to be working here and the atmosphere was consequently so happy. We felt very special and everyone was woncerfully kind to my mother.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The Old Lady is in need of a facelift. My room this time had an open window with no handle so I had to go our in the rain to shut it. Bedside light had no bulb (but they did put one in at "turndown" as I had left a note). The heavy curtains would not fully close on the closers (not ideal for privacy when the area outside the window is where the smokers gathered). The TV was stuck on showing subtitles on all channels and had to be replaced. At breakfast the cutlery had to be replaced because around of the silver plate had worn off showing the metal underneath.
Wifi in the room was very variable. Tip - it is OK after 11:30pm and before 7:30 am but who wants to use it then?
It used to be fun anticipating before a visit what would go wrong that time. The "joke" has worn a little thin and until the hotel has had a good facelift I will be going elsewhere.
On a positive note the staff were very friendly although it would have been helpful if the breakfast staff understood that "could you not bring me toast until after I have finished my cooked breakfast" did not mean "bring it at once" and again when it was sent back "bring it on another occasion" again before I had been served my cooked breakfast.
At least having four canapés served for three people at lunch caused some amusement and discussion as to who had the extra one.
Wifi in the room was very variable. Tip - it is OK after 11:30pm and before 7:30 am but who wants to use it then?
It used to be fun anticipating before a visit what would go wrong that time. The "joke" has worn a little thin and until the hotel has had a good facelift I will be going elsewhere.
On a positive note the staff were very friendly although it would have been helpful if the breakfast staff understood that "could you not bring me toast until after I have finished my cooked breakfast" did not mean "bring it at once" and again when it was sent back "bring it on another occasion" again before I had been served my cooked breakfast.
At least having four canapés served for three people at lunch caused some amusement and discussion as to who had the extra one.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We booked for 3 nights to treat ourselves to a relaxing few days after a difficult 2 months. We stayed in a superior sea view room which we could not fault. It was on the 3rd floor with a very large bed in a lovely room. 2 very comfortable armchairs. There was a small study complete with wardrobe and desk on the way to a very large bathroom. The bathroom had an over bath shower and its own window overlooking the sea. The room was big enough to have a separate shower which would have been preferable. From the moment we arrived the staff could not have been more helpful and attentive. We ate in the Mirabelle restaurant on the first night and in the Garden restaurant on the last night. I can recommend both for fine dining. Will definitely return soon.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My husband and I stayed for just one night at The Grand. The room was lovely. Clean, comfortable and just what we had expected. We had an excellent dinner with friends. Bed was comfy.
Breakfast however was very disappointing. All precooked and kept hot under lamps whilst we helped ourselves buffet style. We learned afterwards that we could have been served at our table if we had asked. I did order a fried egg but this was undercooked and watery.
For this class of hotel it was very disappointing. Have had better cooked breakfasts in a Little Chef!
Uniform jackets/skirts need to be replaced for some staff as they were tatty and dirty on a couple of waiters/waitresses.
Breakfast however was very disappointing. All precooked and kept hot under lamps whilst we helped ourselves buffet style. We learned afterwards that we could have been served at our table if we had asked. I did order a fried egg but this was undercooked and watery.
For this class of hotel it was very disappointing. Have had better cooked breakfasts in a Little Chef!
Uniform jackets/skirts need to be replaced for some staff as they were tatty and dirty on a couple of waiters/waitresses.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
i was here last year for my anniversary and loved everything about it very romantic the only problem was that my boyfriend (at the time) didn't have a tie but the restaurant staff borrowed him one. very very kind
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I booked this for my wife and I to get away from the student house my home has become since our kids left university. What a weekend ! The steam coming off the outdoor heated pool at night and during the rain were something that I'll remember forever. The service in the Garden Restaurant and generally was superb. The food was great as well. The Health Club and gym ,sauna, steam room, indoor pool were all out of the top drawer. We stayed at the time of the fireworks display which was really enjoyable with everyone behaving themselves impeccably. You can also go for a little jog to Beachy Head if that's what you fancy and back for a full English. What a stay !
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had an excellent check in experience, breakfast was also very good, staff excellent. The Hotel is slightly let down by very dated furniture in the room. Our main problem was that although warm during the day, the heating is not controllable from in the room. When we wanted a bit of extra warmth, we had to ask for the heating tyo be switched on. We had a couple of evenings between 6.30 and 7.30 when we wanted to relax in the room, but found it a bit cold.
Source: expedia.co.uk
We booked three rooms for a weekend away to celebrate my mother's special birthday. The room rate with dinner was quite pricey compared to hotels of a similar rating in other resorts that we had considered but we were happy to splurge for this special treat. The quality of the telephone reservations service was excellent. The sales person carefully noted our requirements and reflected these in the room bookings. Given the quality of the reservations process, the room rate and prestigious location of the hotel we had high expectations. We left feeling rather disappointed.
The hotel was almost fully occupied by a large conference. This led to a corporate rather than family/holiday atmosphere. We were the only table in the huge dining room on our first evening as the conference guests were eating on the balcony outside. The waitresses were very attentive and went out of their way to give impeccable service however the evening was disappointing as there was no atmosphere. Had we known that the hotel was going to be mostly occupied by a conference we may have chosen an alternative date.
The lock to my elderly mother's bedroom door broke at 10pm and after 30 minutes of the staff trying to fix the lock we were given the option of moving to an inferior room or staying in the room with no working key - hence my mother unable to leave and renter the room without contacting reception until the lock was fixed the following morning.
The service and quality of food at dinner was very good. However the range of food on offer at breakfast was disappointing compared to many other hotels of similar star rating we have stayed in.
Overall this stay was not the special treat we had hoped for.
The hotel was almost fully occupied by a large conference. This led to a corporate rather than family/holiday atmosphere. We were the only table in the huge dining room on our first evening as the conference guests were eating on the balcony outside. The waitresses were very attentive and went out of their way to give impeccable service however the evening was disappointing as there was no atmosphere. Had we known that the hotel was going to be mostly occupied by a conference we may have chosen an alternative date.
The lock to my elderly mother's bedroom door broke at 10pm and after 30 minutes of the staff trying to fix the lock we were given the option of moving to an inferior room or staying in the room with no working key - hence my mother unable to leave and renter the room without contacting reception until the lock was fixed the following morning.
The service and quality of food at dinner was very good. However the range of food on offer at breakfast was disappointing compared to many other hotels of similar star rating we have stayed in.
Overall this stay was not the special treat we had hoped for.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This hotel is the GRANDmother of hotels, old, classy,distinguished and a little tired in places.
Stunning location and very welcoming for such a large hotel. I stayed on business so didn't really get the opportunity to experience all this magnificent hotel had to offer. My room was spacious and comfortable with the most amazing bed and pillows. A real no no for me was carpet in the bathroom , that said everywhere was spotless. Nice touches like Molton Brown toiletries, lovely filter coffee and bottled water. The turn down service at 9 with the offer of additional tea,coffee or milk made it a special stay. My only grumble was the limited pricey room service menu, that said my food was delivered in a timely manner, hot and with a really friendly room service waiter. I am definitely staying here again when in Eastbourne and recommend 100%, you will not be disappointed .
Stunning location and very welcoming for such a large hotel. I stayed on business so didn't really get the opportunity to experience all this magnificent hotel had to offer. My room was spacious and comfortable with the most amazing bed and pillows. A real no no for me was carpet in the bathroom , that said everywhere was spotless. Nice touches like Molton Brown toiletries, lovely filter coffee and bottled water. The turn down service at 9 with the offer of additional tea,coffee or milk made it a special stay. My only grumble was the limited pricey room service menu, that said my food was delivered in a timely manner, hot and with a really friendly room service waiter. I am definitely staying here again when in Eastbourne and recommend 100%, you will not be disappointed .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Wonderful dining experience with excellent food and wine, as a retired engineer I consider food my second greatest love and only a handful of restaurants have ever lived upto their reputation, we will return again and again, it's worth every penny
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a beautiful building. I felt a bit Downton Abbey staying here! Many people have commented on the tired décor and yes, it is not a modern trendy hotel but I'm more concerned about service and comfort than the curtains and bed cover. Chintz might have gone out a while ago but it still suits the Grand.
We had a standard bedroom on side of building. It was large, comfortable with good size wardrobe and plenty of drawers. The bathroom was again a good size, the water was always lovely and hot and had nice Moulton Brown toiletries which were replenished every day. The bed was comfortable with a mattress topper and sheets and towels changed regularly.
I loved the turn down service at night and appreciated that our water and tea supplies were topped up so that we could have another drink when coming up from dinner.
Without fail we found the staff professional, friendly and helpful. Barbara in the dining room was great at Breakfast times, very helpful, as were Louise and Mollie, two young girls who served us. The concierge team were great - Gary, David and John were all extremely helpful in helping with parking, giving directions, weather forecast and passing the time of day.
The swimming pool, Jacuzzi and steam room were all very pleasant and well maintained.
When I read some of the reviews of people moaning about the hotel, I wonder if they stayed in the same place as me! I know you can't please all of the people all of the time but I found little to complain about here. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and would return again happily.
We had a standard bedroom on side of building. It was large, comfortable with good size wardrobe and plenty of drawers. The bathroom was again a good size, the water was always lovely and hot and had nice Moulton Brown toiletries which were replenished every day. The bed was comfortable with a mattress topper and sheets and towels changed regularly.
I loved the turn down service at night and appreciated that our water and tea supplies were topped up so that we could have another drink when coming up from dinner.
Without fail we found the staff professional, friendly and helpful. Barbara in the dining room was great at Breakfast times, very helpful, as were Louise and Mollie, two young girls who served us. The concierge team were great - Gary, David and John were all extremely helpful in helping with parking, giving directions, weather forecast and passing the time of day.
The swimming pool, Jacuzzi and steam room were all very pleasant and well maintained.
When I read some of the reviews of people moaning about the hotel, I wonder if they stayed in the same place as me! I know you can't please all of the people all of the time but I found little to complain about here. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and would return again happily.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My sister and I had a most enjoyable stay for four days at this hotel in October. Can only say that all the the staff are very friendly, helpful and efficient. Nothing is too much trouble.
A very comfortable hotel with a pleasant ambiance.
Yes, it is perhaps a little expensive but as the saying goes, you get what you pay for.
Looking forward to our next visit.
A very comfortable hotel with a pleasant ambiance.
Yes, it is perhaps a little expensive but as the saying goes, you get what you pay for.
Looking forward to our next visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We decided to have a romantic getaway for our anniversary and this did not disappoint! From the moment we pulled up and were greeted by the doormen and checked in at reception everyone was polite and helpful and made us feel very welcome. We stayed for three nights in a sea view room. The room was lovely, yes maybe a little bit dated, but it was clean and large, not like some rooms in other hotels where you can hardly move. We ate in both restaurants and the food was lovely. When I said I could not eat one of the free starters they give you because I have an allergy to a product in it, they immediately whisked it away and gave me something else. The service in the restaurants and the lounge cannot be faulted. There was always someone to take your order. On one occasion we shared a sandwich, but they still brought us two little cups of soup instead of one, that shows how thoughtful they are. Yes its not cheap, but I think the service alone makes up for this. When we walked into town one morning, they even gave us one of the hotel's large umbrellas to use in case it rained! I would definitely recommend this hotel and cannot wait for another reason to return!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Should you have an Elite card then the either the garden restaurant or the Mirabelle is worth a visit but I would recommend the Mirabelle if you can get in as the Garden restaurant now charge extra for vegetables.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was everything you would want from a 5* hotel ..and more! Without doubt, one of the best, if not the best, hotel I've ever stayed at. Comfort, courtesy, immaculately turned out & engaging staff who go the extra mile, oodles of lounge areas to suit your mood, roomy bar and all the amenities you could want (pool, sauna, steam room, gym) ..difficult to know where they could improve. Other reviewers have made mention that the exterior & interior of the building is a tad dated but surely that is part of its attraction and charm! If you want modern go to a Mercure or a Marriott ..I'd wager that the service at either would not be a patch on what you get here [eg. Concierge waiting to welcome you, park your car and transport your luggage]. Minimum room is a deluxe which is very spacious and contains everything you want, ample wardrobe capacity and generous bathroom; anything pricier would be quite unnecessary in my view. Breakfasts excellent whether self-serve or cooked to order (did not sample dinner but menu looked enticing). Michelin* alternative on site (Mirabelle) if you really want to push the boat out. We found the hotel on the internet and got a 3 nts for 2 deal. Yes, there are more modest establishments around but given the sheer all round quality and service you would be hard pressed to find better value. Only one minor observation - we found the indoor pool temperature a tad warm and the jacuzzi like stepping into the bath ..ideal if you are cold blooded! :-) Hotels of this ilk form part of our heritage - patronise and preserve!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Excellent one night stay, Reception very good and fast, we only had a standard room which was massive with excellent bathroom and facilities, bed was probably the most comfortable we had slept in. the indoor pool was impressive as was the rest of the Hotel, We used the bar which had no Draught beers but a good selection of bottled beer was available, the choice of spirits were excellent even thou expensive but no more than expected in a 5* hotel, again the service in the bar was excellent. all in all i will definitely use again. Thanks for one of the most comfortable stays we have had.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is what's expected of a five star hotel. Nothing went wrong; nothing caused concern and we just relaxed. The food was excellent, the concierge team had a good sense of humour and the waiting team were attentive. One of the few hotels we would not hesitate to recommend and return to.
Source: expedia.co.uk
It is always a pleasure to stay here. Appreciated even more after a recent visit to a, so-called, 4 star hotel (The R---- ------K) in Bournemouth. If you appreciate really comfortable accommodation, clearly well and properly trained staff in all positions; courtesy and kindness, then nothing more needs to be said.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely hotel and the staff were brilliant.Tea with cakes brilliant, starters and deserts brilliant, wine choice great. But main courses - ordinary, dull, over priced - don't bother. If you like having good access to wifi - don't expect it here. Rooms are larger than average, but feel empty and dark. Shower absolutely terrible. Expected much better
Source: expedia.co.uk
Good breakfast.
Very slow service getting coffee in bar room in evening, even when only two other people were there. Cost of two coffees was over £13.
Good location and convenient parking.
However, I have experienced better five star hotel stays abroad in Brazil, India and S.Korea!
Very slow service getting coffee in bar room in evening, even when only two other people were there. Cost of two coffees was over £13.
Good location and convenient parking.
However, I have experienced better five star hotel stays abroad in Brazil, India and S.Korea!
Source: expedia.co.uk
This was a special Birthday treat. The staff were very attentive and not at all put out by us arriving half an hour early. They promptly brought a pot of tea in a silver teapot and brought us a fresh pot twice!!. The china was delicate and pretty design.
The Eton mess was refreshing and delicous. We coildn't eat all the cakes and were offered a box to take some home.
At the Grand you always feel special and it's like going back in time. The cloakrooms are very luxurious, as you'd expect from a 5 star hotel. It is a wonderful old fashioned hotel, dress code for the main restaurant. There are several comfortable lounges at the hotel and a small health suite with indoor and outdoor pools.
The Eton mess was refreshing and delicous. We coildn't eat all the cakes and were offered a box to take some home.
At the Grand you always feel special and it's like going back in time. The cloakrooms are very luxurious, as you'd expect from a 5 star hotel. It is a wonderful old fashioned hotel, dress code for the main restaurant. There are several comfortable lounges at the hotel and a small health suite with indoor and outdoor pools.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
