I organised a large conference at the Grand and also visited on two other occasions for overnight stays. Overall, the Grand is an impressive venue, with very good staff and truly lovely public rooms and bedrooms. The location isn't central , but on the front and it's a lovely walk into town if the weather is good; the beach is right outside of course. The indoor pool is small but there's a nicer, heated, outdoor pool - but not open all year. As you would expect, most of those staying are wealthy and older than average. The hotel catered well with our conference, though didn't always come up with solutions to problems if it didn't fit their model. The food is good on the whole and our conference guests were very pleased. If staying as a private guest, I would be a bit choosy on the menu (there are two restaurants), as not every dish is wonderful; for example, you could choose to have meat carved at your table, but ultimately that's just a marketing gimmick as we all know. There's valet parking and the hotel will reserve a parking space for you by name. The nightly turn-down service is also a pleasing touch. The hotel rooms do not have refridgerators, but the hotel will provide a small one at no charge for medicines or bottled water if needed. So, all in all you'll have a great stay due to the lovely interior and excellent service. The staff always have the ability to make a trip special and the Grand hasn't forgotten that, in marked contrast to many of the bland and equally as expensive experiences elsewhere.

Spent Saturday night in May 2013. Myself, friend, my mum and hers. From when we arrived to when we left, the doorman, the receptionists, the concierge, the bar staff were simply amazing. Cannot fault the hospitality. Our rooms 324 and 326 were clean and tidy including bathroom.
Dinner was expensive but good. Breakfast was in abundance from full english, selection of cereal and pastries, with fresh juice not concentrate. (Lolo a pet peeve of mine). All buffet style.

My only criticism is that there is carpet in the bathroom. But spotless.
The spa area became noisy as family groups were treating it like a public pool. Best time is early morning or last thing (worth asking opening times)

We have just returned from an over night visit to the Grand Hotel. The room was good with lovely views over the sea. I have to say this was not worth the £255.00 we paid for it. The balcony needed painting as the metal was very rusty. The floor tiles on the balcony needed power washing. The bathroom was dated with carpet on the floor!!!!!
The meal at the Garden Restaurant was indifferent. We booked for 8pm and went into the restaurant at 7.40pm after ordering our meal in the lounge bar. We waited a considerable amount of time until the first course arrived, and the meal on the whole was disappointing. It certainly was not worth the money we paid.
We have to say that the breakfast was excellent - we did not order anything from the kitchen but used the self service amenities.
This hotel is living off its past reputation. We travel a lot and have dined in Michelin starred restaurants but this whole experience was not what we both expected.
Please, please upgrade this hotel and you will have a winning establishment.

My Husband and I wanted to take a break away as we have a very stressful job and on the weekend had our biggest event of the year. But instead of going away we thought we would try the famous Grand Hotel In our home town. The so called sheek and glamorous hotel The Grand Hotel.

We decided to go for the Spring Package, so 2 days.

DAY 1
We had a great start to our trip with easy parking and a lovely greeting. We were told we were entitled to a complimentary upgrade. We were obviously very happy for that.

We then were showed to our room in which we were very underwhelmed and thought to ourselves if this was the upgrade what would the room before have been like. The double bed was very small ( I have a bigger bed at home), the floor was uneven and the décor was more dated then sheek or to a certain décor. We understood though that this was just obviously the theme of the hotel and were fine to continue.
We then went to the spa, the inside pool is nice but very small and as it is open to the general public gets very busy very quickly. My husband and I felt as it was a relaxing pool having gym goers doing splash laps made it feel like we were in the Olympics pool but saw it as quite humorous rather than annoying.

We headed to the Garden Restaurant for dinner. We were very much looking forward to the 5 star restaurant and we were even more underwhelmed. We had to mix both our starters to make them remotely edible. My Garlic Brushetta was literally dry bread with tomatoes and Balsamic Vinegar. The best part of the whole meal was the appetizer and the wine as the main dishes were dry and no better than a cheap pub lunch.

Now for time to sleep and in the middle of the night I had a glass bottle hit me in my face due to the uneven floor and cabinet by the bed being uneven due to this leaving me shocked. Our room was right next to a water tank which woke my husband and I up repeatedly throughout the night as soon as anyone on our floor used the bathroom. The worst night’s sleep I have ever had in a supposed 5 star hotel.
DAY 2
After an awful night’s sleep and my husband I feeling very tired and agitated we went down to breakfast in which were seated quickly but waited over 2o minutes for our tea and coffee after I had to approach staff twice about it. We also had to wait 50 minutes just for me to actually get my order. So stressful and actually made me and my husband decide to end our break short.

The management came to deal with our complaint and was very nice but he discounted our room £100 so under 50% off. We were upgraded to an Executive Room with Sea View. It was nice of them to upgrade us and we decided to stay but unfortunately we were underwhelmed and could not really understand how this hotel as classed as a 5 star even down to their main lounge with dated and off colour and dirty looking furniture. Our second meal in the Mrrabelle restraint was better but my Fillet Steak was over cooked and dry and the sauce tasteless. my husband’s main was better the Scallops were lovely but the haddock pastry was not to my taste no fault of the chef. Deserts were quite boring mainly ice creams. No wine included in the meal even with or previous horrendous night. We ordered room service which was a club sandwich and by far my favorite meal. We had two £10 vouchers for each day for lunch in which we did not use and actually only ordered the one lot of room service which we were charged full price and our vouchers were just invalid very irritating and just showed the Grand just doesn't go the extra mile. I have stayed in 5 star hotels and restaurants and I personally would rate this as a 3 star and although they have door men and silver service does not make this a 5 star. I would not return to this hotel and actually came away wanting to go home and feeling quite irritated and stressed. I believe the Cavendish is much better regarding food and a better price.

Went here for dinner while staying in Brighton. Arrived around 7.45 for 8pm . Met at the door by a very smart Concierge helped the ladies out of the car ,asked for the keys to park the car ,sorry even my wife doesn't drive my car ( but that's me) . Shown to the lounge for pre dinner drinks all very pleasent and peaceful . Orders taken ,the table was laid with fine white linen ,cutlery and glass wear shining. The food was presented and cooked very well . The staff were very helpfull and not over powering. We enjoyed our meal here. Thank you.

It a must to go!!! The best hotel in Eastbourne. The staff was lovely beside for the young maids need bit more training. The bar staff was so nice they made me feel so comfortable. The door man was a delight to talk to while you waited for your taxi. Breakfast was great. The rooms are big and the bed was so comfortable that I did not like getting out. The only down fall in room was rust on central heater. The both pool was lovely but the gym needs to be redone. When one morin stay for 30 mins due to none work machine. Its was old and out dated. Cannot wait to return with my daughter.

WE have just returned yet again from this wonderful hotel. The experience from the moment the Concierge parks your car until the time it is returned to you is amazing. The lounges are light, airy and numerous. The food in the restaurants are superb and beautufully served.

The health club is more than adequate, the only comment is thatthe outdoor pool is minute

We will continue to returen to this hotel

A magical setting, which made our wedding so perfect. The service from all staff from the event manager to the concierge team was immaculate.
The Mirabelle was superb. The Maitre'd Ben, Chef Gerald and the team made sure that the food wine and service was simply terrific. Well done the Grand we would recommend it to everyone.

On this occasion we just ate and relaxed in one of the Hotel's lovely lounges. We spent the whole day there going out to see the carnival halfway. On a very busy day car parking had been arranged for us and we were welcomed with great warmth by everybody and the service was the usual excellence we have become used to.We really do feel at home here and would not use anywhere else for our family and friends get togethers.

Took my wife for a nice weekend to the grand and it was wow as soon as we arrived.
The doormen met us took our bags parked my car and took us to reception for check in.
We received a complimentary upgrade to a suite ( very unexpected)
All i can say is WOW.
Everything about this hotel is 5 star plus and very british i am proud to say.
The staff are excellent the hotel is immaculate the facilities are excellent and the food is first class.
I have just returned from a fishing trip in the norwegian fjiords and bought home some halibut which i asked the chef to cook for us.
The chef cooked this for us and it was cooked in 3 different ways which was most delicious and all i can say is its the best fish dinner i have ever tried anywhere.
Nothing is too much for the staff at this wonderful hotel i think it should get an extra star

Our night away at The Grand, did not live up to the reviews or the 5* rating. Our room had a smell of damp from the very dated bathroom. There was no air conditioning in the room, which is definitely needed.
We were left waiting in cocktail bar for at least 10 minutes before anyone served us. We dined in the Garden Restaurant, food was basic, not impressed by menu. Veg was overcooked, turned to mush as I attempted to pick it up. We had to get the waiters attention on more then one occasion for water etc, the staff seemed to be focused on clearing empty tables as opposed to serving us. We went back to the cocktail bar after dinner and again struggled to get any attention from the staff. The breakfast was also very disappointing, the continental cheeses was individually wrapped cheese spread!
I did not complain at the time, as the night away was a birthday treat from my husband and I did not want to disappoint him further as he was already upset with the service we had received. We complained at check out, reception staff were very apologetic offering discounts & upgrades if we returned to the hotel.
We are a young couple, we knew we were not the clientele the hotel is marketed at but we still expected 5* and my husband certainly expected much better service & attention.
I will not take away from the fact The Grand is a fantastic building but it's not for young couples expecting modern 5* standard.
Being

When we first arrived my wife was horrified with the awful view over the pipes and airconditioning ducts at the back of the hotel. Within 15 minutes she managed to get us an upgrade to a penthouse suite with a sea view! The staff were excellent as was the breakfast in the room overlooking the seafront the next morning.

Wow, what a hotel. I had been here before for afternoon teas but not stayed here previously. It was a very last minute visit as a surprise anniversary present from my husband (bookd the day before I believe). What a joy. The second we pulled up the concierge appeared, whisked our luggage and car keys away and left us to wander into the very welcoming reception area and be escorted to our rooms. My husband had booked a seaview room and we were delighted to be told that we had been provided with an upgrade to some kind of suite - I can't remember what they called it. Anyway, it was Rm 308 and I highly recommend this room. It has incredible views over the seafront and along to the pier (which most of the other rooms will not have as they are 'set back' in way that will prevent them seeing the pier). The room was spacious with an incredibly comfortable bed, several sofa/seating areas, and large bay windows facing West and South. We ordered room service which was prompt and the qualty of the provision for snacks we had very high. Be careful when ordering snacks, the portions are huge and you can easily order one thing and share!

Room 308 has a lobby area when you enter it that houses wardrobes, ironing boards etc and provides plenty of storage for luggage and belongings. The bathroom is off to the right of the lobby area and has a shower over the bath rather than a walk in shower. It was perfectly fine for us but may present issues for some people. Equally, the shower head is 'fixed' so if you have long hair that you don't want to wash, showering is not that easy! As is quite typical of hotels of this age (although beautifully maintained) the bath is quite small. Also, if you need to use the handles to assit with movement when using the bath, it would be very difficult in this room due to the handles being placed so close to the wall that you cannot get your fingers around them. Again, this was not a problem for me but it's a professional issue and I notice these things!

As you would expect, the hotel provides all toiletries, bathrobes, slippers etc so you can leave all of that at home!

I was fortunately enough to find availability in the spa and had a treatment late in the afternoon, the spa staff, like all the others here, were a joy to meet and simply could not do enough for you. Full marks to Chelsea, my therapist for the session!

The decor and surroundings of this hotel are simply divine. Everything is spacious and sumptious, it is a pleasure walking around and seeing the public areas etc. We went for afternoon tea in the hotel. It did take quite a while for someone to serve us but once our order had been taken the refreshments arrived very promply and were very pleasantly served. We were attended to regularly by welcoming and fun staff who seemed to genuinely care that you were enjoying your stay.

We spent most of our evening in the bar at the hotel, both my husband and I enjoy bar atmospheres and what a fantastic find this was. The staff at the bar are really skilled and knowledgeable. There is a fantastic stock in the bar and it was pure joy to watch and talk to staff who really know their trade. We spent way to long and drank way to many cocktails (all made to absolutely precision and perfection) and had a great evening in the bar.

The hotel has a lovely outdoor heated swimming pool, we didn't use it on this occasion but many people did and there is an indoor heated pool too. All of which are available for use by residents. There are also ouside seating areas from the lounges etc.

We both thoroughly enjoyed our stay and will most definitely return.

The only downside is the Garden restaurant, I have placed a seperate review of this on Tripadviser but when returning, I will not be using the Garden Restaurant again.

However, that must not put you off staying at this fabulous gem of a hotel. Everything else it offers is exceptional in every way.

On arrival we received a complimentary upgrade to an Executive room, on the side of the hotel. It was huge, bigger than the floor area of a 4 bed detached house! The Superking bed looked small. The room was nicely furnished and decorated. The bathroom was lovely, my only complaint would be that the room was carpeted, where personally I feel tiles or washable flooring is more hygenic.

Complimentary robes were provided, but we couldn't find the slippers. Usually you get both.

Being in an Executive room seemdd get get you a better position in the dining room at breakfast. We were directed to a lovely window table. Breakfast was magnificent, cooked to order and delicous.

The heated outdoor swimming pool is also a bit of a treat, not many hotels seem to have outdoor pools in the UK.

I woudl definatley recommend an executive room at this hotel. However, being 5 star it was expensive even on a Sunday night. A luxurious treat!

I was fortunate enough to stay at The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne last Friday and it did not disappoint.

I had not heard too much about Eastbourne and held the similar perception of many as it being a sleepy retirement town, that perception was immediately changed as I drove along the seafront and into the entrance of the Grand. The pebble beach was clean and inviting, the lawns opposite the hotel were nicely kept and decorated with beautiful flowers and the view of Beachy Head was spectacular.

As for the hotel, we were met by two extremely helpful members of staff in the car park who assisted with a parking space and then took our bags inside and the check-in was quick and simple. The room was pristine, clean and equipped with everything and more, and the sea view was one of the best I have seen. I took full advantage of the facilities, the swimming pools, sauna and steam rooms were great and the staff again very helpful and friendly.

The dinner was of the highest standard along with top class service from the waiters, this was followed by a seat in the lounge by the open fire where the bar staff provided table service and recommended the cocktails from their very extensive bar menu. After a fantastic sleep in the comfortable bed, I went to breakfast where the buffet was vast and fresh and the chef was more than happy to prepare eggs benedict just for me.

The entire stay was perfect and I could not have wished for anymore, great hotel, staff, food, rooms and facilities AND to top it off, Eastbourne is the sunniest place in Britain.

I could not rate this hotel high enough and would recommend The Grand and Eastbourne to anyone.

Fantastic hotel! Real class!
The staff were amazing - nothing was too much trouble. Lovely rooms.
Superb food in a beautiful setting.
Highly recommended. Try the outdoor pool too! Eastbourne is a wonderful location and there lots to do.

I was lucky enough to stay at The Grand on Friday 17th May 2013 and had such a wonderful experience.
The hotel is beautiful and located perfectly along the seafront with the most beautiful views of Beachy head!
From the moment we stepped foot in the door we were looked after by such kind, polite and helpful staff.
Our room had a sea view and looked onto the gardens and heated, outdoor swimming pool which was being used by the hotel guests. The room had a bedroom and separate lounge area and was incredible clean, there was not a spot of dust anywhere, everything shined! The bathroom had under floor heating too which was lovely!
We had dinner in a unique balcony overlooking the lower lounge area and roaring fire, a superb place for small groups to dine or perhaps a romantic gesture! The food was amazing too!!! The Bar Manager was excellent, charming and hilarious and made some brilliant cocktails too!
Overall and unforgettable experience and one that I would recommend to all. Traditional, but Grand Seaside hotel...
I will certainly be coming back!

My best friend was leaving for Canada soon so I thought I would treat us both to afternoon tea at The Grand. I had been to afternoon tea before but my friend had not and neither of us had ever been to The Grand. Walking up the step at the front of the hotel, we were greeted with a very cheery "good afternoon" on what was a miserable rainy day. When we walked through the door, we were blown away. Beautiful chandeliers in the lobby and hallway. A lovely gentleman led us down the hallway to the lounge area at the far end. There were sofas and lovely armchairs that you just sunk into while listening to the peaceful and calming music that was being played. Whilst waiting for our afternoon tea, we took in our surroundings and the beauty of the hotel. When our afternoon tea arrived, we were blown away. The presentation was just so lovely. The scones were amazingly light and a very generous size, the sandwiches were delicious, the Eton mess was yummy and the pastries were scrummy. The staff were very attentive and our tea was refreshed quickly and efficiently. We weren't able to manage everything but we were able to take away the remaining pastries in a little box. I would have no hesitation in recommending anyone to go to The Grand for afternoon tea and I will definitely be going again.

The only downside was that there was a meeting on the 1st floor which was overlooking the lounge area we were in and it was quite noisy.

Have just visited grand with my husband and our niece for her birthday. Wow afternoon tea to die for. wonderful experience ....wonderful food, a truly special experience. Plus what we couldn't eat of the delicious food they offered and we accepted to box it up for us to take home. Waitress was very efficient friendly and helpful, asking would we like more tea. We used the rest room facilities and again wow, the hotel is beautiful, clean and friendly. Can't wait to go again

Me & the mr got a got price through last minute.com with the grand hotel, for £150 each 1 night stay with breakfast & 1 free treatment, you had to pre book it which is fair enough I booked a facial for my free treatment then reflexology, the mr booked 2 treatments (can't remember what lol) but on the day the spa called to say the lady who does reflexology was poorly so I rearrange something else so went for a body scrub. When we arrived the hotel was amazing & we got to check into our room 2/3 hrs early, the staff were very lovely, the room was beautiful beds comfy & you got molton brown samples with slippers and a robe. We had lunch which was nice but overly expensive. We went for our treatments which mine was 30 mins before the mr and when the mr went for his, someone else took his treatment...he did get another free treatment but that's not the point...I had to wait an extra 30 mins for my treatment...the staff have no idea what there doing. Was very disappointed in the spa staff! The hotel overall was lovely and the hotel staff were lovely & will do anything for you x

I stayed at The Grand in Eastbourne, mid April for two nights, I had a small dog with me who was treated to dinner in our room! an experience for him. The Grand is the perfect name, its a most relaxing hotel to stay in, everything runs so smoothly, theres a lovely welcome on arrival everyone is so friendly and professional. the hotel is like being in another world, I loved it.
I will be going again...dont miss the breakfast its wonderfull.

Stayed one night in one of the front/seaview facing suites...with a fab view of the sea..sumptous rooms...
They say its one of the only 5* hotel on the coast & from my brief visit, they are definitely right..if your looking for that one special hotel for a 'special occasion' then i would suggest you look 'no further'.....treated very well by the staff & felt very relaxed....loved the fact 'Gentleman had to wear jacket & tie' for dinner..
It has two restaurants, we ate in the Garden restaurant...the service was great & the food was 'delicious' - i would say about the dining room - we ate in 'spacious grandeur'...following on from that, the breakfast was 'exceptional, with huge choice...an experience i will not forget. Obviously if your a person with huge wealth you'll be used to that type of hotel & experience, but I'm not....but I can 'savour that slendour & experience'...would i recommend for that special occasion 'Oh yes'...even loved the fact we had a 'reserved parking space outside the front'. Its a lovely location on the sea front, with a nice easy walk into town & of course the 'pier'.

We had a small wedding and a three night stay; everything went smoothly, attention was paid to every detail and request; food at The Mirabelle restaurant and chef were as brilliant as ever; the hotel staff are exceptional in terms of courtesy and consideration and made our wonderful wedding even more special.

A fantastic last minute stay at this hotel. Staff couldn't do enough to help, so polite. A wonderful upgraded room with amazing sea views. Food lovely and whole hotel had a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. Would definitely stay again.

We stayed here again for one night after several year's absence. The buiding is still magnificent, however, a room at the back with no double glazing and no air conditionning is not so good (5 stars?) There was only one robe in the bathroom, no toiletries, not even a piece of soap, and I couldn't have a shower as the shower distributor tap was broken.
In the evening whilst we had our Martinis, which were ok if not very expensive, we tried to order dinner. We were not very hungry so the maitre d'hotel tried to explain the pricing policy. It is totally incomprehensible and perhaps even illegal. The result is that you pay more for one dish from the à la carte menu than for a whole 3 course meal from the daily menu!!!!! The result was our dinner cost £122.90 without the cocktails!!!!!
The dinning room was nearly empty in sharp contrast to ou last visit - perhaps due to this crazy pricing policy!!!!
We will not be going back.