My husband, 5 year old daughter and I stayed here for 3 nights during the October half term. We had a nice stay but it wasn't amazing.

The staff are very pleasant indeed. Professional and courteous. Their customer service could not be faulted at all. The main public areas are very lovely, however as I had an hour to myself on both Saturday and Sunday afternoon, I wanted to pop into one of the lounges for a cup of coffee to read my book, but they were overun by people who had come in for afternoon tea and there was nowhere for residents who hadn't booked afternoon tea to sit for a quiet cup of coffee. The first day I gave up, the second day I sat in two areas for 20 minutes until I went up to a waiter who found me somewhere to sit.

We booked The Grand for the Grand "kids" package;
The personalised registration cards and check in desk were not offered at all. The desk wasn't busy and another family in front of us were not offered it either.
The Grand kiddies rucksack with a selection of Goodies was sweet, it had a yo-yo, frisby small colouring books and pencils and cap.
The Complimentary milk and cookie at turndown was (bizarrely) problematic, they asked what time our daughter would like it and if she would prefer hot or cold milk. However the cookie on the first night was so rock hard she would've broken her teeth on it. They replaced it and gave us standard hotel packet biscuits for the other nights which didn't feel very special.
The Special children's robes were not in the room and we had to ask for it.
DVD players and films available on request - it wasn't obvious where we could find a list of films to view.
Board games for use during your stay - I couldn't see these anywhere, but to be fair I didn't ask for them.
"The Grand Quiz - A chance to explore the hotel and grounds with special 'Find It Quiz' with a prize if you get them all right" - I asked at reception about this - the receptionist didn't know anything about it.
The Family Dining is at the end of the main dining room. There was a puzzle book and squash on the table. More on food later...
- Mini sodas in the room - 3 small cans, that were not replaced and warm - no fridge.

The food was not good at all. The steak was well done when asked for rare and the beef my daughter had was like leather. The puddings were not at all nice, plasticy cheesecake and a trifle my daughter couldn't even eat. i would not book family didning, so very expensive and very poor food. The breakfasts were ok - good hotel breakfasts, but the poached eggs were ordered were hard and not soft - we heard another table complaining about the same thing.

The cost of drinks in the bar bar is very expensive, but one expects this in hotels.

The decor in the hotel rooms is very dated and 1980's - i.e. carpetted bathrooms. Though to be fair we were expecting this as their website does have honest photos that indicate the bedrooms have dated decor. The shower wasn't at all powerful, however the Molten Brown products were lovely and varied - and were replenished regularly. The beds were very soft - which I loved.

Once again the staff at this hotel truly make it. When I mentioned we were not happy with the childrens package - the receptionist gave our daughter a teddy bear and a tin of sweets and an apology which my our daughters day and made us feel better about the stay.

I think it's an old-school hotel. We liked it's location but it's not really for us. It was very much for the retired generation and it does well providing that sort of service. But we left feeling it wasn't value for money and a little cheated out of what was promised to us.

A beautiful hotel that ticks all the boxes. Its very classic and transports you back to the past.
We had 2 nights here, the Grand Hotel relaly comes on top for an experience Hotel, it makes you feel fabulous just being here.
Service is everything you want, professional and freindly. Everything was fantastic.
Its a place that has created memory for us that we will remember for a very long time.
Well worth every penny,

My husband and I stayed at the Grand for 2 nights for our wedding anniversary and we had an amazing time. The hotel is simply wonderful. We have stayed in many hotels around the world and the grand really comes out top for us. Everthing was fantastic - right from the moment we parked where were greeted by the extremely professional,helpful and friendly concierge. The check-in was very smooth and friendly (complete with wedding anniversary hard from the hotel - a lovely touch!) and the room was very large and traditionally decorated. This isn't the hotel to come to if you are looking for contemporary architecture, finishes and gadgets - it is very much a traditional victorian english seaside hotel with a lot of character and we loved it.

The food is excellent. We had dinner in the Garden restaurant. Fantastic choice of meats and carved off joints at your table. The staff made a real effort knowing it was our wedding anniversary which was lovely. The breakfasts we also fantastic. Far better than many big hotel chains I have stayed in. And how lovely to have fresh orange juice and not the concentrated stuff most hotels serve these days. You could order from the kitchen at no extra charge or choose from the very well supplied buffet.

A special mention must go to the staff at this hotel - their service and hospitality was faultless. We can't praise them enough.

The spa is also lovely - had a massage and really enjoyed it - again, excellent service, very clean and very helpful and polite staff.

This hotel is a real breath of fresh air and well worth its 5 stars! We hope to return very soon! Thanks so much.

We have stayed in this hotel over the last few years quite a lot since we discovered it, sometimes to chill out, but mostly for celebrations , birthdays and anniversaries. We have tried other hotels in between, but honestly NOTHING compares in the way of service or luxury.

This time we were here for my husbands birthday, instead of our usual 4/5 nights we could only manage 1 night due to work commitments.
Just driving up to the hotel being greeted by the fabulous concierge - with our own car park space reserved with our name on a board - thank you David, makes you feel very special.
Then on check in to be told you have been room upgraded and handed a birthday card for my husband. It’s little touches like this that make us keep coming back.

We normally request an upper floor with a view or balcony, but this time we didn’t request anything for just the one night, however we were happily surprised to find our room was on the ground floor with it’s own patio, table and chairs, leading on to the gorgeous lunch terrace and down to the outdoor heated swimming pool. What a fabulous room. Our room was a really lovely twin, it looked newly refurbished, although we didn’t spend much time in it, it is now our most favourite room and we will be requesting it from now on.

We had lunch on the terrace in the sunshine, which along with the outdoor pool was a first for us. Lunch was delicious, large portions and great service.
It was a heat wave in October, so to sit around and swim in the outside pool and relax on the loungers in the sun, what a bonus!
After our swim we went down to the indoor pool and facilities, happy to find our room was only a very short walk away this time. So we were able to go down in our robes and slippers and back to the room in them too.
We were slightly disappointed to find the Jacuzzi was out of service because the guys were working on it, also the steam room was not working, however my husband did have a sauna.

Dinner in evening was in The Garden restaurant where we were greeted by Sean and Barbara, (like old friends) Sean had reserved our favourite table for us. This always makes us feel special, they treat everyone that way. Absolute first class service, a great team.
We began with the appetizers in the bar with our cocktails while perusing the menu, an Amuse Bouche at the table, followed by a starter, then I had Fish and hubby had Pork carved at the table. I didn’t get to dessert or cheese course, but birthday boy had dessert with a candle on it bought over by Barbara, Lovely touch. Coffee and Petit fours in the lounge.

Breakfast is a buffet, but we always order from the kitchen at no extra charge - I had poached Haddock with a poached egg, and hubby had the biggest Eggs Benedict you have ever seen!
Short and sweet this time, but very, very enjoyable.

Thank you yet again to the staff at The Grand, please stay exactly as you are, don’t change a thing, it just got better for us this time. You work hard for those 5 stars and it does show, Again!

This hotel is as comfortable as it is beautiful & the staff was professional, friendly, and helpful. I usually don't bother to write a review for 5-star hotels because you expect them to be wonderful; although they often lack a sense of place - you could mistake New Orleans for Mumbai until you step outside. But The Grand Hotel transports you to an early time, distinctly British. I preferred it to The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.

How refreshing to find a hotel that doesn't let you down! I ordered flowers for my Mum and asked them to be in the room when we arrived. They were there and they were beautiful. The room, food, location and facilities all excellent but the one thing that we valued more than anything else was the friendly, helpful and professional staff. Every single one was a joy and I don't think I've ever had the consistency of service in any other hotel. They seemed to genuinely enjoy their jobs and take pride in them.
My only very slight criticism was that I found the mattress very soft in the executive twin we had (no sea view, 3rd floor).

A fantastic hotel with wonderful staff and good facilites. The hotel definately appeals to an older age group. Our son (7) was made to feel very welcome and even though he is the pickiest eater in the world his needs were accommodated. I would advice though that if you are staying with a young child in a sea facing room that the noise levels on Friday and Saturday nights meant we didn't get to bed until 1am! The hotel has a band who plays on Fridays and Saturdays and as it was warm the doors of the lounge were kept open. We did speak to the duty manager who assured us that this wouldn't happen again. The food, service and overall experience were very much 5 star and we look forward to a return visit in the future.

I spent 4 nights here in September and it was a wonderful experience, I was lucky to be upgraded to a suite which had its own balcony and being blessed with good weather it was a great bonus. All the staff were very friendly and eating in the Garden restaurant was very enjoyable with wonderful service. The room was great and the hotel facilities included a gym and swimming pools, I had an hour swim in the indoor pool almost to myself, pure luxury...All in all a perfect 5 star hotel..Can't wait to go back

This is my second review of this hotel as my then fiancé and I visited earlier in June to arrange our wedding reception there for Saturday 17th.September.I speak on behalf of both my now wife and I when I say we had an absolutely fantastic wedding day, which both of us and all our friends and relatives enjoyed immensely. This was in the main down to the outstanding service we received from all of the hotel staff which was fantastic. The preparation, the food, the staff, the organisation was impeccable, and I do not use that word lightly. In addition I have to say, I find it difficult to put into words how grateful we both are to all the staff for the effort they put into making Saturday 17th.September, a very special day indeed for the two of us.

I have to mention two people in particular. One is Claire FURNELL, the other is Tom who managed the reception on the day itself. In helping us organising the reception, Claire was terrific in that you she constantly liaised with us making recommendations where necessary, and more important than that, she is simply a very nice person to do business with. In this day and age believe me, there are not too many like her about. We both appreciated her ideas and suggestions, and her professional demeanour makes her a tremendous asset to the hotel she works for. Well done and congratulations to her for the professional and sensitive way she helped us ultimately to have a relatively stress free day.

As for Tom, we cannot express our gratitude deeply enough for his sterling work on the day itself, and I will be writing separately to him when we return from our honeymoon. I had taken it upon myself to personally organise everything for our day, and to be honest I was a little apprehensive that everything would go according to plan. I needn't have worried, as Tom 'took charge' on the day. I am not sure that the General Manager of The Grand (who I will be writing to separately as well) appreciates what an absolute star he has in Tom. He was utterly fantastic, and made both of us, and all of our guests, relax and enjoy our special day. This was mainly down to his superb organisational and management skills, always there in the background, directing his staff when needed, easing everyone through the reception and beyond into the early hours. Nothing was too much trouble for him or his staff, and I cannot praise him high enough, for his enthusiasm, his professionalism and above all his outstanding interpersonal skills. I am just so sorry that we weren't able to properly thank him personally the following day, as we had to leave early to catch a flight from Gatwick.

Again, many congratulations to you all at The Grand. It's almost as perfect a day as we could ever of imagined.

Back from a wonderful night at The Grand, pure luxury! Stayed here on Sat night to celebrate my 40th birthday, with my husband. Upon arrival, our car was driven away by the very friendly concierge and our luggage was collected by the staff who walked us to our room, whilst giving us a tour of the main reception area, very impressive. The building is beautiful with lovely thick lush carpet and a real feeling of grandure all round.

Our room was larger than we expected for a deluxe and although it didnt have a seaview, we were very impressed with the size of it, exceptionally clean, Moulton Brown goodies to boot! only thing was it had quite a small window and as we were on the 3rd floor, it was rather warm at night and I did have a little difficulty sleeping. The bed was sooo comfortable together with the pillows perfect, although we are used to a superking bed, so a double was a little tight eventhough we are regular sized peeps!

We had afternoon tea which was beautifully presented, the serving staff very helpful, although the chap at that seemed to be in charge was a little rude and unfriendly, but everything else couldnt do enough for you.

The outdoor pool was very warm and indoor pool, gym, sauna and steam room were all in good order, it would have been nice when checking into the spa desk if we were shown round or told where everything was, towels, robes, etc.

Breakfast was lovely and one of the young chaps heard me mention to my husband that there werent any vegetarian sausages, he then asked if I would like some cooked and duly brought them over very quickly.

Will definately going back at some stage, all in all, a lovely treat!

I stayed here for a week in September as a Birthday break and found all of the hotel staff to be frindly and couteous, from reservations to check out, faultless! As it was a celebration visit I had the added surprise of an upgraded room, a lovely card from the hotel and staff all adding to a most enjoyable holiday. The accommodation was spacious and luxurious with an exceptionally comfortable bed and pillows! Breakfast and Evening meal were served with efficiency and friendliness with the hotel being spotlessly clean and immaculate throughout...even down to the fluffy Christy towels. I would recommend this hotel as an excellent choice and thank them for helping me age gracefully!

We stayed at the Grand for my 70th birthday two years ago and really wanted to go back again this September for our 51st Anniversary. Unfortunately there was no availability for the dates we wanted, 16th to 18th for the type of accomodation we wanted. On our last visit our room was looking rather tired and in need of refurbishment and the bed was very very soft which was a problem for me, but everything else about this wonderful hotel met our needs, from being met at the entrance by the head porter who arranged for oour luggage to be sent to our room to having our car parked for us!! The staff were exceptional and the surroundings beautiful. One small problems was that if you didn't reserve a table for dinner, you would probably be unlucky. But we did and it was lovely. My husband had just been diagnosed as diabetic and this was handled efficiently by the chef. We had heard that a lot of work has been carried out at the hotel since our last visit 2 1/2 years ago so thought we must go back.
We were so disappointed as we had had a disastrous stay for our Golden Wedding last year at a nearby hotel in Eastbourne, and decided we would go back to our all time favourite. Disappointed yes, but perhaps we should have tried booking a little earlier. We were going for the best accommodation there too!!!! Better luck next time....

I stayed here for 2 nights in September with my 6 month old son. I chose this hotel because their website is very family friendly. We thoroughly enjoyed it. The staff upon arrival and departure were extremely professional and polite. The car was parked and all my bags were carried by the porter. The entrance hall is beautiful and impressive. We stayed in a deluxe room with an inland view. It was spacious and clean and the staff remembered to add in the steriliser I requested and a cot with extra towels and rubber duck as part of their "grand baby" service (free). I ordered room service for breakfast as I didn't trust my baby not to grab everything in the dining room and whilst it was 15 minutes late, it was hot and more than enough and as I ordered (slightly off menu). We went for a swim in the indoor pool, which was lovely and spent some time in the playroom, which was a bonus. The location is fabulous. I didn't eat dinner in the dining room as I was babysitting, but I did look at their separate vegetarian menu (available upon request) which had 3 vegan options, which was good to see. Having a room with a sea view would have made it a fabulous stay as my room was next to a road and there was occasional traffic noise - next time I will upgrade to the front!

Had a much needed long weekend in Eastbourne and stayed in this very grand hotel. Rooms very spacious and well provisioned. Restaurant great for breakfast and good for dinner but very up-market menu and dress code. These days slightly unnecessary for men to wear jackets. We ate there twice, once more than planned due to lack of anywhere else decent to find food. Lack of wi-fi a serious disadvantage. When you're paying these rates, wi-fi ought to be included, not just half an hour on a shared PC. If the Holiday Inn Express can do it ...... !!! Lovely to be so close to the seafront and to be able to sit sheltered from the biting winds!

This was our second visit to the Hotel ...once again when we first arrived the concierge was their to help with our bags and to show us to our rooms .The rooms were clean and the Bed linen was excellent .towels were changed daily.. there was tea/coffee facilities as well.Room service was 24/7 .. The housekeeping was good.. but on a couple of occasions in my room
it seemed that the bed was not made properly .. We had reserved a table in the Garden Restaurant (Table 3) in the alcove ..if you wanted to people watch ..Food was good ..choices were excellent.Waiters very polite and went out of their way to help.. During the Day you could sit in the lounge(we chose the weeks when the weather was not kind) and read your paper or just sit back and do nothing.Reception staff could not fault...J Scutt

I booked Sunday Lunch on 11th Sept.for 3 of us as non-residents.
Food,service and attention to detail was faultless,to the extent that I nearly didn't mind the bill!
Many thanks and well done, I look forward to saving up for another treat and wish I could afford to stay there.
Magnifique!

Beautiful architecture and a real sense of grandeur. The hotel is beautiful and the rooms very spacious indeed. I was here on a work event and the food was excellent along with the champagne.

We recently had a couple of nights at this hotel and were really pleased will the service, accomodation and food. We had a night in each restaurant and both were excellent. The service all round is wonderful. We will be going back as soon as we can. A lovely treat.

My partner booked a weekend here as a surprise, and we had a very enjoyable stay. There were a few little niggles (eg breakfast on day 2 was somewhat shambolic), but overall the service was excellent. The vast hotel is clearly maintained regularly at great expense, and is beautiful and impressive, and we give this top rating on the basis of the common areas. Our room was large and comfortable without noise. The style is traditional, so don't choose this hotel if you prefer something more fashionable. An army of staff, in smart uniforms, collaborate to make your stay comfortable... they even pour your tea for you!
Highlights:
Watch those who can dance to the band in the evening
Have the glorious afternoon tea in the Grand (?) Hall
Dinner in Mirabelle's was very special, with a high standard of cuisine.

My wife and I are now 'regulars' at The Grand and ensure that we have the same balcony, sea-view suite on each visit, when we make it our base for attending the operas at Glyndebourne.
This hotel gives you the best reception experience in the country .. and it doesn't diminish in other departments. May I particularly recommend the cocktails mixed by Gabor .. which he will concoct to suit your personality (!) .. so you find out what impression you make. True; the hotel doesn't (yet) have the plasma screens and gadgets which some hotels need in order to distract clients' attention away from the fact that their hotel lacks character and the amenities which will entertain you outside of your room.
We’re booked for our third (return) visit this year .. as I’m happy ‘to put my money where my mouth is’.

Excellence from start to finish!

We stayed 3 nights. The welcome, service, food and accomodation were spot-on!

A result in every sense.

We recently stayed here with our two children (5yrs, 11 months)and had a lovely time. The staff were very helpful and couldn't do enough for you. Our daughter enjoyed the Grand Kids package and loved her cookies and milk every night. Both pools were lovely and it was nice to swim somewhere warm!
Our only gripe was with the food. Although there is an allocated time in the restaurant for family dining we found the menu too much for us when eating with small people!! Our daughter had her meal in the lounge which was nice but the menu for us was very limited. However, there are plenty of family resturants to eat in around Eastbourne so this would not put us off going back. Helen, Cambs.

Had two fabulous nights here at the end of July and can only describe our visit as perfect. Greeted by the Concierge who escorted us to reception. Speedy and efficient check and we were escorted to a lovely room on the first floor which had all the amenities you would expect of a hotel of this calibre.The room was comfortable, well decorated and had a very good siized en-suite. We ate in the 'Garden Restaurant' on both evenings and the service and food were superb ( love the way the staff reveal your dish by syncronised lifting of the silver domed plate covers). Slept really well in the comfortable bed and enjoyed a substantial breakfast both mornings. Choice of hot breakfast buffet or order from the menu together with a fabulous continental choice.
All The staff we encountered were efficient, polite and friendly and I don't know how they could improve. Good location on the sea front and a short pleasant walk to the town centre. The area at the rear of the hotel is known as 'Little Chelsea' and there are very nice shops and restaurants, cafe bars, etc.
I would not hesitate to return and in fact looking forward to our next visit.

Last year we tried to book dinner and B&Bfor one night but were told we could only book a minimum of 2 nights. Thankfully in todays economic climes they have a change of heart! We booked a sea facing room which was large with a big bay window. All beautifully clean and the furnishings complemented the feel of the hotel. The bathroom had been refurbished with new fittings and pristine new tiling. Masses of thick towels and toiletries.
We booked dinner in the Mirabelle restaurant where the food was very good - could do with a bit more imagination on desserts.Wine was very expensive.
The service throughout the hotel was exceptional especially in the restaurant.
Breakfast is served in the Garden restaurant where there was a large choice of 'hot or cold'
Yes the building is Victorian and shows in parts but one would not book into this hotel if modern chic isi what you want.

Our Son Joe and his bride Maddie were married here last weekend and I can honestly say everyone made their day perfect in every way. Gabriella the wedding planner was amazing ....the staff first class and the hotel amazing!!! Thank you to all of you.....YOU ARE THE BEST!!!! xxx