The at the age of 46, This was my first Stay in a 5 star hotel, it was magical very much like the over look hotel off the Flim the shining. The room was lovely and the staff even lovelier, so helpful and polite. We eat in the main dinning room food was absolutely spot on. Breakfast was unreal, I can't wait to go back thank you to all the staff warm regards Amanda.

Unfortunately we only had a short weekend break here but it was just what the doctor ordered - great service so nothing to complain about!! AND we got a good price on Travel Republic. (Direct through the hotel you can also get a 3 for 2 deal.) Unlike other hotels in Eastbourne there are no worries about parking - just pull up at the front and your car is valet parked. Our suite was an ample size with an enormous bed and sofa bed for our 7 year old. It was left as a sofa all day and then turned into a bed whilst we were at dinner and our bed was turned down etc. Our bed was very sumptuous but a bit soft for me - but I guess that's just personal preference and would not stop me going again!
Luckily we had some sunshine so we could make the most of the outdoor pool which was bath temperature and terrace for the Jazz band on Saturday lunchtime. The indoor pool was really warm too and everything as clean as it should be. I could see it being a great place to while away an afternoon in winter - Us with a books on the loungers and son in the pool!
We paid an extra 10 pounds for our son and for that he got a goody bag, milk and biscuits at bedtime, access to some type of kids club (which we didn't need) and a meal in the 'Family Dining' restaurant which allowed casual dress at a sectioned off end of the Garden Restaurant which had a short menu. (Adults were £38) Slightly salty soup but the rest was fine. Apparently the other restaurant is better but didn't suit us with a young child. There was a fair selection for breakfast; most of hot stuff was from a buffet but was not quite as hot as it could be. However the service and ambiance made up for it - it was a lovely relaxing start to the day.
Staff at reception were really helpful. A fantastic choice for a peaceful break and some pampering.

Overall it was very good. However, there were a few niggles. Firstly, although the hotel is non-smoking, and we appreciate that you can't smoke in the rooms, it would be nice if they provided heaters on the terrace for those of us who like an after-dinner smoke - it was absolutely freezing out there! Also, whilst the swimming pool attendants were quite happily fixing furniture, they left two plastic glasses by the pool all day (they were still there at 1800 in the evening!) - not something one expects in a 5* hotel. Finally, although the rooms were maintained beautifully, someone should remind the staff that fingermarks should be cleaned off doors. Breakfast was good, but very similar to those experienced in 3* European hotels. I was tempted to order kippers, but there was quite a long wait.
All in all, a beautiful hotel, but these niggles should be addressed.

We stayed mid-week for our 20th wedding anniversary, which included an evening at Glyndebourne. The Grand was everything we expected and more, the staff was extremely welcoming and friendly, and although they didn't know it, made it for a memorable anniversary: we arranged for a car to take us to the opera and back (evening wear as tradition has it), and it happened to be a lovely white Mercedes S-Class. Upon our return, there was a band and singer at the bar, so we also - unexpectedly - danced. All quite decadent!
The guest population was mostly "older" couples and groups and middle-aged couples, but surprisingly quite a few families with children. Who seemed to be quite in tune with the surroundings because they were all quite coolly well-behaved! (what I mean is that they were naturally and stress-less well behaved, not constrained and with freaky parents)
The high tea is excellent and although we hadn't had lunch we could barely finish all the food...
Rooms are decorated in English style (but not overdone), there is a beautiful spa and outside heated pool.
The only small disappointment is that the toiletries were not replenished on our second day.
Will definitely go back, with or without the family, for a short break, and make use of one of the special offers, which we didn't this time. And we want to try the famed Mirabelle restaurant too!
NOTE: there is no Wifi but there is free internet LAN access in your room, as well as a free PC terminal for guest use. So (if like me) your netbook needs an ethernet adaptor, don't forget to bring it! I am not complaining about this BTW, it would take away the charm if the lobby/lounges/bar were full of people with laptops!

We go each year to the Grand we usually find something wrong each year,this year it was wifi and television problems, hopefully they will be sorted, I am afraid we made the duty managers life a bit hectic during our stay,but overall we enjoyed our usual suite, trouble is it gets more expensive each year at £400 for B/B per night, food at the hotel is very good but not in the Michelin standard yet.We still love the hotel overall and we would say to anyone that it is a nice place to stay,with good staff, who do go out of their way to please and the overall comfort of the place is very good indeed and the staff do set a good standard at all times with knowledge and help, we get looked after and it makes you feel good being there.

My wife and I took our 2 young children (8 weeks & 3 years) to this hotel for a relaxing family break for 4 nights. All in all an excellent hotel. The indoor pool was almost bath temperature which meant the kids stayed in for hours. The only slight disappointment was the standard of the shower in our room (deluxe) and that the children's tea was quite late so not really an option. Also the quality of ingredients for breakfast was disappointing for a 5* and the money paid per night which included breakfast ie the bacon was greasy and very thin and the muffins almost like Tesco value.. homemade ones would have been more fitting for a hotel of this grandeur. Overall though the staff and appearance of the hotel made our stay very memorable.

This was our second visit to this grand old hotel, last time we were room only ,but this trip was a good deal, pay the going b and b rate and you get £30 per person per night towards any of the hotels facilities, we opted for dinner on both nights, the first night we ate at mirabelle, it was amazing, the service first class, the staff knowledgable and the food delicious, the wine list is varied and extensive and caters for all palates and wallets we opted for a carafe of rose (still £20!) but were not made to feel we had chosen from the cheap end of the list.
at £40 for the set menu we felt this was such good value(£10 each with our £60 credit) but we would gladly have paid anyway it was so good as we had such a great time, after dinner there was a live band and singer in the lounge bar they were very good , the carpet had been removed to reveal a propper dance floor , we are not dancers but enjoyed watching as we drank our coffee and ate our chocolates, and we did take one turn round the floor !
Breakfast was lovely in the garden restaurant, there is a buffet but as we had read, order your food from the menu and you dont need to get up, thats what 5* is all about,
and you do feel special as they lift the cloches to reveal your bacon and eggs!
The public areas are all wonderful and we sat very happily reading our papers and having a drink, lunchtime on saturday they have a jazz band on the terrace they were brilliant, we didnt eat but were able to listen .
We were looking forward to our candle lit dinner in the garden restaurant on saturday but have to say we were very dissapointed, at £38.50 each we felt it was over priced , the room and atmosphere were good with a pianist playing as you ate, service good but the food let it down my husband ordered the plaice and iwhen it arrived it was served with roasted potatos and parsnips ! i had roasted guinea fowl so that was fine for me, when we had finished we noticed the next table had chips with thier fish, much more appropriate !, although 38 50 for fish and chips is steep! when we go again we would not eat there but in the mirabelle.
the band were in the lounge again and we passed another relxing evening.
upon checkout I mentioned the dissapointing dinner in the restarant and was told the regulars know to ask what the veg will be! , I felt we should have been told when we ordered and asked if that was our choice too. The restaurant manager did come and speak to me and appologise, but I felt he thought I was beeing difficult which didnt feel satisfactory if i am honest.had we payed the full price for our dinner (our £60 off made it £17 for the two of us) I would have asked for it to be taken off our bill.
But this did not spoil our wonderful weekend, thank you to all the staff who made us feel so Grand at the Grand ! its what 5* service does and we shall be back in the autumn for some more!

We stayed at The Grand Hotel Saturday into Sunday, during the last weekend in July. We were both expecting an amazing experience. You are welcomed by concierge politely and friendly. The car porters too were extremely helpful and jovial. The main entrance embodies all The Grands victorian splendour with high ceilings, pillars and gold leaf work, it is light and cheerful. We stayed on the third floor in room 324 which overlooks the back of the building not the seafront. The room was a disappointment. The decor definitely needs a major refurbishment as the pattern of the bedding and curtains was a late 80's design and looked tired and sad. The furniture could have been more modern as the seating was very hard, dark and gloomy. It was as if we were in a very sad old people's home. Our "view" was of the very noisy air-conditioning system and as it was a very hot day, the room was extremely hot to the point of unhealthy, but there was no air-conditioning in the room only in the main areas. There was not even a fan. The bathroom although clean and tidy, was also was an old design. If you want to do victoriana then at least keep it looking fresh, not faded and fusty. As we got ready, although we drew the curtains and opened the windows, the room became unbearable and my partner couldn't even put his shirt on for dinner as the sweat dripped off him with the heat in the room. We quickly made our escape and hoped it cooled so we could sleep. There are two sittings for dinner and had to wait until 8.30 before we could dine. We dined in the Garden Restaurant and decided on the Table d'hote menu. The food was good but I would have expected much more from a 5 * hotel, having stayed in other 5 * hotels. We have eaten better food at our local gastro pub and for less. The management could do with employing someone who could give the hotel an amazing reputation for food. It's an opportunity lost. Our bedroom was sticky but cooler than before, however the air-conditioning system outside was still working. It eventually went off at 00.28 but resumed around 6.00 a.m., not good for any light sleepers. Breakfast is buffet style with various cereals, fruit, yohurts, continental breakfast or cooked breakfast. Nothing extraordinary. As for the facilities, we didn't have time to use them. We went and had a look at the fitness centre and indoor pool. We have seen better facilities at hotels with a lesser star rating e.g. golf country clubs. Perhaps the hotel is short of space, but would have thought there was room for improvement especially with its close proximity to Eastbourne Tennis Club and the many players who visit, it should at least have a bigger indoor pool. We cannot comment on the spa and hairdressing facilities. Overall, the hotel is good but it is living on its past reputation from a bygone age. The staff are efficient and courteous. The main structural areas of the hotel are impressive but the bedrooms let the overall experience down. They really need some air-conditioning in the bedrooms in the warm weather and a major refurbishment of the decor and furniture. The food needs to be amazing not ok. You can do old world hospitality and charm but drag the facilities into the 21st century, urgently.

I took the Ladies of my family for afternoon tea. It was a lovely way to spend an afternoon.

The Staff were very attentive from the Gentleman on the door who directed us to the lounge to the excellent waiter and waitress who ensured that our teapot was always fresh and our cups were never empty.

There was a good choice of sandwiches and cakes and the scones were warm and very fresh. There was also a very comprehensive choice of teas.

The lounge was a lovely place to have tea, calm and relaxing. We would definately return.

We stayed in Eastbourne as a friend was getting married nearby. We had lunch in the light filled dining room in this hotel the following day and the service was great, and loved our room too, quiet and peaceful as befits residents with a baby, well appointed plenty of room, fresh decor and good room service. Would love to stay there again.

We had a wonderful one night stay at this majestic hotel, right opposite the Eastbourne’s lovely seafront. The hotel most definitely lives up to its name, attention is paid to detail everywhere within. We felt like moneyed people as we were pleasantly greeted by the door man (who for a tip will happily park your car).

Inside the staff are friendly and very informative, we had a lovely chat with the bar man in the evening as we sipped on some pre-dinner drinks (although the drinks were a little pricey, but we sort of expected that).

Our room was a sea view deluxe complete with Molton Brown minis (girlie squeal). We had a nice view (the seafront was to the left) and room was extremely comfortable. I loved the in-room dressing gowns and adored coming back after dinner to find our bed “turned down” and decorated with rose petals.

The breakfast was delish!!! Their scrambled eggs were divine.

A lovely luxury hotel, we will most definitely be heading back for some old school glamour in this great seaside town.

When you stay at a place called The Grand, and it is the ONLY five star hotel remaining on the British coastline, you expect the best. At The Grand in Eastbourne, you get it. The staff all greet you with smiles and "Good morning" or "Good afternoon", and the place is steeped in history and tradition. Sure, it has an "old-fashioned" feel to it, with lots of brown furniture, but it is also first-rate modern - although, as yet, no wi-fi. The Sunday breakfast was worth travelling miles for - a vast plate of just about everything that is good about the "Full English" - who wanted lunch after that one? There are a few "downs" however, because at a five-star there is an inevitable tendency to nit-pick. First - the "oil paintings" on the walls aren't - they are rather bad reproductions. Please get something more authentic and in line with the age of this beautiful building. Secondly, on my ample terrace, someone had been smoking, and the discarded tab ends were still there, lodged in the crevices between the paving stones, and third, a picture on one wall had slipped from its mount and - horrors - the nail on which it was hung was clearly visible. Niggles, yes, but still valid, I think.

Staff, unfaultable. Comfort of bedrooms, up there with the very best. Attention to the tiny details, a little off-kilter. This is the hotel from whence came the BBC's Palm Court Orchestra programmes of yesteryear - where is the attempt to market that part of the heritage? Wake up, this is part of British history here! There's some tweaking to be done (the doormen need to smile a bit more and be somewhat mkore approachable), and little details need to be looked at, but, well, whow....what a brillaint place. The right hand side of The White Palace needs a new lick of paint, I could have done without the dint in the plaster of the wall of my room, but I forgive you unreservedly for every little tiny impediment for that superb breakfast and your wonderful staff. They are a credit to the hotel. The Grand is (cliche alert!) a national treasure, and the mild negative comments here are only so that it can get better - and better...... just a pleasure to have stayed there.

This was our first time in Eastbourne, and was recommended by friends to stay at the Grand. Well what a Fantastic time we had, and a real 5* experience. We arrived at the hotel after not the best of journeys only to find the car park was solid with cars, and within moments a top hatted gentleman appeared at the window and was ever so polite. He said he would escort us to the hotel and assist us with our luggage and valet park the car ! Wow what a welcome. We were treated with such honest genuine service by all, reception were very friendly and we were taken to our room by a porter who knew the whole history of the hotel and Eastbourne it seemed, very charming man. The room was spacious and not a disappointment. We felt really at ease and relaxed, we did not eat at the hotel, just took breakfast in the morning which was fantastic, good service friendly staff and a real delight. If I had to say what really made our stay was the atmosphere created by all the staff and the beautiful surroundings.
But one negative no wy fi !!!!! We left the hotel as we came with a wow factor ! Our car was at the steps of the hotel with the doorman waiting to open the door ???? How did he know we were about to leave ????? We will be back !!!

A truly five star hotel with fantastic staff, from the moment we drove into the hotel till the moment we checked out. I`d booked a mini moon as a surprise for my husband, and it didn`t dissapoint. The view from the room we had was fantastic with double windows on two sides of the room. We had room service twice witch was great and lunch on the veranda witch was also very nice. I`ve stayed in 5 star hotels around the world and The Grand competes very well.

We have stayed here on numerous occasions as love the hotel location and setting and live locally It is very rare to get the spacious bars and restaurants which have a very 1920 feel to it. Have eaten in the Garden Restaurant as the Mirabelle is closed on Sunday and Monday evenings and the food is not great and over priced so if you can I can definately rate the Mirabelle and promise that you will get excellent service from Ben the manager who has worked there years.

If you stay outside school holidays yes there are alot of elderly in residence which doesn't bother me and can't see why mentioned in so many reviews as we all get old however if you are looking for a young hip hotel this is not the place to stay.

Rooms most of the standard rooms area good size and have a view of the sea and could probably do with a refurb shortly. I have stayed in a couple of the suites which have fantastic sea views and extremely large balconies but again are slightly dated.

The facilities are good with indoor and outdoor pools, spa etc which are never over busy and all have low turnover of staff.

In summary nice hotel with friendly staff, great Mirbabelle restaurant , seafront location in a sleepy town. Perfect for a relaxing weekend away

Sometime since we last stayed here and it is still as good as it always was.
The Staff are excellent--the Concierge & Reception team & many of the Staff have been at The Grand for a long time.
The bedrooms are quiet & well looked after by the efficient Chambermaids.
The Buffet Breakfast is still excellent with top quality food including freshly squeexed orange juice,smoked salmon & croissants.The fried & poached eggs are cooked to order & served on hot plates covered with a silver dome!
The outdoor pool is a good size & there is also an indoor pool, steam ,sauna & a gym in addition to the treatments that can be booked.
--- a very enjoyable four night stay.

From the moment the conciergetakesyour keys to park your car, nothing is too much trouble for the staff. Check in is fast and efficient and your luggage is portered to your room. The rooms are large and very clean. Huge beds with lovely feather pillows and duvets. Huge bath towels and bath goodies. We ate in the Garden restaurant which is not the most expensive (but expensive enough!). Nice touches with 'amuse bouches' and refreshing sorbets. Wine is very, very expensive. Men need to wear a tie or jacket to enter the restaurant in the evening.
There is an excellent breakfast with a great choice of foods.
There is a good mix of clients from families with youn g children to older couples and singletons.
We stayed on a 3 nights for 2 and ate in the restaurant every evening. Worth splashing out for such good, old fashioned service.

good service and room (slightly dated) but disappointed by the main restaurant. their bread reminded me of the airplane bread and chocolate tart was too hard to cut.

We regularly stay at this hotel, which we consider to be the very best in Eastbourne. The Service, Staff, and Facilities are all excellent, and we are always welcomed as friends on our return visits....nothing seems too much trouble.
Our hotel room is always spotlessly clean, and well attended during our stay,
The location of the Grand is perfect, - overlooking the sea, yet easy to get to the town , theatres, and other attractions.
We are partially disabled and have to hire mobility scooters to get around, and the
staff always ensure that we are charged up and ready to go whenever we want.
We will always return again and again.

We only stopped off, with family, for tea. Usually I would not write a review having only been for tea, however the service and atmosphere at the Grand was such that I feel compelled to write a review in the hope that the management may read it. Firstly the staff and service was exceptional, one of the best we have experienced. The atmosphere is equally superb. But the decor, while un-modernised and beautiful, did seem slightly faded in places. There were chairs with wobbly arms, with scuff marks. Some of the carpet seemed a little ancient (although some was new to be fair). We only wandered the first floor (and took the squeaky stairs to the billiard room) but I write this review because I feel that with a little renovation, The Grand in Eastbourne can be one of the best hotels in the country.

My fiance and I stayed at the hotel for one night only as we wanted to book a wedding reception there in September. No sooner had I switched off the car engine outside the hotel entrance, we were greeted by Tony who arranged for our luggage to be taken to our room and the car to be parked. On way to our room, he pointed out some of the hotels facilities, and informed us about restaurant times and other items of interest. Such a warm and friendly welcome. The room was excellent, clean and very well appointed and had a lovely warm feel to it. We later had drinks in the lounge bar followed by a meal in The Mirabelle Restaurant, where the food and service were both excellent. The hotel itself has a certain charm about it, but the service at all times throughout was outstanding. This is what makes this hotel special, as the all of the staff that I encountered were courteous, friendly and extremely professional. We ourselves were made to feel special and we very much look forward to having our wedding reception there later on in the year. OK, so it doesn't have WiFi in the hotel, and I felt naked without having access to my iPhone which I am lost without in my particular business. Mobile phone reception is poor/non existent, buy hey, I was only staying for one night and I soon banished my withdrawal symptoms.A special mention also to Claire FURNELL, the hotel's event planner for her kindness and enthusiasm in helping us make the correct choices for our special day. Very professional, and a credit to the hotel. Well done.

Stayed her for a night with my pregnant wife in June 2011 as we fancied a night on the coast away from the stresses of London.

The Grand is undoubtedly grand and harks back to an earlier era where people dressed for dinner and where elegance ruled the day. What this does mean is that it can be a little stuffy, both from the decor of the rooms (and there were minor touches for improvement like big marks in the bath etc) to the (incorrect) rules in the folder in the room stating jeans shouldn't be worn for dinner.

Overall however, this is one of the closest to a five star experience I've experienced in a British seaside hotel. Had an excellent afternoon tea, delicious sandwiches, cakes, scones etc in a beautiful setting and very professional service. Breakfast was also excellent, great choice of hot and cold dishes... I don't normally indulge in a fried breakfast but was very glad I had!

Eastbourne is obviously not St Tropez but we enjoyed a walk along the front, playing the slots, some great fish and chips etc then retired to our executive seaview room (304). Definitely worth paying for a seaview, really made the break sitting in our arm chairs watching the sea outside. Despite the cool temperature, I had a swim in the (warm) outside pool which was fun.

Overall a great break, although I wouldn't pay rack rate for it. We went on a deal where we got a £60 food credit which made the price far more palatable! I'd also expect wifi to be available in 2011 at a five star hotel...

I have stayed at the Grand a few times in the past and have never been disappointed by it's consistently reliable standards and exceptional facilities.

I have to say that the room we were allocated on this late deal was at the rear of the hotel overlooking a noisy road and had little to place it apart from any good basic no sea view B&B. It was comfortable enough but being able to make use of the hotels facilities is the real bonus to saying at the Grand. The food as usual was of their usual high standard for a great Breakfast buffet experience with a huge range of choices.

We stayed for 2 nights at the Grand in June, where we had our Wedding Reception. The Service was excellent throughout. Food was delicious and we could not fault anything. Will return to eat there again and definitely stay over. How lucky we are to have such a fantastic Hotel on our door step.

On making my reservation I spoke to Felicity and explain that I was coming to stay two nights and will be travelling with my elderly disabled neighbour. At the time of my booking, there were no disabled rooms available, neither inter connecting rooms. However, we took adjacent Junior Suites with Seaviews and large Balconies. As I needed access to my companion's room (in case of an emergency) Felicity was helpful and patient in explaining the room structures to me on the phone.

On arrival, I found my parking space reserved and almost immediately the porter was at hand to help with our luggage and parked the car while I tended to my elderly companion. We had a problem with my companion's wheelchair and needed some help in fixing it. Tony the concierge managed it all in a jiffy (it seemed the Concierge had all sorts of tools appearing like magic from his pockets) and soon my companion was mobile again.

Checking in was quick, welcoming and efficient. Hmm... I thought: now that is how I expect it to be"! We then went on to have Afternoon Tea (freshly cut bread, freshly baked scones) and I ordered a glass of champaine which took 15 minutes to arrive! The waiter forgot! I was not impressed. We both ordered coffee, yet only one coffee was served. The waitress did not quite understand our order. We later went to our suites and my.. what a pleasant surprise. Absolutely fabulous, a wonderful seaview and tastefully furnished.

The Concierge Desk, Reception and our room girls, were extremely polite and helpful. I could sense they were proud to be associated with the Grand Hotel.

Called Housekeeping and Room Service for a wine-opener, which took 45 minutes for a response. Meanwhile it was delivered to the door by Concierge Tony.

Breakfast, was no world moving experience. Coffee takes ages before it gets to the table.
Staff not very attentive in clearing plates from table.

Dinner in the evening at the Mirabelle: Fantastic. Attentive staff, excellent food.

Dinner at Garden Restaurant, disastrous! We ordered the Lamb. Was it Lamb, was Duck? What was it? Whatever it was, it was over cooked rubber which I refused to eat!!! Even the vegetables were overcooked. The restaurant manager's sales talk of a special cut of lamb did not impress me and he suggested "out of goodwill" not to charge me for the wine. Goodwill would have been not to charge for the mishap served as my dinner.

Other then the dinner mishap, we thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere and surroundings of the Grand. Splendid elegance of days gone by, beautifully resurrected in the Grand Hotel. I will stay again, but will definitively avoid dining at the Garden Restaurant.