The Grand Hotel Eastbourne
Latest Reviews
Excellent position on sea front- lovely promenade walks- theatres close by.
Beautifully appointed hotel - staff could not do enough for you- well worth the money.
Beautifully appointed hotel - staff could not do enough for you- well worth the money.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It is a fantastic feeling when you stay in a hotel were the attitude from staff is that the customer is king and we are here to give them a great stay. We just spend a weekend with some friends a needed hotelrooms very close to each other - to start with the rooms were quite far apart. The staff was very helpfull and did everything they could to help out. So they asked us to if we would leave our stuff in reception and enjoy the beach or hotel swimming pool while they rearranged some rooms. When we came back we had rooms perfectly located right next to each other. The staff provided help on a few other problems and the staff did go an extra mile to make certain that our stay was enjoyable. On another point the outdoor pool is 29 degrees hot - which is brilliant in the UK for early June. The food is also very good. The hotel is not cheap - so be prepared to pay for the 5 stars - but this hotel is (in contrast to some other 5star hotels) truely a 5 star hotel. Well be back.
Lars and Lena
Lars and Lena
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
When we arrived at the hotel we were greeted by the porters who took a luggage.. the Receptionist were polite and pleasant and very helpful.. Our suites were on the 3rd floor suite 336 was a Inland view..if you want a Seaview try suite 300 ..both rooms were excellent very clean and tidy ..Bathrooms very clean and nice fluffy towels The Staff in the Garden restaurant was polite and helpful .food was excellent..except for a small blip on Sunday night we had a starters..but had to wait 35mins for a mains we had been forgotton but the head waiter sorted all out. This was the first time we had been to this hotel ..it will not be the last all i can say it thanks for everything.. J Scutt
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We stayed here for a family wedding which was held in the Hotel. It was a perfect weekend, made even better when we were upgraded to a lovely suite with terrace overlooking the sea. The staff are all very helpful and friendly, the service excellent and we were made to feel very welcome.
Had a lovely meal in the Garden restaurant on the Friday evening which started the weekend superbly.
The hotel hosted the wedding beautifully and everyone enjoyed it enormously. Our room was very comfortable and had everything we could want. A swim in the outdoor pool on the Sunday after the wedding was very nice, followed by an excellent breakfast.
Altogether a perfect weekend which went all too quickly - we would liked to have stayed much longer and hope to return in the future.
Had a lovely meal in the Garden restaurant on the Friday evening which started the weekend superbly.
The hotel hosted the wedding beautifully and everyone enjoyed it enormously. Our room was very comfortable and had everything we could want. A swim in the outdoor pool on the Sunday after the wedding was very nice, followed by an excellent breakfast.
Altogether a perfect weekend which went all too quickly - we would liked to have stayed much longer and hope to return in the future.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Grand in every sense of the word. This is not a bijou 'boutique ' hotel, rather a grand old lady with first class service. Expect your luggage to be taken from your car, your car to be parked and staff to always remember your name. It is immaculately kept, and with a real sense of style. The Mirabelle Restaurant gourmet evening was a triumph and excellent value. The bedroom is traditional, but lovely linens, quality towels and an excellent view. Breakfast is served to the table and even offers kidneys, fried bread and black pudding: perfect! If you want stark modernity go elsewhere, but if quality service and excellent food in a grand setting are your taste then this is perfect.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Have just stayed 3 nights in room 300, third floor seaview room. Excellent large room, with great sea view. Standard of cleaning in room and whole of hotel was excellent. Did not agee with some reviews saying hotel looked a bit tired. This is not a brand new boutique hotel hence it is going to be more traditional type of hotel. Only thing I missed in the room was a fridge. Useful so you can buy some soft drinks for consumption in room. Outdoor pool great when the heating was working. Could only use pool one day out of three days. Sure they will manage to fix shortly. Breakfast and dinner very good, dinning room and lounge huge beautiful rooms. Made even better given that we got better deal on website, 3 nights for the price of 2 nights.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Having completed the 2011 Sussex Jag run from Chichester to Eastbourne we headed for a refreshing beer on the patio in celebration of arriving without breakdown in our 1970 Jag. Last year this was fine. This year, sadly, the staff were 'too busy' to serve 'non-residents' a beer even though we went to the bar as no one had appeared on the patio. However they were not too busy should we have wanted high tea. This was verified by the staff at Reception too.
Having stayed many times at their sister hotel, Tylney Hall, and held business conferences there, we were gob smacked. Suffice it to say we will remain 'non-residents' of the 'too' Grand @ Eastbourne.
Having stayed many times at their sister hotel, Tylney Hall, and held business conferences there, we were gob smacked. Suffice it to say we will remain 'non-residents' of the 'too' Grand @ Eastbourne.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We stayed at The Grand for 2 nights.We booked a deluxe room last minute via their website. We received 5 star service from the moment we pulled into their car park.
My husband went to reception to enquire if we could leave our bags as we were 2 hours early for check in. As our room was ready, reception said we could check in early without paying extra.
David, who managed our bags and showed us to our room was professional and sincere in his friendliness. Actually all the staff we met were the same.
Our room was traditional in its furnishing and very comfortable. It felt like a country home.
The actual building is magnificent inside and out.
My husband went to reception to enquire if we could leave our bags as we were 2 hours early for check in. As our room was ready, reception said we could check in early without paying extra.
David, who managed our bags and showed us to our room was professional and sincere in his friendliness. Actually all the staff we met were the same.
Our room was traditional in its furnishing and very comfortable. It felt like a country home.
The actual building is magnificent inside and out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I suppose this Hotel will appeal to those who "think" it is classy, tasteful and old fashioned, but look under the layers of dull chintz and gratuitously expensive impressions, and there is very little substance to this overblown and self-consciously grand hotel. While the service is ok if you like the over-formality, the rooms comfortable and the whole place quite imposing, I found it oppressive and lacking in real style. It's trying too hard!
Everything is heavy and over-decorated, and without any sense of proper design, and all the communal rooms, bars and restaurants have almost identical decor - a sort of dull wallpaper with over-use of beige and brown. They haven't heard of simple, tasteful, primary colours. The result is a rather oppressive dullness and lack of character.
The restaurant is outrageously expensive without serving great food, the wine even more outrageous and the service is far too formal. Decent "grand" hotels gave up this mock-colonial style decades ago and quite rightly too. This hotel fails to see the difference between taste and just piling on the cod-snobbery to impress. I'm sure it would suit the local Toc H society or a chapter of the local masons keen to impress their acolytes, but no discerning traveller would see this as anything but a missed opportunity to provide a light, airey, pleasant atmosphere which is always the real mark of quality. Colonial is good...but mock colonial is merely pretentious.
I know most other reviewers will disagree but sorry to say that while this hotel is reliable and comfortable, it doesn't match its self-conscious image....and the food and wine is way over priced. I'd have more fun and arguably better food and wine in a local bistro.
Everything is heavy and over-decorated, and without any sense of proper design, and all the communal rooms, bars and restaurants have almost identical decor - a sort of dull wallpaper with over-use of beige and brown. They haven't heard of simple, tasteful, primary colours. The result is a rather oppressive dullness and lack of character.
The restaurant is outrageously expensive without serving great food, the wine even more outrageous and the service is far too formal. Decent "grand" hotels gave up this mock-colonial style decades ago and quite rightly too. This hotel fails to see the difference between taste and just piling on the cod-snobbery to impress. I'm sure it would suit the local Toc H society or a chapter of the local masons keen to impress their acolytes, but no discerning traveller would see this as anything but a missed opportunity to provide a light, airey, pleasant atmosphere which is always the real mark of quality. Colonial is good...but mock colonial is merely pretentious.
I know most other reviewers will disagree but sorry to say that while this hotel is reliable and comfortable, it doesn't match its self-conscious image....and the food and wine is way over priced. I'd have more fun and arguably better food and wine in a local bistro.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Came back to The Grand for an overnght stay wth my brother, having been a regular visitor for any years. As usual, excellent staff, very well organized. Friday and Saturday nights feature a 3 piece easy listening outfit plus a singer, in the lounge (next to the bar) with carpet rolled away for dancing.
Very fast service in the elegant Garden Restaurant (note pianist now only plays on Saturday night and Sunday lunchtime).
Can thoroughly recommend The Grand for service,decor,food and location.
Very fast service in the elegant Garden Restaurant (note pianist now only plays on Saturday night and Sunday lunchtime).
Can thoroughly recommend The Grand for service,decor,food and location.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I thoroughly enjoyed staying at the Grand Hotel in Eastbourne. The service was exceptional and hotel staff were very polite and friendly. The interiour of the hotel was awe inspiring somewhat comparable to staying at Buckingham Palace. A very memorable experience and will certainly stay at the Grand Hotel again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Returned on Sunday from a weekend celebrating my parents wedding anniversary. The staff could not have been more helpful; attentive, friendly and professional - nothing was too much trouble, the end result being that my family and myself returned feeling rejuvenated and spoilt - a jewel by the seaside!
If you can, try out the MIrabelle restaurant - a real grown up taste sensation - incredible food and very impressed that as a vegetarian I had a great choice - delicious.
We will definately be returning and look forward to heading along the promenade up to Beachy Head for a brisk morning walk.
A must for 5-star service by the coast!
If you can, try out the MIrabelle restaurant - a real grown up taste sensation - incredible food and very impressed that as a vegetarian I had a great choice - delicious.
We will definately be returning and look forward to heading along the promenade up to Beachy Head for a brisk morning walk.
A must for 5-star service by the coast!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have stayed at this hotel many times since 1975. We have seen the hotel change but it still has retained it's wonderful grace and elegance.
I booked a Mini Moon package for a treat for my husband's birthday. It included a bottle of champagne, chocolate dipped strawberries (delicious), Molton Brown gift for him and her, Rose petals on the bed at turndown and breakfast in bed in the morning. We'd booked an Executive inland room because all the sea view rooms had been booked. It was a nice large room and had a very comfortable bed. Sadly the jacuzzi bath didn't work. The manager came up to se us but there was no maintenance man on duty. He gave us a £30 reduction on the bill. There is no Wifi in the building apart from the business rooms for conferences so don't both taking your iPad!!!! There is a wired connection in the room so my husband's computer worked okay. It's free for 15 mins but costs about £5 for an hour maximum £20.
We think a 5 star hotel should have wifi available for everyone even if it's only in the lobby.
We didn't have dinner in the hotel. The room was very cold in the morning because the bathroom window didn't shut - needs looking at.
We had breakfast in the restaurant. It was okay but my husband had to wait nearly 15 minutes for his coffee.
Overall we had a great time. The staff are very friendly.
I booked a Mini Moon package for a treat for my husband's birthday. It included a bottle of champagne, chocolate dipped strawberries (delicious), Molton Brown gift for him and her, Rose petals on the bed at turndown and breakfast in bed in the morning. We'd booked an Executive inland room because all the sea view rooms had been booked. It was a nice large room and had a very comfortable bed. Sadly the jacuzzi bath didn't work. The manager came up to se us but there was no maintenance man on duty. He gave us a £30 reduction on the bill. There is no Wifi in the building apart from the business rooms for conferences so don't both taking your iPad!!!! There is a wired connection in the room so my husband's computer worked okay. It's free for 15 mins but costs about £5 for an hour maximum £20.
We think a 5 star hotel should have wifi available for everyone even if it's only in the lobby.
We didn't have dinner in the hotel. The room was very cold in the morning because the bathroom window didn't shut - needs looking at.
We had breakfast in the restaurant. It was okay but my husband had to wait nearly 15 minutes for his coffee.
Overall we had a great time. The staff are very friendly.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
my wife and i have just returned from a two night stay at the eastbourne grand, briefly, the hotel is visualy very impressive inside and out, the car park is excellent, the heated outdoor pool area is a suntrap with plenty of sunbeds, the indoor pool and gym are well worth a visit, the breakfast is excellent, we did not have dinner so cannot comment, the staff are friendly and helpfull, the rooms are spacious, ours,an executive seaview room, had a lovely view, it also contained the only problem we had during our stay, namely the rather old double bed, the base and mattress sagged so much we were looking up at our feet when lying down. we would not have put up with it for more than a couple of nights, a good hotel but in need of an upgrade,
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
From the moment you pull up at The Grand you know you will be looked after. As soon as we stepped out of the car the concierge informed reception we had arrived, called a porter who took our case and then parked our car. Well impressed, and had only just arrived. booking in was done in around 3 minutes.
We had booked a Junior Suite for two nights with sea view. As soon as the porter opened the door to our suite, I knew we would be very comfortable. Plenty of freebies in the room, i.e. molton brown creams, shampoo etc. Tea/Coffee/biscuits (though they were a bit stingy on the biscuits - only one small pack with two biscuits in).
We were there as my birthday treat and what a treat it was. You must have the afternoon tea - scrummy.
The Grand admittedly is an old hotel, and I wouldn't recommend it if you were there for a rowdy weekend. When we first arrived, we were told that there would be a wedding there the next day - my first reaction was, oh god, been to hotels before when a wedding has been going on and has been very very noisy. This hotel is so well organised for such events that we didn't even know that a wedding was going on.
The breakfast was lovely - plenty to choose from. My husband had kippers one morning and he said they were the best he had ever had. (praise indeed) We ate in the Garden Restaurant and would highly recommend. Food, Service and attention to detail fantastic.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay, and although expensive, feel that it was worth every penny.
Everything about this hotel is firstclass and definitely 5 star. All staff very attentive but at the same time non intrusive.
We had booked a Junior Suite for two nights with sea view. As soon as the porter opened the door to our suite, I knew we would be very comfortable. Plenty of freebies in the room, i.e. molton brown creams, shampoo etc. Tea/Coffee/biscuits (though they were a bit stingy on the biscuits - only one small pack with two biscuits in).
We were there as my birthday treat and what a treat it was. You must have the afternoon tea - scrummy.
The Grand admittedly is an old hotel, and I wouldn't recommend it if you were there for a rowdy weekend. When we first arrived, we were told that there would be a wedding there the next day - my first reaction was, oh god, been to hotels before when a wedding has been going on and has been very very noisy. This hotel is so well organised for such events that we didn't even know that a wedding was going on.
The breakfast was lovely - plenty to choose from. My husband had kippers one morning and he said they were the best he had ever had. (praise indeed) We ate in the Garden Restaurant and would highly recommend. Food, Service and attention to detail fantastic.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay, and although expensive, feel that it was worth every penny.
Everything about this hotel is firstclass and definitely 5 star. All staff very attentive but at the same time non intrusive.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was our fourth visit to The Grand in the last couple of years. We were greeted by name by most of the staff and given a warm welcome by all. The food was excellent, the service was outstanding,the care extended to a disabled member of the family was exemplary and our time at the hotel was relaxed and thoroughly enjoyable. The only negatives were a number of the guests who arrived in the dining room wearing vests and shorts and in one case with a child in a swimsuit and the people in the room opposite who persisted in smoking then spraying cheap aftershave to try to mask the smell; they would all have been more at home on a campsite.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The hotel is located right on the beach - which is a pebble beach. We received a great welcome and the hotel has 2 very nice small pools but ideal for a short break with the kids. We had a master suite overlooking the main street and beach. Its true to say the hotel looks/feels a little run down however this does not detract from its charm. Its full of the more elderly people who seem to be out there to enjoy themselves.
They have 2 restaurants one requiring formal dress the other jacket or tie in the evenings. The food is traditional English type and not at all expensive. There quiet a few other places to eat. I can also recommend the Tiger Inn for lunch especially if its sunny day.
I can recommend thsi hotel if you like a little of the old world charm for a short break with children.
The cost of the place is expensive compared to what you could get abroad ie for a 4 night stay for us ( 2 adults + 2 children under 10 ) it was the equivalent of staying for 7 days in a Ritz-Carlton hotel in Portugal.
Worth a visit.
Hotel does have connected internet but not wireless and gets expensive after first 1hr.
They have 2 restaurants one requiring formal dress the other jacket or tie in the evenings. The food is traditional English type and not at all expensive. There quiet a few other places to eat. I can also recommend the Tiger Inn for lunch especially if its sunny day.
I can recommend thsi hotel if you like a little of the old world charm for a short break with children.
The cost of the place is expensive compared to what you could get abroad ie for a 4 night stay for us ( 2 adults + 2 children under 10 ) it was the equivalent of staying for 7 days in a Ritz-Carlton hotel in Portugal.
Worth a visit.
Hotel does have connected internet but not wireless and gets expensive after first 1hr.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This Grand sets the standard for how hotels should be run. So often, establishments get part of the equation right but very rarely all of it but The Grand is spot on in every respect. The service is impeccable and the staff are some of the most consistently professional I have ever encountered. We had an inland suite which was wonderfully spacious with an extremely comfortable bed, a large en-suite and tea and coffee making facilities which included fresh coffee and a cafetiere, which is a first for me. We took our evening meal in the Mirabelle Restaurant which was a treat. The food was divine and the service was attentive but at the same time discreet which is not an easy thing to pull off! A great night's sleep was followed by breakfast which was superb. Cereal, fresh fruit, pastries, a fish course of smoked haddock or kippers and a hot buffet
all of which were of the highest quality. I simply cannot recommend this hotel highly enough and may I also say that it was nice to have staff that were either British or spoke perfect English. In contrast we paid a recent visit to The Waldorf on the Strand and it took my husband 2 attempts to get the cocktail waiter to understand his order which I find appalling in a hotel of this quality. Perhaps they could take a lesson or two from The Grand.
all of which were of the highest quality. I simply cannot recommend this hotel highly enough and may I also say that it was nice to have staff that were either British or spoke perfect English. In contrast we paid a recent visit to The Waldorf on the Strand and it took my husband 2 attempts to get the cocktail waiter to understand his order which I find appalling in a hotel of this quality. Perhaps they could take a lesson or two from The Grand.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Ten years go my wife and I wanted to celebrate our fist anniversary and were tipped off about the Grand. Each year we return and have the most divine weekend. It's not just that the breakfast is superb nor that the rooms are spacious or the building is a gem or that the facillities are first class or that there is worls class fine dining although all these factors contribute. It is the staff tha make this place unique. If you are looking for perfect service visit the Grand. Every member of staff strikes the perfect balance between attentiveness and good humour, helpfulness but non-subservience, responsiveness but not in-your-face. It is a pleasure to behold and I congratulate every single one them. My wife and I wil go back again and again to appreciate true excellence
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We stayed at the Grand last weekend and thoroughly enjoyed the experience from the moment we arrived. Its a real treat to visit a hotel which has so much history and tradition - but equally exceeds the expectation of today's travellers - whether leisure or business. Not only does the hotel benefit from fabulous facilities - spa, gym, indoor and outdoor pool, 2 restaurants, snooker room, glorious public areas and beautiful meeting space - but it also has a thoroughly professional, welcoming team of staff. Nothing is to much trouble - they really do aim to please. Our son was made to feel particularly welcome - in fact it is very clear that children of all ages are positively welcomed with open arms by the hotel - and again great facilities - children's check in, children's high tea, creche and other activities. All meals were enjoyed -great service, menu selection and presentation. We can't wait to return !
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
this hotel is brilliant well worth every penny we spent, we did the valentines weekend with rose petals on the bed, champaine and chocolate strawberrys.we went in the swimming pool and spa which was very clean and lovely, played pool in the games room.was amazed about the valet parking when got there but if u have a older car tell them too turn the lights off as left mine on by mistake lol.rooms are brilliant i had one overlooking the car park of hotel looking towards the beach.resturant was nice where we had breackfast and staff very freindly. recomend a teadybear from the grand :) 10 / 10 from me
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Based on previous reviews we were concerned that the Grand would be reminiscent of a nursing home with an unpleasant aroma! Far from it. This is a lovely hotel in a beautiful position in Eastbourne. We went with our 2 children and our dog! The beach is over the road with miles of fantastic walking on the doorstep. All the staff loved the dog and there was no problem having him in the hotel at all. There was a special welcome pack for the kids, free high tea provided for them every day and cookies and milk at bedtime. The room was lovely, clean, bright, lovely linen and no nursing home odour! My only complaints would be that there really ought to be wireless internet (for free) and the radio alarm clock was rubbish - we needed a replacement and that then went off at 3 in the morning without being asked. Otherwise - a great hotel, good pool and fabulous breakfast. We will be back with the family and the dog - the walks around Beachy Head are amazing - with fabulous rock pools on the beach.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
There are many good things about this hotel: superb seafront location, stunning building, great food and most of all really excellent, friendly staff. However, it feels old fashioned and not always in a good way. Most of the guests seem to be elderly. No disrespect to them and they are treated really well here. But it does give the place the feeling of a very grand old people's home. If you are younger ( and I'm over 50!) you may have expectations of a better experience. The rooms are tired and really need an upgrade in terms of decor, furniture and facilities. There is no wifi available for example and the bathrooms are dated. The bar areas have rather tired, drab chairs and are very brightly lit, so not cosy and intimate for that late night drink. I felt the hotel was possibly trading on past reputation and perhaps doesn't want to change for fear of alienating existing guests. It's a shame because with a subtle upgrade it could keep its tradition for great service while offering the standard and facilities of a 21st century hotel. I wouldn't go back because despite the lovely staff it was a slightly depressing place to stay.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Stayed here for my fathers 70th birthday with family, which just happened to be over the xmas period. Had no idea what the hotel would be like and arrived in Eastbourne on a cold grim, foggy December morning with trepidation. On entering the hotel it was like going into another world with its lovely staff and beautiful xmas trees in the lobby, all warm and welcoming. We used the health club and childrens facilities and had a fabulous dinner and delicious breakfast. I was going to say that the only letdown were the bedrooms, very pink and chintzy and well overdue an update but as everything else was so perfect it seems petty to mention (though the sofabed is a little small to accommodate two children and one ended up in our bed!) - they are all part of the Grand's charm! Even the laundry staff smiled and waved as we walked past the window of the laundry room from outside - all staff were amazing - thank you! The hotel was full of extended families all getting together over xmas - it was all very heartwarming! Would I come here on a romantic break with my husband - no. But as a venue for some quality time with extended family - definitely. There is something for everyone here and I would love to go back, perhaps in the summer when the fog has lifted and you can actually see the sea!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I can't really understand why this hasn't got more top reviews? This is one of my favourite hotels to stay in, the service, food, rooms and facilities are pure 5 star luxury, and I'm fussy! Eastbourne isn't for everyone, but the hotel is great.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
