great service - very helpful staff. Full of older clients so felt a little out of place being in my 30s with a young baby! The location in great, and the sea view junior suite was nice but was disappointed with how hot it was in the room (on arrival the windows were closed, drapes open and no AC making the room a greenhouse, after which there was no cooling it). To be fair the staff provided a fan on request but it wasn't very effective at cooling the room. Mini fridge, baby furniture (cot, bathseat, highchair) were provided on request. Having been to the Dorchester spa I was disappointed with the massage and pedicure I had - I could have done a better job myself with the nail varnish!

We stayed at The Grand for one night when we went to the theatre and had a wonderful stay. From the minute we arrived, everyone was friendly, smiling and polite. The room was clean and comfortable. We only had a drink, not dinner, at the hotel but the staff in the bar were discreet, respectful and had a good sense of humour. Breakfast the next morning was great. Anything you could have wished for was on offer. It was lovely to stay somewhere where everyone was friendly and polite. The building itself is beautiful and the hotel and the grounds are kept wonderfully.

The glamour and glitz of stunning victorian architecture lured me and intoxicated me. The location next to the sparkling blue sea and pebble crunchy beach was perfection. The staff were polite, kind and helpful.
However......... the room had no aircon or even a fan and was not equpped with a fridge!! The breakfast was bland, same old. aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.The swimming pool was a dirtry disgrace.Black and green mould competing in the deep end, a lack of sunbeds and tables. There were unbelievablly no poolside parasols, despite several requests, and the patio surrounding is very dirty.
I was saddenned by the neglect at the poolside, as this lets down a beautiful hotel. Hope they do something to improve this.

I agree with the previous comments regarding the grand exterior and the entrance hall....but all the agreeing stops there! Firstly old fashioned pink carpet in the bathroom and toilet how unhygienic. Definitley need an injection of cash the outdoor swimming pool was very dirty and the surrounding patio stones need a good grouting (or replacing) weeds around the pool area no umbrellas hardly any sunbeds........... come on The Grand we are in the 21st century update your bedrooms and sitting areas the settees are so dated (1980's) worn out..... foreign people visiting this hotel must think it is our sense of humour the bedrooms are so dated (I hired two) pink carpet, festoons and flowery curtains tatty old dark wood furniture..... uncomfortable bed and very cheap pillows and duvets......begs to ask how did this hotel get a five star rating?

Greeted by smiling doorman on arrival - valet parking, although space was only 10 yards away. Luggage taken up to room, door opened to be greeted by overwhelming smell of frying. This was 3rd floor, at the back, over kitchen. Another room provided very quickly. Good bathroom, clean room, chest of drawers couldn't be used as drawers stuck and desk drawer missing handle. When liveried waiter brought coffee sachets up to room - on a silver platter - we pointed out the problems and he said he'd arrange for maintenance to call. My husband was in the bathroom when he heard activity in the room and a man with 2 replacement pieces of furniture had arrived!!!
Good bed linen - quality cotton - mattress was dreadful, but we were only there for 3 nights so didn't do anything about that.
Breakfast cold buffet very good - smoked salmon, lots of fruit, pastries, cereals, ham etc etc. Hot food less so. I order kidneys and poached egg for breakfast . Waitress arrived, with silver dome over plate, lifted dome with a flourish and there were 2 fried eggs, gently floating on a layer of fresh blood from the very rare kidneys - even she found it repulsive.
We didn't eat dinner in the hotel as it was a fixed price menu, not a la carte, and we didn't really want or need 3 courses, and didn't want to pay over £36 each for a dinner we didn't eat.
Did enjoy drinks and coffee in the lounge - that was a very nice relaxing place to spend time - just chilling out, reading or listening to amazing conversations.
2 swimming pools - outdoor heated as well, but had to be very quick off the mark to get a bed/lounger.
The hotel architecture lived up to it's name, Grand - but really is very inefficient and must be dreadful hard to manage. Nice staff, very definite routines to follow - every cup of coffee had to be placed on a newly laundered cloth placed over the coffee table. A bit silly really.
I'm guessing it gets its 5 ***** for having the 2 swimming pools?

We stayed over the May bank holiday so the hotel was very busy but service was still excellent (apart from a bit of a wait at breakfast). We splashed out on a master suite which was fabulous with lots of nice touches like a Nespresso coffee making machine, fruit and nougat and even some sherry! No fridge or mini bar though but plenty of bottled water and some soft drinks. The clientele included mostly families and older people and the hotel is certainly traditional rather than boutique but very comfortable with quality furnishings. Breakfast was good although very busy, indoor pool pleasant but on the chilly side. We didn't eat in the restaurant but the concierge recommended the Siam Orchid Thai restaurant nearby which was good. We also had an excellent lunch at the Belgian Cafe on the seafront which serves fabulous mussels (there's a choice of 50 different recipes!). We also ate at Simply Italian in the Sovereign Marina area which is a couple of miles out and would be a pleasant area for lunch on a warm day - probably geared more to twenty-somethings. Food was good. Eastbourne is a very pleasant place for a couple of days but the shopping area is a bit grim with nothing interesting. If you want good shops and style, Brighton is way better but for a quieter break, Eastbourne is certainly an attractive, old fashioned seaside town - at least along the seafront.

Booked a long weekend with partner on hotel's own website. Found that they offered more varied selection of rooms than agents. Greeted on arrival by doorman with umbrella and car was valet parked for us. Fast check-in with an upgrade even though we had arrived an hour early. Had booked an executive seaview although quite expensive, really wanted a sea view. Was upgraded to an executive suite. To be honest not sure what the difference was, I think the room may have been a little larger to accomodate a sitting area. The room however was a good size with a lovely large carpeted bathroom with jacuzzi. The bed was a little small, bog standard double, not kingsize that I would have expected for room of that size.
The hotel itself is lovely for anyone not been there before. You really feel that you have stepped into the Victorian age of the upper classes, orchestra, pianists, beautifully restored decor. There is an outside heated pool that was very popular with the children. I don't agree with the comments previously re hotel full of 70 year olds. During my visit the guests were mostly families or couples of all age groups.
Breakfast was good the usual cereals, yogurts, fresh juices, bacon, eggs etc. which was hot and plentiful. There was an extremely small choice of cheese which was disappointing as I would have preferred the more continental choice of ham, cheeses and different breads and for a 5-star would have thought they would have provided for all tastes but instead they stick to the traditional english fare which was good, but for the prices charged I would have liked more choices. Staff were all lovely and pleasant.
I would recommend this hotel, but to get value for money you really need to use all the hotel services e.g. pool, spa area to justify the cost If its just a bed for the night you want there are plenty of cheaper options along the seafront.

We stayed at the Grand Hotel on Saturday 22nd May with my husband, myself and our two children aged 7 and 9. We are regulars at The Ashdown Park Hotel (a sister hotel) but decided we wanted to be by the sea for our weekendaway as the weather was forecast to be so nice.From the moment we arrived and got out of the car we where greeted with warm welcome by the doormen who then took our car and parked it. Check in was great, we where told about some little extras for our children, drinks in the room for them, dvd player if they wanted, kids clubs, childrens tea, cookies and milk at bedtime etc etc much to our childrens excitment and ours. The children where also given a goodie bag on arrival.Our room was perfect we had an inland junior suite on the 3rd Floor (inland was our choice) as I was concerned about possible road noise keeping us awake as the hotel faces the road the runs along the sea (we had none from our room). We had sea glimpses and a good size room for a family of four. We had a great time, loved the heated outdoor pool and thought our stay was excellent value for money. We didnt try the kids club, but had a look it was smallish room but looked okay.Only a small thing but we where not told that the childrens extras where to cost £10 per child extra on the bill which we found out on check out. We didnt complain and accepted it as we had such a good time and where happy with the costs overall. A great 5 star hotel with friendly staff in true old English Style and charm. We hope to go again soon.

We had a wonderful stay at the Grand - it really is a truly magnificent hotel. The staff is incredibly efficient and well-mannered and the hotel is maintained to a standard which is really quite exceptional for a hotel by the sea. If you appreciate exceptional traditional service, good food and comfortable rooms, I would thoroughly recommend this hotel. I shall certainly return.

We booked this hotel as it is part of the slh group.
Although we read the reviews on ta before going we were not not put off by the bad reviews. We got a great deal for a 4 night break over the bank holiday.

from the moment we pulled up the car was valet parked, and we were guided to check in.
we were then escorted to the room by the porter who gave us a guided tour of the facilities on the way and showed us even how to work the tv!
We were even upgraded to a seaview room!

the spa has inside/ outside heated pools,sauna,jacuzzi, steam room and gym. all of good quality, although we mainly stayed in the jacuzzi!

The breakfast was amazing,one of the best i have had such a huge choice.

the restaurants/pubs are about 15 minute walk from the hotel which is nice as you have the seafront to stroll through.

A very decadent hotel with exceptional service

I booked the Grand Hotel Eastbourne after having a disappointment with the accommodation I had booked elsewhere. 'The Grand' was an oasis of calm and tranquility. I was greeted on arrival by a courteous member of staff who immediately came to collect my luggage from my car and escourt me to reception. Reception staff were pleasant and helpful. My room was extremely pleasant although I was a single occupant the room was large, airy, clean and a pleasure to occupy. I had booked dinner for a myself and a friend. We were not disappointed. The meal was delicious and the staff once again courteous but non intrusive. All in all a lovely stay was enjoyed.

This is a beautiful hotel on the seafront in Eastbourne. Excellent service in lovely surroundings.

Perfect stay where staff treat you like royalty. Atmosphere is very unique . Have travelled all around the world yet The Grand has a special charm that no other hotel can match. Dining is a marvellous experience full of great food, amazing staff and a lovely ambience.

Just returned from an enjoyable Easter break at The Grand. From the moment we arrived, and for the duration of our stay, the friendly, courteous and extraordinarily helpful staff made our stay a delight. Well done!

We went to the Grand for Easter – me, my parents (in their mid-70s), my brother and my two daughters aged 10 and 7.

The Grand is a real old-school English hotel experience. It isn't the Four Seasons, it isn't Babington, it isn't a trendy boutique hotel, so if you're expecting that, you'll be disappointed. Instead, it's trad all the way, from the Palm Court cream teas to the pianist playing at dinner to the top-hatted doormen who whisk your bags to your room and park the car for you. There's a well-heeled elderly clientele, complete with geriatric poodles and zimmer frames, but there are also tons of kids racing around, and The Grand caters for both groups perfectly.

For my parents, there were charming staff who couldn't do enough to keep them happy – nothing was too much trouble. There were 5-course dinners with palate-cleansing sorbets and fancy puddings. And there was sedate dancing after dinner. For my daughters there was a kids' playroom where they spent 2 happy hours every day (free), there was a (slightly riotous) kids tea that far outstripped the dreary chicken-nugget type offerings you come across in many hotels, even expensive ones, and there was a fab indoor pool where they splashed about like crazy. As it was Easter, there were 54 kids staying and there were also lots of additional amusements laid on for them, such as a visit from the Easter bunny and an Easter Egg hunt on the putting green.

We had a junior suite on the ground floor with 2 singles and a put up bed and it was spacious - you could have put an extra bed in the bathroom alone. My parents had a standard room that was comfortable but much smaller, and the bathroom was very small without much shelving space. Furnishings are chintzy and flouncy with swagged curtains and plush armchairs, in keeping with the general mood and style of the rest of the hotel. Beds were comfy if slightly on the soft side for my taste.

The Grand offers a real English hotel experience and we all loved it. The hotel definitely exceeded our expectations, largely due to the charm, hard work and helpfulness of the staff. Nothing was too much trouble. There were tons of repeat visitors which I think it always a good sign. It's a real family hotel with bags of cross-generational appeal. Highly recommended.

My partner booked this hotel for my birthday and upon arrival I knew it was going to be special. Service was first class - really "old world" feel - nothing was too much trouble.

Ate in the hotels restaurant on both nights and the food was excellent.

Was a lovely time of year to visit this hotel - beautiful Christmas tree.

Would not hesitate in recommending to anyone - hope to go back again this year.

My partner and I recently satyed here for one night and cost was £190 for the 2 of us for a standard double room and breakfast. It was for the night of 13th February so a mark up on the price was to be expected. The hotel looks very plush and impressive on first appearances, but on closer inspection it is a little shabby and dated around the edges. Our room was ok, but not fantastic. I've stayed in better places in UK for much less. The shower in our room did not work, and although the staff were very polite and apologetic, saying they would 'look into it' nothing was done for us. For the amount we paid I do not think it is worth it. Staff all very polite. Breakfast lovely. Room standard, comfortable - but not 5 star or worth £190!

Booked at £170 per night tho when paid were charged £175 - not sure why? Room spacious although at the back of the hotel and no seaview despite asking for a view on booking - I was disappointed. On the plus side the pool was great especially for our little one and she enjoyed an hour in the creche on Sunday morning while we chilled. Had afternoon tea before we left on Sunday - nice but again have had better. Were charged extra for high tea for daughter but were not offered it, make sure you ask if travelling with children. Must admit I expected a bit more from a 5* hotel.

This review is based on one incident but nevertheless shouldn't have happened in a hotel with such a high reputation. My wife and two friends drove 30 miles to have tea at the Grand to celebrate two birthdays. The confirmed booking could not be found, meat sandwiches were served to a pre-notified vegitarian and one lot of sandwiches were still frozen in the centre.

As we had previously visited Eastbourne's Grand Hotel for afternoon tea, dinner in its Mirabelle Restaurant and for Saturday evening dancing, expectations for our stay ran high - we were not disappointed. From the moment of arrival we felt pampered by each member of staff we encountered who all did everything possible to ensure comfortable settling in. Our room, furnished in traditional style to suit the hotel's ambience, was 'roomy' - plenty of space for the huge and nicely-canopied bed, several pieces of useful furniture including tallboy, desk, 3-piece suite and two capacious fitted wardrobes (one with a personal safe). The elegant drapes, in William Morris design-style, completed the overall feel of comfort and being cared for.
Our dinner party of ten in the Mirabelle was first-class with attention given to every detail. The dancing which followed in the nearby lounge/dance floor was immensely enjoyable with excellent music provided by a versatile trio and good vocalist.
When we made a reservation for Sunday afternoon tea we did not realise, as it was the last Sunday of the month, there was to be a Palm Court String Quartet providing that special brand of 'genteel' music: as it was for the broadcasts from the hotel's Great Hall of the BBC's Palm Court Orchestra every Sunday afternoon from 1923-1939. Tea was presented individually on 3-tier stands - dainty sandwiches on the lower plate, small cakes and a fruit compote on the centre plate, and scones on the top; of course, cream and strawberry jam were provided for accompaniment. This 'Palm Court and Tea' session was a highlight of our stay, but the entire experience was one of magnificent pleasure. It would be wonderful to return for another get-away at this elegant 'white palace' - a stunning building with a comprehensive range of accompanying facilities.

We last stayed at The Grand 13 years ago before its multi million refurbishment and so returned less than enthusiastic. However I can honestly say that it was one of the best hotel stays we have ever had - and we have stayed in a lot of hotels both for business and for leisure! The welcome was incredibly warm, nothing was too much trouble and you got the feeling that the staff really cared about us enjoying our stay. The room was lovely, very comfortable and quiet and the spa (unusually for one in a big hotel) was both reasonable with an experienced team. We had a wonderful evening and our meal at the Mirabelle was sublime, we then relaxed in the bar with the really friendly bar man. All in all a great stay and I am completely mystified about the reviewer who stayed on 23 November. The Grand is not a trendy 'of the moment' hotel, it is better than that - it is a great British classic. I didn't know they still existed.

We paid a visit to the Grand for a surprise birthday treat for my wife with our two young children (7 and 16 months) with high expectations. We were not disappointed. We arrived, to the strains of La Mer by Debussy on the car stereo (composed at the Grand in 1902 apparently), on a tempestuous and rainy November afternoon, and the whole family simultaneously squealed with delight on arrival at the ornate, gleaming White Palace looming above us. The building itself certainly has the "wow" factor. We were greeted warmly by the doorman - the first of many immaculately and traditionally turned-out, friendly staff we encountered during our stay, and ushered into our serene autumnal bolt-hole-by-the-sea graciously and efficiently. We were checked in delightfully by the charming receptionist, and our 7 year-old daughter was impressed by her own special check-in, complete with a Grand rucksack of goodies (surely a valuable life-lesson and incentive for her to go on and earn the money required to treat herself and her family - including, hopefully, her ageing parents - to 5* goodies in adulthood..). From the pristine Victorian splendour of the exterior to the immaculately maintained (and thankfully non-modernised) Grand entrance and galleried halls, we were whisked relaxedly to our suite by our charming and helpful bellboy. The suite we selected (a standard Junior), was spacious and immaculately clean. We were provided with all the items we had requested prior to arrival - a DVD player (plus library of family DVD's available to borrow), kids bathrobes, cot, high-chair, changing mat, and even a Grand Hotel rubber duck, and immediately felt at home. We had read complaints from other reviewers about the dated-ness of the rooms. but felt that the decor suited the overall feel of the place perfectly. A trip to the Health club followed, and we were again impressed by the friendliness of the staff and the facilities provided for a nice chilled-out family swim/sauna/jacuzzi session. We had ordered a babysitter for both nights (a highly recommended option) and we left the kids at turndown with their complimentary milk and cookies to retire to the fabulous cocktail bar for a couple of stunning cocktails recommended by the friendly and knowledgeable mixologist (check out the to-die-for Pyrat XO Sours), and went on to dine at the Mirabelle Restaurant. The Mirabelle was a perfect venue for a romantic dinner a-deux, but failed to deliver to expectation, foodwise, on both evenings. Again, the staff were polished, friendly and attentive in the proper old-fashioned sense, but the food was unfortunately mediocre, apart from the universally stunning desserts - check out the Pear poached in blackcurrant for a distinguished and perfectly executed example. However the experience itself was intrinsically enjoyable, but, foodwise, just not up to other 5* dining experiences we have had in the past. Breakfast was an excellent, relaxing affair in the opulent garden restaurant - we would recommend ordering from the breakfast menu for best results. Throughout our stay, the beautifully turned-out staff (even the chambermaids in their smart fin-de-ciecle outfits) made us feel at home, and were universally charming with the kids. Next time we visit (soon, hopefully), we will plan a weekend/school holiday visit to take full advantage of the excellent kids facilities on offer - the childrens high-tea and playroom, as these were sadly unavailable during our visit. Overall, a hugely relaxing, very child-friendly break in the type of Proper, quintissentially English seaside hotel that we should regard as a National Treasure.

In many ways a unique hotel. You really feel that Pirot would be at home. Very friendly porter, receptionist maybe a little distant. We got upgraded to a sea view room which looked great. HOwever it all seemd to go wrong thereafter. We went for the tasting menu. Two to three of the courses were below standard, the portions really very small and the selection of wine iffy. But what was annoying is that when we complained, nothing happened. One would have expected that paying £500 for the all inclusive one night stay that the level of service would have been better. No one came to appologise or try to put things right. Probably the main complaint, in that there was no onwership of any problem, it was always referred to someone elase. And one more thing, do not be in a hurry. The meal took two and a half hours to serve. I can honestly say I was starving at the end!
Then the room. To put the hairdryer in you lie on the floor to plug it in under the desk! The bed was so soft that if you lay in it, your feet ended up above your head, and lastly in the morning, there was no hot water out of the taps.(8:30 in the morning.)
Breakfast was so so. I was sort of expecting something different to why you pay £7.50 for at a premier Inn, but to be homest they have more choice and the same self service at the Grand.

Shame, as i think it could have been a wonderful experiance.

A lovely short stay. The Grand Eastbourne is beautiful hotel, just sitting in the lobby of the hotel it isn't too hard to imagine the hotel in its pomp with resident orchestra et al.

The service was excellent throughout and meeting staff on the stairs or corridors we always got eye contact and a friendly greeting.

The room was spacious, very clean and well presented but perhaps a little dated. Not in it's condition or the standard of fittings or decoration just in the colours. The bathroom was perhaps the biggest disappointment. It was carpeted and although large enough to have a seperate shower we had to combat a fabric shower curtain whilst using the shower over the bath. The tap fittings left you gambling on the temperature of the water. The bathroom sadly wasn't 5 star, but everything worked and it was very clean and warm.

Breakfast was lovely with a wide range of offerings. Cooked breakfasts can be self served from a buffet or cooked to order arriving on hot plates. The attentive staff ensured that our tea remained topped up with pleanty of toast.

Overall it was very good and we will certainly stay again in a few months time.

Very nice hotel, cannot really say anyting bad
Had a very nice room over looking to sea, very big and spacious.

Breakfast was fine, nothing to rave about, but just ok..
Not for the young, main market for the older generation.