The Grand Hotel Eastbourne
Latest Reviews
The inspectors of Small Luxury Hotels should feel proud they have found and supported this excellent hotel right on the Eastbourne sea front.
The approach looks like an intricate, tiered wedding cake; the type seen in high society films.
Following recent refurbishment, the inside is charming and beautiful, without being too fancy. The fabric is a little worn in places, but this only adds to the overall ambiance.
Jason, the Manager, is the perfect charming host. He exudes a level of service many much higher priced hotels would wish to possess.
Highly recommended as is the measures they have implemented to reduce the risk of Covid.
Thanks to all for the experience.
The approach looks like an intricate, tiered wedding cake; the type seen in high society films.
Following recent refurbishment, the inside is charming and beautiful, without being too fancy. The fabric is a little worn in places, but this only adds to the overall ambiance.
Jason, the Manager, is the perfect charming host. He exudes a level of service many much higher priced hotels would wish to possess.
Highly recommended as is the measures they have implemented to reduce the risk of Covid.
Thanks to all for the experience.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great location. The hotel was well set up to cope with COVID 19 precautions. We ate in both restaurants (The Garden and Mirabeau). The food was excellent. The service was mixed. The chef failed to take account of my wife’s dietary requirements and breakfast service was poor. We enjoyed our afternoon tea.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Staff friendly and room pleasant but not a 5* experience. Partner and I had massages booked just after arrival. The massage itself was fine but the ambience was all wrong. I spa waiting area should be dimly lit with candles, the scent or aromatherapy essential oils, relaxing music and comfortable sofas. The health club reception has normal lighting, and nowhere to sit at all! Also, I was not offered water at any point. After the massage we had the indoor pool booked but there was a 20min wait whilst they cleaned the pool between slots (understandable given the circumstances) but again, nowhere to sit and relax so we would just left stood in reception like lemons! Then when we got to the pool we found the other guests were families with young children. They were shouting, splashing and jumping in as children do - fine at your local swimming bath and fine in the hotels heated outdoor pool but in my opinion, children should not be allowed in a 5* spa. We could not relax ans enjoy it at all, if we wanted screaming kids we'd have brought our own!
Room was fine but dated. It's a very old fashioned hotel and I wish we'd booked somewhere more contemporary.
The biggest letdown though was breakfast. Our slot was at 10.30 but they couldn't seat us until 10.40. We then waited over 20mins just for tea and toast and a further 20mins for our cooked breakfasts. Completely unacceptable for a 5* hotel! When the breakfast did arrive the bacon was fatty and inedible ans my poached eggs were so overdone they were like rubber. Astonished a chef in a hotel like this can not manage a poached egg which should always be soft centred. If I wanted a hard boiled egg I'd have asked for that. Presentation was also lacklustre and unappealing.
Needless to say we left feeling unimpressed with a stay that did not live up to its reputation and was not worth the money.
Room was fine but dated. It's a very old fashioned hotel and I wish we'd booked somewhere more contemporary.
The biggest letdown though was breakfast. Our slot was at 10.30 but they couldn't seat us until 10.40. We then waited over 20mins just for tea and toast and a further 20mins for our cooked breakfasts. Completely unacceptable for a 5* hotel! When the breakfast did arrive the bacon was fatty and inedible ans my poached eggs were so overdone they were like rubber. Astonished a chef in a hotel like this can not manage a poached egg which should always be soft centred. If I wanted a hard boiled egg I'd have asked for that. Presentation was also lacklustre and unappealing.
Needless to say we left feeling unimpressed with a stay that did not live up to its reputation and was not worth the money.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Unfortunately I cannot give full marks for this stay due to my room on the first night. Very out of date and such a small bed that my partner and I hardly slept. I was moved the following day to a very nice room near the pool and it suited us well for the remainder of our break, but bearing in mind we only stayed 2 nights, 50% of our stay was a little disappointing. Having said that we all had a good time and my children really enjoyed themselves. Pool staff were extremely helpful and the reservation system for the leisure facilities worked very well under the circumstances.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My partner and I stayed at The Grand for a night, midweek. From our arrival we were made to feel very welcome by the porters from the moment we entered the property, they were very helpful and polite. The first impression definitely felt 5*.
The room was beautiful, nicely decorated and the bed and pillows were the softest I have ever slept on. The room had a bulb out at the dressing table and lacked some basic facilities such as fridge and iron, however this could be provided upon request we found. The housekeeping team were all so friendly and obliging. Molton and brown products in the bathroom are a lovely touch too.
The interior decor in the hotel definitely feels ‘Grand’, the hotel has a beautiful traditional feel.
We also had some late nights room service which was delicious!
The only inconvenience we experienced was a delay at breakfast, we waited 40 minutes to have our order taken and guests who were seated a long time after us appeared to be served first.
Other than this, I could not fault the front of house. The service was exceptional.
The room was beautiful, nicely decorated and the bed and pillows were the softest I have ever slept on. The room had a bulb out at the dressing table and lacked some basic facilities such as fridge and iron, however this could be provided upon request we found. The housekeeping team were all so friendly and obliging. Molton and brown products in the bathroom are a lovely touch too.
The interior decor in the hotel definitely feels ‘Grand’, the hotel has a beautiful traditional feel.
We also had some late nights room service which was delicious!
The only inconvenience we experienced was a delay at breakfast, we waited 40 minutes to have our order taken and guests who were seated a long time after us appeared to be served first.
Other than this, I could not fault the front of house. The service was exceptional.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had a lovely stay at The Grand Hotel. We're not sure that the standard of the room was worth the cost. It was rather dated although the cleanliness was exemplary. No fridge and the room needed more sockets. However dinner, afternoon tea and the all round customer service and friendliness was impressive. Nothing was too much trouble and definitely service with a smile.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was our second visit to the hotel and I hope it won’t be our last. In these worrying times of Covid-19 the hotel was clean beyond clean and we felt very safe walking around the different rooms. The staff are efficient and really really polite and give the impression that nothing is too much trouble. Absolutely no hesitation in recommending this fine hotel.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Four of us went for afternoon tea to as part of my daughter's birthday celebrations. Food was good (although not spectacular). They had a small issue with the various teas as when the teapots arrived we discovered that they had omitted to put any tea in them - only water! However the matter was quickly resolved. The lounge was very comfortable with seating well apart. A good relaxing afternoon.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have just returned from a very welcoming and relaxing stay. Nothing was too much trouble the staff were all so helpful. Every single member of staff was excellent. All of them spoke beautifully to my children, who have been asking non stop to go back to the hotel. Great food, great bar beautiful and spacious room. Definitely what we all needed before returning to school.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My husband and I, together with our young son had a lovely 4 nights here. The hotel is in a great position and has both indoor and outdoor pools; both of which have to be booked due to CoVID, but we had no problems with this, swimming everyday. Room was great, nice and big with a sofa bed made up for our boy. Hotel is reminiscent of the glamour from by-gone years but still manages to give great service in a friendly, professional and safe way. CoVID measures are in place and people were very good at adhering to this. Definitely stay here again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
good quality hotel but standards have lapsed in dining room and also in food they are now wearing shorts to dinner and menu the same not changed while we were there this should not be in a five star hotel
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Fantastic overnight stay with friends and family. Lounges offer very good lunch and afternoon teas. Breakfast was good.
Only disappointment is that we did not get to use the spa as everything was fully booked. The pools needed to be pre-booked as well so we gave that a miss.
Staff were very polite and helpful.
Only disappointment is that we did not get to use the spa as everything was fully booked. The pools needed to be pre-booked as well so we gave that a miss.
Staff were very polite and helpful.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Just had a fabulous stay at The Grand. The staff were really excellent in these difficult ‘Covid’ times and worked so hard and always with a smile on their faces.
Excellent facilities, comfortable rooms and good food
Excellent facilities, comfortable rooms and good food
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely hotel with very helpful staff. Great location. Very good meals.
Source: expedia.co.uk
Went back after hotel opened up. Couldn’t wait and we were so happy. Yes the spa gym and indoor pool were unavailable due to the current rules at time but everything else was great restaurant was near normal service breakfast was a full table service menu. Lounge still offering full bar food and drink menu. Staff excellent. No complaints
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Location is Very good but the service was poor, food average and the room was below expectation. We was offered breakfast at 07:30 or 10:30 otherwise we had to have it in our room. Fire alarm went off at 07.00 on the first day, it was a false alarm and not even an apology.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Excellent hotel. Loved the indoor and outdoor pools and the location near the beach. Nice lounge bar and tasty breakfast. Good choice at breakfast. Very clean. Good social distancing measures in place
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Back to the hotel for the 3rd time during the current COViD crisis. Hotel fully functioning with all the COViD requirements in place. Stayed for 5 nights on this occasion and had a wonderful and relaxing break. The master suite was excellent bright with lots of room. The service was fantastic and all the staff were very accommodating and welcoming. A real pleasure to stay a such a wonderful hotel again. Thank you.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Just returned from a wonderful stay .
The staff throughout the hotel were outstanding nothing was too much trouble, and the food was of a very high standard ,good quality and consistently hot with impeccable service.
The Mirabelle is well worth a visit ,the food the best I have had since it opened approx 20 years ago.All the staff are very professional and Ben sets the highest of standards .
The cocktail bar under the leadership of Harry is perfectly managed ,nothing is too much trouble
All public rooms and bedrooms are well maintained to a high standard
We will return
The staff throughout the hotel were outstanding nothing was too much trouble, and the food was of a very high standard ,good quality and consistently hot with impeccable service.
The Mirabelle is well worth a visit ,the food the best I have had since it opened approx 20 years ago.All the staff are very professional and Ben sets the highest of standards .
The cocktail bar under the leadership of Harry is perfectly managed ,nothing is too much trouble
All public rooms and bedrooms are well maintained to a high standard
We will return
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have stayed occasionally at this wonderful hotel since 1984. It has hardly changed which is part of its charm. The building is amazing and so large you really have no need to leave it. We had one of their suites which was around 1000 square feet and had views on 3 sides. The decor is traditional rather than luxurious, it was a little tired in places especially the carpet which was well worn. We had dinner, bed and breakfast and also ate a couple of times in their French Mirabelle restaurant. Overall we were very happy with the quality of the food. We pre-booked the indoor pool every day and were very pleased at the cleanliness and attention we received from the health club team. We also booked a slot for the outdoor pool which was very enjoyable too. The reason this excellent hotel doesn't get a top review is that we had so many minor niggling service issues, mainly around the service at breakfast and dinner as well as replenishment of items in our room. I had a chat with the Duty Manager about them. I am not sure if they were COVID related or simply because the hotel was pretty much full or maybe a combination of both of these issues. Overall I would strongly recommend this hotel and if you do come try and get a seaview room.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A stay at the Grand for the Airbourne show has become something of an August tradition and despite the show cancellation we didn't hesitate to make another visit to this bastion of olde-worlde service and charm. Nothing has changed - why would they, when the traditional approach is so successful? Service from the moment of arrival is immaculate and the necessary Covid-19 measures were fully in place. Booking a time for breakfast means the mad rush of air show Saturdays is avoided and enables full enjoyment of this most civilised experience. Parking in one of the seafront bays was no hardship. The outdoor swimming pool proved a magnet for young and old. Needless to say, we have already booked for next year.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The Grand is in a beautiful location and has a great deal of old worldly charm about it. The staff were very polite and there seemed to be a good ‘Covid’ awareness/distancing and cleaning system in place. The pool was lovely and I actually enjoyed the limits on usage so it wasn’t too busy whilst swimming. The breakfast was excellent. My only gripes were the ‘side sea view’ we had paid extra for was non existent on the first floor as hidden by trees unless you hang out of the window. I felt this was not an accurate description of the view. Also I was told on booking I could take my dog to the Garden bar terrace outside. I had chosen The Grand as a dog friendly hotel and was a little upset to be told when booking in that there was now no public spaces for dogs. I would probably have booked Cooden Beach if I’d been informed of the policy change before arrival as they have areas inside and outside where you can have your dog and refreshments! This is a shame as unless The Grand reinstates the outdoor area for dogs I won’t be able to visit again unless I put my dog in kennels!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had one night in this hotel. I had a room with sideways sea view, nice but perhaps not as luxurious as I had expected. Room was very clean. Service for food at lunch and breakfast very slow, but all staff extremely helpful and polite. Could have done without early wake-up by fire alarm, false alarm.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
During Covid many hotels are struggling but The Grand didn't seem to be. The only difference in our stay this time was the breakfast buffet wasn't available, but that didn't stop the staff offering us anything we wanted and as much as we wanted - sometimes being shocked when we didn't order the continental AND the cooked breakfast! The staff are always willing to go the extra mile. I suppose you get what you pay for. A very enjoyable stay.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Eastbourne is beautiful with lots to do. The room was lovely and very quiet, but the bathroom could have done with a bit of updating. It was very hot when we stayed so the fan was a welcome addition.
Service was excellent and the food mainly very good. We had some tough steaks in the restaurant, but this was resolved by the restaurant staff.
Parking was busy and we were lucky to get a space. It seems many people had reserved spots at a cost.
We swam in the indoor and outdoor pools and they were great - just booked a slot in advance. The outdoor pool was very refreshing. We would definitely stay again.
Service was excellent and the food mainly very good. We had some tough steaks in the restaurant, but this was resolved by the restaurant staff.
Parking was busy and we were lucky to get a space. It seems many people had reserved spots at a cost.
We swam in the indoor and outdoor pools and they were great - just booked a slot in advance. The outdoor pool was very refreshing. We would definitely stay again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
