They say its a five star hotel, we say its not. From the front, the outside of the building looks impressive and appears to be in good order but go in to reception past the front doors and then the appearance disappoints, it has a faded look but not in a good way, sadly in a horrible mid eighties period look sort of way. The carpets in all the public areas are faded and worn with seams coming apart in several places, walls are marked and the paintwork chipped leading to a shabby look with the whole place needing redecoration.
Our bedroom had probably benefitted from new window blinds a few
years ago although strangely they had been made the exact width of the window so allowed light to filter in on the edges, there were no curtains fitted. The bed had a medium spring mattress so slightly softer than we would normally like but comfortable enough during our two night stay. There was a large double wardrobe and a further single robe with shelves but no drawers. The room had possibly benefitted from some fresh wallpaper during the past ten years but was uninspiring with a mid brown twist pile carpet on the floor which topped a number of creaking floorboards {something evident throughout the parts of the building we encountered) and chipped paintwork particularly at the entrance doorway giving the air of a room that had been well used rather than the sharp fresh look expected of a supposed five star establishment.
The bathroom was a similar size to that found in most three or four bedroom houses so overall not large but this was probably dictated by the constraints of the building rather than by design.It was clean with a powerful shower over the bath as well as a hand held one operating from the bath taps.
Full credit to the housekeeping team who keep the inside of this huge building in such good order considering its condition.
We ate in the Garden Room restaurant on the first night of our stay which also happened to be Mothering Sunday so the staff had been kept very busy catering to the demands of those taking afternoon tea, maybe this contributed to the impression that they were there doing their job but nothing more, orders were taken and food served but no other interaction. We enjoyed the fish cake starter however the main course of roast pork was carved at the table, whilst the vegetables, although not cold definitely weren't going to get any warmer as we waited for the meat to be carved, I really thought this outmoded nonsense was dispensed with in the late seventies, the food itself was ok but sliced pork with roast potatoes, celeriac and broccoli is hardly a complex dish especially when followed by fruit salad, nothing wrong with that in itself but at £42 per person I start to question its value.
The breakfast was also taken in the Garden Room and is part self service and is fine.
A large glass of wine in the bar is about £11 and enjoys a 10% service charge so a glass each for the two of us was £24-40p. Profit needs to be made and that is to be expected but perhaps this just a push too far.
At check out we were asked if we had enjoyed our stay, there was a stony silence and then my wife could contain herself no longer and mentioned very briefly some of the things above, I explained to the receptionist that none of our criticisms were her fault but she was stunned when I suggested that improvements could be made gradually starting at the front of the building and working through in stages.
Clearly, it would in most instances be financially "difficult" to renovate/upgrade the property in one go but a phased redecoration should be an ongoing process in a business such as this and one must suggest there has been a failure in this regard with the building only receiving essential maintenance but continual use over the past thirty years or more have left it in an unfortunate time warp not befitting a five star hotel at the price point it targets.
Whilst I appreciate that I might be criticised for such a lengthy review I believe it to be a fair assessment of our visit at that point in time.

We had a lovely stay at the Grand Hotel over the weekend; we come twice a year and always enjoy ourselves. The hotel is excellent and the staff very friendly and helpful. I would not hesitate to recommend it particularly to older and retired guests but there is plenty for young families too.

Very enjoyable stay in this old style hotel but full of character. Staff friendly and always helpful.
Facilities good to average. Car parking could be an issue if arriving late at night. Food and service in dining rooms very high quality. Drink prices a little high..
Dog friendly hotel. Hotel always has weekend entertainment monthly. My wife would certainly consider staying there again should we be in the area.

All very pleasant and comfortable. staff have welcoming attitude and make everything easy. All much appreciated. The bathroom is rather antiquated with no grab handles in over bath shower which would be appreciated by more elderly guests

Fantastic experience from arrival to departure, can't wait for the next special occasion so we have an excuse to return ! The entire staff are the most attentive and helpful we have ever come across at an hotel.

What a fabulous hotel! I loved everything about it, from the smiling commissionaires who greeted us on arrival to the really helpful receptionist who remembered our names when we asked her to book us a taxi later that day, and not forgetting the charming waiters and waitresses in the Garden Restaurant. Our room was comfortable, clean and spacious, with windows that opened wide (unlike so many hotels who seem to nail them shut). I loved the wide hotel corridors with the plush carpet, the beautiful furnishings and the fabulous stained glass interior windows. The whole experience was a joy and I can't wait to go back.

We used this hotel for a weekend break to explore the area. The staff were friendly, helpful and courteous. The room was very comfortable and the food was excellent. There is a good gym and spa, we looked but did not use!

Perfect as always! staff amazing, everything was perfect during our stay. So relaxing and peaceful even when busy. Lovely room, upgraded for free on arrival. We cannot wait to return and enjoy this amazing hotel.

we were so well looked after during our 3 night break. Everything and everybody were just perfect. We love the location of the hotel and visit each year. Lovely to see so many staff who we have met on previous visits so it must be good place to work.

it was our second time at the Grand, and we enjoyed it again.
the staff was very pleasant, efficient, helpful, with a genuine feeling
the food in both restauants was delicious
the breakfast is a great treat !!!
definitely worth one or more visits !!!

The hotel is divine. The Grandeur, the comfort, all the staff so ready to assist help and do anything they can to make your stay enjoyable. The food was best we have had anywhere in the world.The standard of everything is superb. We felt completely pampered it was just wonderful

We really enjoyed our stay at The Grand Hotel Eastbourne, room was good, Restaurant was good and service was excellent. Would thoroughly recommend and will definitely return. Staff were very friendly.

We have just returned from a three night stay with friends at this fantastic hotel. We stayed in two executive double rooms on the first floor. All the staff were extremely welcoming and courteous.
We experienced a few minor issues but these were dealt with immediately, discreetly and professionally. Thank you especially to Megan and Anna, duty managers for your assistance.
The food was excellent and the service in the restaurant and the lounge was exceptional.
Nothing was too much trouble, porters were available to help load and unload our cars, special thanks to Tony.
This was our sixth visit and we will be returning very soon.

We were treated to two nights at the Grand by our friends. We have been here several times before and always enjoy the visits. There is an air of old Edwardian luxury about the place. Our room was refurbished and had a terrace overlooking the sea. As usual everything was first class. We couldn’t find fault at all. Our only observation is that the dress code should be more vigorously enforced. A couple turned up for breakfast in shorts and running gear - she had tattoos all over her legs! people were using mobile phones at the table and some scruffs were inappropriately dressed in the mirabelle which is a very high end restaurant. These ignorant people need to be told. Otherwise it couldn’t be faulted. All the staff seemed proud to be working there.

Fantastic Hotel exceptional service . Food was of the highest quality . Rooms comfortable . Parking out front . Easy to find and great location with sea right opposite and walking distance to High Street .

Thoroughly enjoyable and would recommend. Food was excellent and all of the staff seemed very proud of their hotel and wanted to give good service. Only slight whinge was the non application of their dress code in the restaurants, which showed a lack of respect for fellow guests

We were very well looked after, & felt better for it.
We thought it would be nice if there was a quiet, sheltered, comfortable outside area one could sit comfortably in when the weather permitted. Easily accessed , and comfortable seating.

Overall a lovely stay! Guaranteed check-in is 3pm, we arrived at 10am as wanted to take advantage of the facilities so you would have thought the preparation of the room would have speeded up a bit. We still had to chase getting into the room gone 3.20 with no apology nor explanation. The spa facilities are not big enough for the size of the hotel. We were there on a spa weekend so the focus was on trying to relax but there were not enough loungers/beds nor chairs to accommodate everyone who wanted to use it, The hotel also has its own members who use the leisure facilities and the staff seemed more attentive to those people than weekend guests.
The dining experience in The Mirabelle Restaurant was outstanding; staff were professional, the food was a delight and the décor and ambience was overall excellent. This was the best night!
The hotel is delightful and well worth a visit.

Lovely high tea, fresh scones,jam and clotted cream small but delicious quiche and sandwiches and fabulous cakes and Tea. Lovely service and even had the car parked for us and returned to us.Beautiful building full of character and charm.

Overall a lovely place to stay. Friendly staff, good ambience and nice food. Excellent attention to detail.
We stayed in room 241 plenty of room! Good location. Visit Beachy Head and Arundel and Amberley.

A truly relaxing and enjoyable experience. Luxurious accommodation, beautifully appointed, charming, helpful and discreet staff. The whole atmosphere just seems so relaxed, things just happen here, and you hardly notice. For those, like us, on a modest income, this hotel is a real treat for that special occasion.

My boyfriend & I booked The Grand as a special treat and we were not disappointed, we had the most wonderful 2 night stay in a double deluxe room. Such a comfortable room, light & airy, clean & cosy. The bed gave us a very good nights sleep and all the facilities in the room made our stay perfect. It was peaceful and most relaxing. All the staff were most attentive but also very capable of balancing attentiveness with leaving us be, totally spot on. We ate in for breakfast on one of the mornings and took afternoon tea in the lounge also... What an experience, all a wonderful stay, couldn’t fault anything at all, honestly.

The service was excellent from beginning to end. The food in the fine dining restaurant could have been better. The wine list was very comprehensive. Although very comfortable, the delux room was quite standard.

Stayed for one night. Will definitely return and will recommend the hotel to others.
Downside was that the bedroom was too warm at night, making sleep a problem. Tried to open window, but it was too high and too difficult.

Pleasant stay and would recommend just a little attention to detail was missed here and there. Spa area needs to be extended, not enough space to accommodate ie beds/chairs around indoor pool area. Rooms are very nice and can’t fault cleanliness