The Grand Hotel Eastbourne

4.6/5 based on 4565 reviews
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On entering the Grand Hotel, you feel that you have stepped back in time to a bygone age of elegance and style. My husband and I booked a three day break here. We booked a deluxe sea view room and the hotel very kindly had upgraded us to a junior suite. The bed was extremely comfortable, as was the whole suite. On arrival we had a light lunch in the lounge. The service here was a little slow, but as we were on holiday it didn't matter, we just relaxed and soaked up the atmosphere. Breakfast was a sumptuous affair with everything you could wish for English or Continental, breakfast, cereals, fresh fruit and fruit juices. Accompanied by tea or coffee. A great and leisurely way to start the day.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Had a spectacular weekend here. The hotel is sumptuous and a true celebration of its Victorian roots.
The staff are as friendly and helpful as one would expect from this standard of hotel often going above and beyond expectations.
The spa and wellbeing centre is well equipped and the bar well stocked.
Do not miss the breakfast - it is well worth getting up for...
I can't wait to stay here again!
tripadvisor.co.uk
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This is a proper Victorian hotel that has wonderfully elegant sitting rooms and lounges, a relaxing atmosphere and friendly and attentive staff. The bedrooms seem a little mixed in decor (one recently refurbed, the other dated) but all are clean, well appointed and quiet, although no air con and a tiny TV.
The food is good, although for a 5 star hotel the 'continental' breakfast seemed a little lacking. Great location though and definitely worth a return visit. It is quite expensive though.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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The building and furniture are showing signes of better days past.
Our room lacked maintenance and the shower mixer could not be controlled and delivered scolding hot water even with the tap barely turned on. No Mini Bar or Air Con in bedroom.
There are 3/4 Star hotels offering more comfortable rooms and better value for money.
Staff were very attentive but again need to have new uniforms.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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We stayed for one night at the Grand and, having enjoyed Sunday lunch here several times, we were looking forward to the luxury that you would expect from this iconic hotel. Unfortunately, we had a room at the back with no view and the decor seemed rather tired. There was plenty of space but there was no wow factor. We went downstairs for a pre-dinner drink and we ordered a bloody mary and an aperol spritz. They arrived promptly along with some very unappetising canapés, which looked like they'd been sitting around for days! An elderly couple next to us had to ask for their drinks 3 times from 3 different waiters until they finally came. We decided to cancel our dinner reservation and go elsewhere in the town to eat. We asked for the bill and were shocked when we saw the two drinks came to £27.50 (as much as or more than top hotels in London). We had a lovely dinner at a local Italian for probably a third of the price of the Grand's garden restaurant. Breakfast in the morning was good and was included in the room rate which was a plus.
Overall the hotel is grand but it is looking tired and shabby and needs an injection of money and flair to bring it back to its former glory.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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We have stayed here a couple of times however, whilst the appearance of the hotel is lovely and the staff are fab, the rooms and especially the beds/pillows have long seen better days. We asked to be moved on our stay last week (we were thinking of going home even though paid for a second night) - we had booked the sea view luxury double, but the bed and pillows were so bad that neither of us slept longer than an hour. Awful. The DM moved us to a recently re-furbished exec suite which was ok but again, the bed was absolutely awful - even with a new mattress which must have cost at least £50!! The hotel should not be classed as 5 star - not because of the service but because of the poor rooms, decor and sleep depravation!
tripadvisor.co.uk
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We stayed before at the grand, but this trip we went for tea. Lovely seating area outside with proper english tea and what it entails. Relaxing a,biance.,helpful staff and professional waitresses. The sandwiches fresh and filling b
tripadvisor.co.uk
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This hotel was probably the best hotel in the south of England at one point. It is a little bit tired but we loved it. It is traditional English, with super polite staff. The hotel faces the sea and we had a room with a view of the sea... lovely.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Magnificent Victorian hotel. Grand in every respect. Located on the seafront, it has been Eastbourne’s premier hotel for over 100 years and quite deservedly so. The palatial public areas are on par with any London five star hotel. It’s not cheap, but you really do get what you pay for.

Our sea facing bedroom was spacious and had an excellent bathroom, not 21st century, but modern, clean and well fitted.

We didn’t use the restaurant for lunch or dinner but the breakfasts we had were excellent. There was a comprehensive English hot buffet, continental options and lots of fresh fruit and cereals.

As you would expect, service is outstanding.

We thought this hotel would only appeal to older people but we were surprised to find guests of all age groups including children so it’s is very much a family hotel, in spite of the fairly high prices.

We will definitely be back again
tripadvisor.co.uk
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The Grand Hotel is a 5 star Hotel, right on the sea front, and it's clear why. The Hotel is the kind you'd find in one of the most prestigious locations in London, with doormen opening doors and calling you "Sir", offering to carry your bags etc. The rooms themselves were sadly rather dated, and the TV was tiny, however this does not detract from the overall experience of the Hotel. Be warned though, this Hotel is the type where you MUST wear a collared shirt if you are a male and plan to use any of the dining facilities. We chose to eat on the sea front, and came back to witness the ballroom in full use with people dancing to a live piano... beautiful
tripadvisor.co.uk
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I have stayed and eaten here a number of times over the last 20 years and I have always appreciated the helpful efficient staff and the sheer grandeur of the building however it is certainly beginning to age. We stayed in an executive room with sea view which was spacious and comfortable but the ensuite was past its sell by date and not worthy of a luxury hotel. The food was competent without being challenging but in the bar the price of a G&T is the same as the Dorchester! All in all the hotel has lost its edge perhaps it is relying too much on the " grey pound" ? At present I don't think there is anywhere better to stay in Eastbourne but for the moment it is overpriced for what it delivers.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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My husband, 7 month old baby and I decided to have a luxury weekend away. The hotel staff were fabulous, could not do enough to help us. Food was outstanding room was outstanding, spa was outstanding, and the water in the pool was like bath water, so amazing for the baby, who would never ever have felt cold.

The only negative thing I can say about this hotel is in the spa/pool changing room area there is nowhere to put a baby eg changing table/baby change, so I had to lay the towel on the floor for the baby to lay on whilst I got changed.

Was quite a lot of money but, ...........You get what you pay for.

I would love to go again one day but for longer, guess we shall have to save.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Had a fabulous afternoon tea at the Grand. We also saw the live jazz band on the terrace for the summer bbq. Fantastic service, amazing food and such a fabulous atmosphere. This time we didn't stay but our in law did and had an amazing room with a balcony out onto the terrace. Fantastic disabled facilities.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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the one thing you must do if eating in reserve your table early as fills up fast the food is great , buffet breakfast was all you could wish for as all came from local top notch suppliers as is there whole menu throuhout out.. the one and only thing they do not have a car park as parking is all alone on sea front first come first serve
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Had reason to be in Eastbourne on my own for one night and as a treat my wife booked me into the Grand.
First appearance was very good, large car park and an impressive looking entrance. I arrived by motorcycle and as soon as I pulled in a uniformed door man ran to meet me and point out a slightly more secluded spot to park that was covered by cctv. Very nice.
Entrance hall and reception area most definitely worthy of the name grand.
After check in it all goes a little wrong.
My room was on the first floor and if it wasn't for a stray member of staff I would probably be searching for my room now. The member if staff commented on the lack of signage. He agreed it's hard to find your way around.
Now for the room. Small and claustrophobic is the best I can do.
Decor is lovely if you are 75 years old. Bed is awful. Pillows are awful. View is roof tops covered in pigeon mess. It ain't £165 a night worth.
Room service is painfully expensive.
Breakfast in room is bloody good.
Over all, staff are some of the best I have ever come across, decor is tired, prices are high and the rooms do not warrant the price.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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The staff in this hotel could not do enough for you. It was amazing. From the minute you enter the hotel where your luggage is taken from you to your room (or from your car if you wish) to the incredily knowladgeable and friendly receptionists. Nothing was too much. Beautiful rooms, incredibly comfortable lounges and bedrooms. So many places to sit in the lounge areas with such comfortable seating that it was hard to leave the hotel. Bedrooms have expresso machines and beds are very comfortable and peaceful. Your beds are even turned down in the evening. We didn't have a room with so much of a view but that didnt matter as it was so quiet which was a first for me in a hotel and we didnt spend much time in the room. You can ask for sea, garden views etc.
Breakfast was amazing, so much choice and was the longest breakfast I have enjoyed, Very relaxed atmosphere, lots of freindly staff on hand to cater for your every need.
I cant wait to go back.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Lovely cooked to order breakfast this morning and polite, helpful staff throughout our stay. We also liked the position of The Grand and the fact that it provided free parking . However, neither of us slept that well. The mattress really needed replacing . Not only was it very soft but it seemed to dip towards the headboard. The pillows were also well past their best, thin and rather lumpy. I would rather go without the molten brown toiletries and have more attention paid to a comfortable nights sleep. It was also a very hot night so we had windows open and the noise from the air conditioning units for the kitchens (?) was incessant throughout our stay. Overall, I am surprised that this hotel has a five star rating as our room certainly did not match the quality of some of the public areas.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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A lovely place to stay in Eastbourne. We last stayed at the Grand over 20 years ago.
Now as before it still has an old style charm and dignity.
Our deluxe room (none sea view- we've seen the sea here many times before) was lovely.
All anyone could wish for, Comfortable,clean,quiet.
Facilities of the usual safe, TV (some BT sport channels)hairdryer,toiletries, tea making and an Nespresso coffee machine and a daily supply of 4 pods.
Shower over bath,plenty of drawer and wardrobe space-never ever quite enough coat hangers but extra can be requested.
The food is very very good whatever the meal time. Dinner can be a little quiet in the evening as fewer guests seem to enjoy eating in these days.
-anyone expecting instant food service will be disappointed, meals are of course cooked to order and served when ready. If you want quick go to a burger bar.
This is a hotel for a stay at a more leisurely pace as would be expected.
I Like it and always have.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Stayed at the Grand for a weekend. . The staff there are so friendly and helpful. Some of them remembered me from previous visits. They have an outdoor AND indoor pool I used the outdoor pool as there are not many opportunities to swim outdoors this year. Thank you to Emily and Lotte in the bar were absolutely fantastic. I will be back at the Grand shortly.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was our first time down that neck of the woods.
We chose this Hotel and were not disappointed, the quality and professionalism of all the staff we came into contact with was exceptional, they could not be anymore helpful.
We did not use the Hotels restaurant as we went out for the evening but if the breakfast was anything to go by I am sure it would have been more than acceptable. The Hotel was Grand, it was a true pleasure to have stayed there and one thing is for sure it won't be our last visit.
Thanks to all at the Grand Hotel
tripadvisor.co.uk
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We have stayed her a few times as it is a lovely hotel where you are made to feel special, it has free parking - a boon in Eastbourne and is near the best part of the promenade.
We had an Executive Seaview which was lovely although old-fashioned: spacious with very large bathroom, Molton Brown toiletries, tea making and coffee machine.
Staff are all so polite and the service is very good.
The best breakfast anywhere with a good selection of fruits, pastries etc and a perfectly cooked full English.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Just come back from an overnight stay at the Grand Hotel in Eastbourne. Overall the service from porters, receptionists and waiting staff was really good. Everyone smiling and helpful. The room was a big let down. It is in a bad need of updating. It is still stuck in the Seventies, and the bathroom is not up to five star quality. The room was so hot even with the fan provided it was not enough. We had the window open all night but did not help at all. The bed was so soft, there was no support for your back, and if you like us suffer from back problems it was very bad. However everything was very clean and it had all you needed. The problem is that when you pay this sort of money, you expect it all to be to five star standard. We went to the spa, Jacuzzi not working, so that was disappointing but the pool and steam room was nice.
Breakfast was also a let down. The hot food from the buffet was cold and the Danish pastries was quite dry.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Can't thank the grand enough for squeezing us in at the last minute as our other hotel we had booked was not up to standard . We had a lovely room with partial sea view , the spa facilities were great the jacuzzi was out of order tho . Breakfast was great fantastic potions and polite friendly staff who couldn't do enough for you. Check in was fantastic and so professional from start to finish . The room was one of their more cheaper rooms but it was still so beautiful had everything we needed and the bed was so comfy . Will defo be returning and will be a bit more prepared this time ! Thankyou again ! X
tripadvisor.co.uk
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There is nothing faded about the grandeur of this hotel. The service, the accommodation and the breakfast were all excellent. I was similarly impressed with Eastbourne. I had anticipated a seaside town with its best days behind it, but not a bit of it. Obviously I'm not recommending it for hens or stags, but it was clean and tidy with a great beach, seafront promenade and pier. There are also plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants. I'll definitely be going back.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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We had a great stay and also took along our dog who was well looked after and was treated to her own bed and room service meal! The rest of the hotel though doesn't seem to be dog friendly as you can't take them into any of the bars or restaurant. The parking was a bit limited. The weather was lovely and the hotel does have an outdoor pool which we would have like to have used but all of the sunbeds were taken although it appeared that people had claimed them but weren't actually sitting at them or in the pool!
As the weather was warm we found the room to be very hot and does not have air conditioning.
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