I came back today from a one night break at The Grand in Eastbourne and I felt compelled to write a review.

I booked the hotel very last minute at 9am on Friday and arrived at the hotel with my 7 year old daughter at midday. Upon arrival to the car park I was met by a doorman who showed us straight to a (free) car park space and led us to reception. I was very surprised by the extremely friendly lady on reception telling me that our room was ready and we could check in early. She made a massive fuss of my daughter and asked her to sign her own registration card which asked for 'favourite food' and 'favourite hobby' which was a nice touch and the proceeded to hand her a rucksack which contained a pair of binoculars, a baseball cap and a frisbee, well my daughter was over the moon!

We booked a deluxe double which I gather is the lowest room grade you can get so I wasn't overly excited about what we would find but I was extremely surprised. The room was very old fashioned but huge, the bathroom is about 4 times the size of my bathroom at home and contained Molton Brown toiletries which any woman will be thrilled about! The room also had a Nespresso machine, nice biscuits and 2 bottles of water which were complimentary - again a nice touch as I have stayed at hotels which charge £5 per small bottle, not ideal when you have a child who constantly wants a drink!

We went out for the day and came back to the hotel at 8.30pm and when we arrived back the bed had been turned down, lamps put on and they had left my daughter a glass of fresh milk and a cookie - these details really make you feel as though they care. We then had an amazing sleep in the worlds comfiest best, literally dreamy, if I could have got away with smuggling it out along with the Molton Brown then I would have! The room was actually silent, very soundproof except for the seagulls but that's nice when holidaying by the sea!

My only one tiny complaint is that upon waking I went to have a shower and the water dribbled out and was cold, but I ran a nice bubble bath instead and used the hand shower so wasn't actually a massive issue. They provide dressing gowns too which is lovely.

Then it was down to breakfast which was included in our room rate, they offered cereals (the usual range but also nice nutty muesli which was good!), fruits, smoked salmon, pastries, hot English breakfast but you could also order poached, fried or boiled eggs made to order. Kippers were also on the menu. Breakfast was delicious, hot and good quality.

The sum it up, the hotel is very grand, the outdoor pool is beautiful, food is great and the rooms are extremely comfortable...but the staff really, really make this place a 5*, nothing is too much trouble, they are a credit to the hotel.

My daughter didn't want to leave this morning and neither did I, we are already planning on coming back in a couple of weeks!

Well done The Grand!!!

We stayed for a couple of nights short notice and wanted to relax. The hotel is what I would describe as old fashioned grandour, the staff are very helpful and the reception areas imposing. We had a small baby with us and at times I did think the mostly elderly clientele were wondering what we were doing staying there! The room was spacious if a bit tired. The breakfast was very good with lots of choice and hot food was actually hot!

The pool was nice and warm but it's too small for a hotel of that size. The changing facilities let it all down, there was a strong smell of urine and they were not cleaned from one day to the next (I know this because there was a biscuit in a locker that was still there the following day). There were also no family changing so we had to take turns in getting changed.

I would recommend a stay there but only for a couple of days due to the price.

Third visit and this was perfect.
Had a great sea view suite which was spacious with great refurbishment mixing modern with old features.
With this hotel it's the unexpected extras that make each stay special - water left by the side of your bed at turn down, glass of milk awaiting my son at bed time, molten brown toiletries to name just a few.
Beds so comfortable and I wish I could have bought a pillow!
The outdoor pool was gorgeous and attended by a lifeguard who was friendly and helpful - arranging drinks for guests when the pool emptied to the sun loungers.
Evening meals are a joy and befitting any top restaurant, children eat free before 7.30.
Cocktails amazing although no Singapore Sling!
This hotel is pricey but you get what you pay for in life.
Would not hesitate to recommend.

Went to the hotel for a wedding. Lovely big room, bathroom also very spacious. Nice toiletries in the bathroom and plenty of hot water. Bed large but had rather a heavy duvet on and as the weather was quite hot it was a little too heavy for our liking. Breakfast was lovely either buffet or any items could be served direct from the kitchen if you preferred. We only had one evening meal and that was for the wedding reception, it was served very well and all the food was good and very hot. Didn't use the spa or the pool as time was limited. The only thing that stopped me giving it 5* and that was it lacked air conditioning in our bedroom and if you left the window open you got the noise from the seagulls.

I went with 3 friends for a Spa Day at this hotel and it was a wonderful experience. The staff were very friendly and helpful at all times throughout the day. We had a swim in the pool and sat in the Jacuzzi. Two of us had the Turkish salt scrub which was very relaxing. Lunch was freshly made sandwiches which were very tasty. All in all a very relaxing day. Would definitely recommend.

This is old quintessential English hotel almost stopped in its tracks by time. The hotel is like how a 5 star hotel would have been 75 years ago with all the service and charm. Stepping back in time as you approach the hotel is the first impression. We had a magnificent 2 bedroom suite overlooking the pool and sea. Whilst very old fashioned , it is charming and very welcoming. Small but nice indoor pool with steam room and jacuzzi. I took three kids under 11 who loved it here. The breakfast is out of this world and an experience it itself. Great hotel and will be coming back.

5 star luxury and service. Only one thing lets it down and that is a lack of air-conditioning in the restaurants. It makes it hot and uncomfortable to eat there. Otherwise a great experience and Afternoon Tea must be experienced.

We like The Grand. Been there 3 times and fully expected to continue. It is good and worth the prices. We, in our retirement have no hesitation in homing in on it if we need or want to stay in the area. And that area is well worth it. The Sussex Countryside is stunning and the area smothered with wonderful places and cultural high spots.

We wanted to see the mighty Vulcan fly in its final season - so where better than from a front suite in The Grand. And with it the opportunity to re-visit Sussex, spend time in Eastbourne and its Towner Gallery and beyond alongside a day for the air show. But a problem; major orthopedic surgery only a few weeks before.

But as ever the reservation staff were brilliant. Yes we'll hold it for a few days while you check that its ok to go and if you have to cancel 48 hours notice is ok. And yes we will reserve you a parking space so you can come and go as you need. I am familiar with their parking reservation system.

But on arrival the rather officious front of house staff refused us a space - notwithstanding there being other numerous reserved spaces - you will be parked 'off site'.

In other circumstances it would not have been an issue but being on crutches and restricted to a mandatory '3 short walks a day' we became 'locked into' the near environs.

We tried - with painful results - one morning to walk round the shops and on another along the front and did visit the excellent Towner Gallery. But that was it.

Clearly they do not want to give such a poor standard of customer care so there was either a breakdown in interdepartmental communications or a failure to identify a problem and rectify it - probably both.

On checking out the receptionist picked up a 'vibe' and called the duty manager who was defensive, did somewhat perfunctorily apologise and offered a free parking reservation next time. Of course one hopes not to undergo that kind of surgery again, but saying that produced no reaction!

We may go back. It is a great hotel. But The Grand has lost its shine for us.

Clearly it is astonishing for an hotel of such standing and reputation to get something as critical as this so wrong... but having done so, and done it so officiously do nothing to resolve the issue is quite outwith this hotel regular's experience of quality hotels.

My husband and I booked a sea view room for the weekend of Eastbourne air show. We were amazed to find we had been upgraded to a palatial, two bedroom suite!! The service is spot on, not in your face but there when needed.We ate in both the Mirabelle and Garden restaurants. Could not fault either, delicious food and friendly staff. The cocktails are perfectly made and very moreish. Altogether a fabulous weekend

From housekeeping to management the 2 day package was fantastic, the room was large clean and bright with a lovely side view, my girlfriend loved the champagne, chocolates and the molten brown gift all presented discretely in the room when we were out eating. The mirabelle restuarant was first class, we used the health facilities and the pools are nicely heated,this is a highly recommended suprise for your loved ones out there!

This imposing hotel on Eastbourne sea front has excellent levels of service and the Mirabelle restaurant is fabulous (the highlight of any stay and worth going to even if you are not staying). The room we stayed in was very clean and well decorated but for a 5 star hotel is let down by no air conditioning, difficult to access tea and coffee facilities and no separate shower.

I stayed here with several friends for one night and we ate at the Mirabelle restaurant in the evening.

The rooms were spacious and had a Nespresso machine which I particularly enjoyed. The bed was also incredibly comfy - we had been looking forward to this as we have previously stayed at another Elite hotel. 2 of the 3 rooms that we booked had clearly been decorated more recently and were more modern. The other was a slightly older taste but was still very nice and suited the building.

The cocktail lounge was also very enjoyable and the staff were able to help with our selection. The Restaurant manager brought the menus through to us in the lounge whilst we enjoyed a cocktail before the meal. The food was excellent and the service was quality.

The weather was pleasant whilst we were there so we even made use of the outside pool and sun loungers which was a bonus!

We have stayed at this hotel several times for long weekends. We stayed in May this year and upgraded to a suite. It was huge. Would def recommend paying a bit extra for a suite.
We had a sea view which was great.

My parents are celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary so we took them to The Grand for afternoon tea yesterday. (22/8/15). There were twelve of us and they managed to provide a very nice and enjoyable afternoon, the staff were polite and obliging to our demands for photo taking and moving furniture, the food was lovely with enough sandwiches, scones and cakes and pastries for everyone. Most importantly tho my parents loved it.

Came for an evening meal in the Garden room and was very impressed, the portions sizes are just right and amazingly well cooked and presented, while service was first rate from start to finish. One of the best meals I have had anywhere

Have never stayed here but had the honour of visiting reception getting help after an elderly gentleman had fallen outside the entrance! Ive also popped in for a map of Eastbourne becasue I couldnt find the Devonshire Theatre!
The hotel staff (Porters) look grand in their uniforms (almost like grenadier guards) and there are allocated parking slots for visitors to the hotel (weddings and proms etc). The hotel is painted white and palace like, opposite the sea. Very grand and also local to Eastbournes annual air display 'Aerbourne'.

The Grand certainly lives up to its name!
Everything about it is grand and traditional, excellent service from all the staff, delightful rooms and fabulous food. The room was large and spacious with a sumptuous bed you just sank right into. I loved the little touches like the fruit and the turn-down service, remnant of hotels gone by.
Okay so its a bit pricey, but, why not spoil yourself every now and again. The position right on the front is perfect and you can walk to everything within 5 mins. We will definitely stay here again at some point.

As soon as you enter the hotel you could imagine this to be a place where you'd find the character Hercule Poirot! It has a lot of charm, there are many rooms to sit and read if you didn't fancy going out. We had a sea view room with ceiling to floor windows. However, we stayed during an unusually hot period in the British summer and found the room did not have air conditioning. We had to open all the windows to get a breeze. It was lovely to breathe in fresh sea air.
Breakfast is in the main restaurant and is a typical English breakfast, if you wanted anything different like eggs then you had to wait some time. The biggest problem for us was parking, I'm disabled and when we booked they assured us a space. On the checkin day we found there was no space saved! They had in fact saved spaces for others. At one point during our stay we were told to go and park on the road. There was no way I would be able to walk the distance. So after a bit of a fuss they parked our car nearby. I think that they need more disabled spaces.
The dress code is formal wear, if you wish to dine at the hotel's restaurants. The food served is excellent and I could just go back for the dessert. There is a heated outdoor pool, as well as an indoor one and the spa is great. We enjoyed a walk along the sea front from the hotel. There are many places to sit and take in the view.

Just want to say a massive THANKYOU to all of the staff at the grand hotel Eastbourne. We have just returned from a one night stay for our 1st wedding anniversary. All of the staff that we came across cannot do enough for you and are so friendly and welcoming.
Our room was amazing, had a lovely view, a huge bed and a comfortable seating area.
There was a great selection at breakfast and the spa facilities were very relaxing.
We will be back again soon!
Thanks again

We stayed at the Grand during the excellent annual Eastbourne Airshow. It must be stressed that the staff at the Grand are SUPERB, friendly, helpful and very focused on customer service. The food in the Garden restaurant is first class. The ambience in the restaurants ,bars and lounges is elegant and very pleasant. The seafront location is wonderful. And the eye-watering prices reflect all of this. However, some of the guest rooms are truly horrible. We spent our first night in a room which was a stuffy, noisy hell-hole. Next morning the excellent reception staff transferred us to a better room, efficiently and without fuss. It should also be said that the free wi-fi service is rubbish, and the premium service is also rubbish. So, a mixed experience. The Grand old lady of Eastbourne is showing her age.

A lovely looking, regal hotel on the seafront.

Booking was easy enough, a standard room as they were booked up for Eastbourne Airbourne. Managed to prebook a car parking space, a must.
Checking in was quick and professional. We were taken to our room, quite basic, with an old fashioned double bed, an extremely soft one, which creaked.
Of the three large windows, only one opened a few inches, so we asked for a fan and they obliged.

Our room had an adjoining door to the adjacent room and we could hear the guests normal conversation.

The TV was smaller than a PC screen, and they seemed perplexed when we asked for a larger one. Our room looked over the kitchen area and had no view. The room itself was old fashioned, and for a price of a little short of £500.00 for 2 nights I would expect better.
The ensuite was a lovely size, it could have done with a shaving mirror.

They quickly changed our feather pillows for foam when asked.

In the evening the hotel was very warm, having held the heat from the days sunshine this and bright lights in the restaurant would have aggravated a sight problem I have. We therefore asked if we could dine on the cooler terrace. This caused much consternation, and the waitress informed us this wasn't possible, as did a second waitress shortly followed by a senior member of staff. I felt this wasn't an unreasonable request especially for a five star hotel. After much to-ing and fro-Ing we were told that the Maitre de' had agreed, but we could only have one course, which made us feel like errant school children.
Clearly thinking outside the box, was not one of their policies, I couldn't help but wonder which one of us was the guests.
Overall I think it is best to go prepared, and if any of my issues might be something that would affect your visit. You should really check and arrange before booking, plus any other such requirements..
Overall, I would consider returning but arrange I had all I required to ensure a pleasant stay. I didn't think it was value for money. It is somewhat pretentious, and not as good as I, and indeed they, The Grand themselves think is. I have stayed in top hotels across the world and question its rating.

Whilst attending Air Show we thought a break for afternoon tea would be a nice idea. We were not booked but they fitted us in with no fuss. Tea here is a nice treat with excellent service. Will go again, possibly for a short break.

Another stay at The Grand, just perfect. Even the thunder, lightening and the rain coming down in stair rods failed to spoil my stay!
Apart from the wonderful staff, rooms, restaurants, outdoor swimming pool and afternoon tea it's the little things that matter! A birthday card through my door on my birthday, free newspapers every morning, a turn down service, my car being brought to the front door because it was raining, umbrellas to use, my berry allergy being very well catered for etc, etc, etc.
And parking, always being able to park in their own car park is a deal clincher for me. Thank you, Grand Hotel, for a wonderful stay!

As a 5 Star Hotel one expects the pick of the bunch and what we got was just that. From arrival to departure I cannot fault the decoration, service, facilities, staff attitude, food or anything. The exceptional courtesy of the staff needs commending, be they the concierge, bar staff, restaurant staff or bless them, the housekeeping staff they all require a special thank you. Any criticism to make and that is the drink prices; my advice would be, buyer beware.

Pleased to report than since our last family visit the rooms have all been redecorated and are so much smarter and up to date. Such a great hotel as not only comfortable but very welcoming to both adults and children. Food was good at breakfast and dinner - we had children with us this time so had dinner at the hotel during this visit. The service throughout from the moment we arrived was faultless, helpful and very friendly. It is not a cheap hotel of course but we feel it is really good for a treat now and then!