The Grand Hotel Eastbourne
Latest Reviews
We were fortunate to be given a present of spending a night at the Grand with the lluxury of a seafront room - this was a very rare gift and we could not have had a better present and experience. From arrival to departure the staff were without exception happy and helpful. The large bed was so comfortable with the feel of silky sheets.The unexpected coffee machine thoughtfully had the instructions beside it and delivered exceptional coffee - with extra supplies during the evening visit from a lovely young lady. The facilities and staff certainly deserve the 5 * rating
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The staff were very attentive and all 10 of us were treated well throughout our two night stay, including 4 children.
The attention to detail and service for Birthday lunch with 14 member of the family on the Sunday could not have gone better.
The attention to detail and service for Birthday lunch with 14 member of the family on the Sunday could not have gone better.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Superb hotel , with good food & large clean rooms & great beds & clean bathrooms - all you would expect from a 5* hotel. Plus a heated out door & an indoor swimming pool. The desk staff are very helpful , offering suggestions which were spot on for what we wanted to do. HOWEVER its the details . Sometimes we got replacements for our coffee maker in the room. The system we chose was to go into the lounge before dinner for a drink & order dinner meal & Drinks . Sadly we were 3/4 of way through our meal ( we always skip dessert) when I gave up and had to go to the bar and ask for our drinks. The following night the red wine was so cold it MUST have come out of a fridge (if not freezer !) I appreciate not MAJOR but at the price they charge & they boast they are the only 5 star hotel on the South Coast ( ?? ! ! ?? ) I would expect them to have the ability to serve drinks without us having to leave a meal to get them.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My wife and I took advantage of a three for the price of two offer, and enjoyed three happy days in the Hotel. Not our first visit, so already a familiar haunt, and we were treated to excellent service throughout. Check-in was easy and friendly, Dave, Gary and Tony on the Concierge desk really looked after us, Ahmed and Alexander in the lounge gave us gracious service, and Barbara, Martin and Shaun in the Garden Dining Room as always, were superb (as were all the staff we encountered)
Our room was a junior, and although quite small, we found it enchanting, quiet, and we both slept well on all three nights. The room service was excellent in all aspects, and in spite of the Hotel being absolutely heaving on two of the three nights, we found that standards did not slip in any way. Some of the staff were absolutely rushed off their feet, but still had time for a quick word and a smile
My only minor negative comment is that there has been a slight drop in the dress code of the Dining Rooms. While I am in no way a snob, I was saddened to see a (very small) minority of guests turning up to eat in T-shirts and shorts. The whole point of the Grand Hotel, in my opinion, is the elegance of the whole place, and it is really nice to take your wife or partner to somewhere where you can really dress up and feel special, particularly for dinner. I hope General Manager Johnathon Webley has a serious look at this change in policy. I understand that the Hotel has to fill up the rooms and keep its occupancy rates high, but is it too much to ask the Gentlemen to put on a jacket and tie for dinner, or the ladies a smart dress?? Thin end of a wedge if you ask me. What next - bare tatooed chests and bathing trunks ??
All in all a wonderful experience and much recommended
Our room was a junior, and although quite small, we found it enchanting, quiet, and we both slept well on all three nights. The room service was excellent in all aspects, and in spite of the Hotel being absolutely heaving on two of the three nights, we found that standards did not slip in any way. Some of the staff were absolutely rushed off their feet, but still had time for a quick word and a smile
My only minor negative comment is that there has been a slight drop in the dress code of the Dining Rooms. While I am in no way a snob, I was saddened to see a (very small) minority of guests turning up to eat in T-shirts and shorts. The whole point of the Grand Hotel, in my opinion, is the elegance of the whole place, and it is really nice to take your wife or partner to somewhere where you can really dress up and feel special, particularly for dinner. I hope General Manager Johnathon Webley has a serious look at this change in policy. I understand that the Hotel has to fill up the rooms and keep its occupancy rates high, but is it too much to ask the Gentlemen to put on a jacket and tie for dinner, or the ladies a smart dress?? Thin end of a wedge if you ask me. What next - bare tatooed chests and bathing trunks ??
All in all a wonderful experience and much recommended
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Normally we like to do a bit of research on a hotel before we book, but our visit to the Grand was on a whim. Saturday morning - unexpected free couple of days - let's go to Eastbourne. We phoned the hotel, got a good deal, and were in the bar by 4 o'clock. And what a treat our stay was! Hotels of this quality are quite often pretentious, verging on the snobby. None of that at the Grand - excellent service by genuinely friendly staff, comfortable rooms, and a delightful atmosphere of elegant times gone by, without being remotely stuffy.
The breakfasts were excellent, the evening meal easily lived up to our expectations, and the bar had a huge selection of malt whiskies. Nice pool and spa facilities as well. A pet hate of mine in hotels (call me picky if you like) is the lack of a tray in the bathroom shower on which to stand your shower gel and shampoo, so I was gratified the Grand provided one, rendering our stay a faultless experience. The only blip was that I was served a pot of hot water for breakfast one morning instead of tea. The very pleasant and apologetic waitress and I had a laugh over that. To dock the hotel points over something as trivial as that would indeed be picky. Enjoyable stay? Absolutely, especially as the weather was rubbish and we spent more time in the hotel than we would normally have done.
Go there again? Yes please. Definitely a Five Star experience.
The breakfasts were excellent, the evening meal easily lived up to our expectations, and the bar had a huge selection of malt whiskies. Nice pool and spa facilities as well. A pet hate of mine in hotels (call me picky if you like) is the lack of a tray in the bathroom shower on which to stand your shower gel and shampoo, so I was gratified the Grand provided one, rendering our stay a faultless experience. The only blip was that I was served a pot of hot water for breakfast one morning instead of tea. The very pleasant and apologetic waitress and I had a laugh over that. To dock the hotel points over something as trivial as that would indeed be picky. Enjoyable stay? Absolutely, especially as the weather was rubbish and we spent more time in the hotel than we would normally have done.
Go there again? Yes please. Definitely a Five Star experience.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited Eastbourne for the first time this weekend, staying for three nights whilst visiting an Aunt recovering from an operation. From my arrival on Friday until I departed this morning I could not fault this hotel. It is so huge, but the service is so personal. Chris and his colleague who work as the Concierge are so welcoming. They really did make both by Aunt and Mother feel really special with service and attention to detail. Afternoon tea, they moved our table to window, re-arranged seats to accommodate the "frame". The food really was amazing, so fresh. Nothing seemed to be too much trouble, and no rush to move you on. Sunday Lunch was also brilliant, they found the perfect table (not sure of lady in restaurant's name), but she found me a table, kept it for us and then found us a quiet table in the lobby to have tea afterwards. Really loved the whole experience and I will definitely will return. Really was first class.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Friends and I often eat and dance at the Grand. The food is fabulous and dancing to a live band is fabulous. Old charm to be enjoyed. Yes the prices match, however the grand never fails to disappoint.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This certainly was a treat! We were treated like royalty. Doorman, Concierge and Maid service.The staff could not do enough for us. They were friendly at all times. Breakfast was delicious and if you want special orders like poached or fried eggs or kidneys, they are delivered under a silver cover! Eastbourne is, in general, a beautiful place, especially in the sunshine. There are a huge range of places to eat to suit all tastes and budgets.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We stayed 3 nights what a wonderful place the rooms are very nice we had a nice view of the seafront the food is of a high standard as you would expect I would highly recommend this place the staff are a credit to the hotel plus you are not far from the shopping centre
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The Grand is the best seaside hotel in England. Like something from the gilden - of course not quite what it was but still an experience. From the moment the porters unpacked and parked the car, to the champagne and chocolates in the room, to the first rate Mirabelle restaurant a great experience. Both breakfast and afternoon tea not to be missed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Have just returned from a three day visit to this extraordinary hotel.having stayed at many top hotels in various countries, I would certainly rate this as one of the best.from the moment we arrived on Friday afternoon to be welcomed by Gary who immediately parked my car after a very friendly & efficient porter removed each of our bags with accompanying clothing ready to escort us to our room. Our room (323) was just as we had hoped for . Great view over the sea and all accessories provided.without exception, every single member of staff treated us like royalty.the dining experience in the Garden Restaurant was first class with outstanding service .a special mention must be given to 'Barbara ' and Ronnie the wine waiter whose charming & attentive service really made us feel 'special' My partner is almost totally blind and a table was provided for us each morning near the dining room entrance without ever having to ask for any assistance.Really appreciated.
Cannot wait to return later this year. Thanks again to each and everyone of the staff who made our visit so memorable
Cannot wait to return later this year. Thanks again to each and everyone of the staff who made our visit so memorable
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Stayed here for valentines day in Feb 2014, was fantastic from start to finish. Hotel is huge with a lot character.
Bit more up market than what I am used to, so having a harp playing you some music in the reception area and the reception chap lending me his suit jacket for dinner was surreal.
The food in the restaurant was superb. The whole experience felt like a luxury.
Bit more up market than what I am used to, so having a harp playing you some music in the reception area and the reception chap lending me his suit jacket for dinner was surreal.
The food in the restaurant was superb. The whole experience felt like a luxury.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Just got back from a one-night stay at the Grand Hotel. It is a bit over-priced for what you get - but the room was decent enough. Staff were very friendly. Breakfast in the morning was all right.
There was a noise from the bathroom extractor fan that was a bit unusual and annoying, but other than that we enjoyed our stay.
There was a noise from the bathroom extractor fan that was a bit unusual and annoying, but other than that we enjoyed our stay.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My husband & I stayed here for 1 night as a special anniversary treat in March 2015. Having reviewed the hotel we booked an Executive Sea view room at a cost of £285 for bed and breakfast. My first impression as I walked into the room was one of disappointment. The room, although resembling the photo's on the website, looked old and tired. The bedspread was faded, the coffee table seemed to be moulded plastic or perhaps fibre glass, there were a couple of framed pictures which the manager has since informed me were originals but were framed in what looked like the cheapest frames money could buy, this all created a 'cheap' look.
On a more positive note the bathroom was large, clean and warm with a shower over the bath and all the staff we dealt with were friendly and professional and a credit to the hotel.We enjoyed our evening meal in the Garden Restaurant and the breakfast next morning was fine. We had a pleasant enough stay, but would think twice about staying there again as the room we had certainly did not warrant the charge of £285. It's a shame, but I think this hotel is earning a living on its past reputation. I believe some of the rooms are being refurbished so if you book this hotel I'd recommend you ask for one of those rooms.
On a more positive note the bathroom was large, clean and warm with a shower over the bath and all the staff we dealt with were friendly and professional and a credit to the hotel.We enjoyed our evening meal in the Garden Restaurant and the breakfast next morning was fine. We had a pleasant enough stay, but would think twice about staying there again as the room we had certainly did not warrant the charge of £285. It's a shame, but I think this hotel is earning a living on its past reputation. I believe some of the rooms are being refurbished so if you book this hotel I'd recommend you ask for one of those rooms.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Our second experience of afternoon tea at the Grand. Cannot fault the attentive service from all the staff. The hotel has a dated feel as do a large percentage of its clients, but that is part of its charm and I suspect that others may even put us in this category. This may explain why I find it such a relaxing experience. If you want glass and chrome with equally flash young executives constantly fiddling with their various bits of technology, then go elsewhere.
The tea was fine although a few more sandwiches would have welcome. Scones were particularly good. The afternoon tea is a little on the expensive side but makes for an enjoyable afternoon none the less.
The tea was fine although a few more sandwiches would have welcome. Scones were particularly good. The afternoon tea is a little on the expensive side but makes for an enjoyable afternoon none the less.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have been to this hotel a few times but this was a one nighter over a bank holiday weekend. From the moment we entered the car park we were treated amazingly well by all staff that we interacted with. Lovely room with a sea view at the front of the hotel.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is probably one of the last period 5* hotels. An ambiance of a bygone era, not spoilt by modern additions etc.
Very comfortable bedroom.
Both restaurants highly recommended.
The staff were very efficient, helpful and friendly from the initial booking onwards.
The only downside was the service in the lounge, this was slow, we thought they'd gone to Brazil for the coffee!!!
Very comfortable bedroom.
Both restaurants highly recommended.
The staff were very efficient, helpful and friendly from the initial booking onwards.
The only downside was the service in the lounge, this was slow, we thought they'd gone to Brazil for the coffee!!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Stayed hear before ( 2011 ). Thought I'd booked the same room but when were shown our "Junior Suite" it was tiny to say the least. For a family of 4 ( children aged 10 and 12 ) this accommodation is totally unsuitable.
But reception were able to find us a "Suite" at additional cost of £120 per day. This gave us a fairly large room with a sitting area where the settee could be turned into a bed for the children. Total cost quite expensive for what we got but was worth it for the space ( in comparison to the continent ).
Location is excellent. Free parking with valet service right on front of hotel.
Plenty of space in various parts of hotel to sit and relax.
Hotel now has a Policy of having to pay for full stay on checking in. Feels like they think your going to skip without paying. Do they really attract that sort of clientele ?
Wifi is VERY slow for free and they charge of £5 per day for fast access which is silly, considering domestic rate is £7 per month.
They do not provide a copy of each receipt when you pay for something at hotel. Keep in mind that the final bill is NOT itemized. So ask for a copies.
The garden rest is the bets option. We tried the Mirabella. Although the services/environment was excellent I cannot say the food was stunning. I've had better for cheaper in Brussels ( try the Mercedes house in Sablon ). They also have a service charge of 10% for 6 or more people ( or you can leave cash amount at your discretion I believe - so take some cash with you ).
As an alternative, Zizi's is an excellent place to eat with kids ( located in center ).
All the staff were exceedingly helpful and accommodating. Service was great we only had to call houskeeping once to sort out kids bed.
Breakfast is very good, juts shame no fresh orange juice is served.
If you want lunch try the 'Tiger Inn". Excellent pub in front of the village green. You can pass through Beachy Head to get there ( about 20 mins by car ).
But reception were able to find us a "Suite" at additional cost of £120 per day. This gave us a fairly large room with a sitting area where the settee could be turned into a bed for the children. Total cost quite expensive for what we got but was worth it for the space ( in comparison to the continent ).
Location is excellent. Free parking with valet service right on front of hotel.
Plenty of space in various parts of hotel to sit and relax.
Hotel now has a Policy of having to pay for full stay on checking in. Feels like they think your going to skip without paying. Do they really attract that sort of clientele ?
Wifi is VERY slow for free and they charge of £5 per day for fast access which is silly, considering domestic rate is £7 per month.
They do not provide a copy of each receipt when you pay for something at hotel. Keep in mind that the final bill is NOT itemized. So ask for a copies.
The garden rest is the bets option. We tried the Mirabella. Although the services/environment was excellent I cannot say the food was stunning. I've had better for cheaper in Brussels ( try the Mercedes house in Sablon ). They also have a service charge of 10% for 6 or more people ( or you can leave cash amount at your discretion I believe - so take some cash with you ).
As an alternative, Zizi's is an excellent place to eat with kids ( located in center ).
All the staff were exceedingly helpful and accommodating. Service was great we only had to call houskeeping once to sort out kids bed.
Breakfast is very good, juts shame no fresh orange juice is served.
If you want lunch try the 'Tiger Inn". Excellent pub in front of the village green. You can pass through Beachy Head to get there ( about 20 mins by car ).
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Stayed for 2 nights a few weeks ago as a base for seeing friends and exploring the area. Exceptionally good service all round with willing helpers abounding for luggage, local facilities and internet provision. Basically you are treated very well. This was epitomised when my husband ordered a fried egg for breakfast as they were not available on the self-service counter. A few minutes later a waiter arrived and placed a very large plate on the table and removed the cloche with a flourish and there was an immaculately fried egg looking very solitary on the vast plate!
The hotel is not cheap but you can occasionally get reasonable deals mid-week and you really are pampered. Pool and gym good and bedroom adequate although not very spacious.
Will go again when we can afford it.
The hotel is not cheap but you can occasionally get reasonable deals mid-week and you really are pampered. Pool and gym good and bedroom adequate although not very spacious.
Will go again when we can afford it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
stayed for 2 nights in my opinion the Grand Hotel is not worthy of its 5 star claim and high prices.I think it is trading on its former glory it needs a total refurbish the chairs in the lounge are old and sagging the carpets are showing their wear.We were put in room 225 on the second floor the room was clean but it looked out onto Dirty and Water stained brick walls and extractor fans there was pigeon netting all over the windows the windows had all rotted away and you couldn't shut them it was like looking out onto Colditz Prison and the noise from the extractor fans kept us awake.In the morning we asked to be moved to another room the reception staff were very helpful and even took us to view the room on offer to see if it was satisfactory for us it was and it didn't look out over Colditz and extractor fans,but it did come with a wooden wedge to jam in the window to stop it rattling.We used the Hotels Garden restaurant on the Friday evening had to wait 45 minutes for the wine to Arrive after asking the restaurant manager twice to chase it up we had finished our starter and was waiting for our main before it arrived not what you expect from a 5 star Hotel and the food was just average. We found a nice restaurant for our Saturday meal in town and a lot cheaper.On the Sunday morning we had to Queue for 15 minutes out side the Breakfast room to be seated and the manager gave me the impression he was doing us a favour, again not what you expect from a so called 5 star Hotel.Very Disappointing stay would not stay at the Grand again
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Booked a night away with a friend for a relaxing spa break. On arrival we were upgraded to a seafront room, which would have been nice except it was right above the bar/lounge where live music was played until midnight. The room was spacious with very comfortable beds and a well fitted bathroom with nice quality shower gel and soap. The room was looking a little tired and we expected there to be a fridge in a 5 Star hotel.
The deal we had booked was including dinner, this was served in the Mirabelle restaurant which was small and cosy. The food was very nice and the service was good.
The outdoor pool had just opened and was nice and warm and a pleasure to use, with free towels and showers.
We had a treatment at the spa which was very nice with exceptional service and professional staff.
The deal we had booked was including dinner, this was served in the Mirabelle restaurant which was small and cosy. The food was very nice and the service was good.
The outdoor pool had just opened and was nice and warm and a pleasure to use, with free towels and showers.
We had a treatment at the spa which was very nice with exceptional service and professional staff.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was a weekend break. Arriving at the hotel the doormen helped you park in to a car parking space and offered help with the bags. Entering the foyer of the hotel the stunning elegance was immediately obvious. Reception staff were friendly and efficient. Dinner was as expected 5* with nothing to complain about except wines are expensive. The food and presentation were excellent as was the service. Sunday lunch was equally rated. Breakfast was both hot and cold buffet with specials being available to order eg kippers or haddock.
The bedroom was however not up to the standard expected it was clean and well presented but the mattress was very soft and not supportive the furniture was not pristine but had marks and some damage, since it was free standing it could have been restored and at least one tile in the bathroom was cracked however the overall impression of the bathroom was good. More coffee should be available in the room - only one sachet however it was topped up in the evening.
The bedroom was however not up to the standard expected it was clean and well presented but the mattress was very soft and not supportive the furniture was not pristine but had marks and some damage, since it was free standing it could have been restored and at least one tile in the bathroom was cracked however the overall impression of the bathroom was good. More coffee should be available in the room - only one sachet however it was topped up in the evening.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Even though the spa is down on the basement and others have mentioned it's quite dark... However I didn't realise notice it. It's such a lovely retreat and felt like a complete escape. Lovely warm pool and the hottest jacuzzi I've ever been in. The facilities are lovely and the staff a joy. I wouldn't hesitate to visit again
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited the Grand Hotel Eastbourne 8 - 10 May with three other girlfriends for a girlie weekend. We booked two nights, the first night to include dinner.
The hotel is Grand indeed. Full of character, very ornate in a traditional sense but without being stuffy. The staff were exceptional, friendly and accommodating, nothing was too much trouble.
The food in the restaurant was very good. Certainly Michelin star by my standards, excellent service, beautiful ornate tableware, and a lovely ambience. With one or two exceptions, other guests in the hotel were also very friendly.
It is well known that Eastbourne in general has an older demographic than other areas! The guests in general were of various ages, but when we were in the bar, many of the guests (who were part taking in ballroom dancing) were much older, but with considerably more life than their younger counterparts!
The Spa area was not suited to the size of the hotel. The gym was a fair size, but the pool, jacuzzi, changing rooms, and steam room were too small. The steam room was overcrowded at one stage. Some investment should be made in this area to upscale it, in keeping with the hotel itself. The massage however was very good.
In general though, certainly exceeded my expectations, as I hadn't actually expected as much when I booked this hotel, so was an extremely pleasant surprise. Would definitely recommend.
The hotel is Grand indeed. Full of character, very ornate in a traditional sense but without being stuffy. The staff were exceptional, friendly and accommodating, nothing was too much trouble.
The food in the restaurant was very good. Certainly Michelin star by my standards, excellent service, beautiful ornate tableware, and a lovely ambience. With one or two exceptions, other guests in the hotel were also very friendly.
It is well known that Eastbourne in general has an older demographic than other areas! The guests in general were of various ages, but when we were in the bar, many of the guests (who were part taking in ballroom dancing) were much older, but with considerably more life than their younger counterparts!
The Spa area was not suited to the size of the hotel. The gym was a fair size, but the pool, jacuzzi, changing rooms, and steam room were too small. The steam room was overcrowded at one stage. Some investment should be made in this area to upscale it, in keeping with the hotel itself. The massage however was very good.
In general though, certainly exceeded my expectations, as I hadn't actually expected as much when I booked this hotel, so was an extremely pleasant surprise. Would definitely recommend.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We were celebrating a special occasion and so booked Afternoon Tea at the Grand. The hotel is a glorious oasis of calm and grandeur.
We were greeted by the doorman and then went through for tea. We ordered our teas - one English Breakfast, two Darjeeling, one Earl Grey and one Green Tea then waited, chatting and enjoying the feeling of total relaxation.
The cake stands arrived what a delight - at the bottom a round of sandwiches each - a quarter smoked salmon, a quarter cucumber, a quarter egg and tomato and a quarter coronation chicken. In the middle beautiful cakes some decorated with fresh flowers and a shot glass full of Eton Mess. At the top two scones each with butter, strawberry jam and fabulous clotted cream.
We chatted, laughed and gradually nibbled our way through the lot. It was great to make time in busy schedules to just enjoy the company of good friends.
The service was impeccable - attentive without being too fussy. A perfect experience and I would recommend that you go as soon as you can!!
We were greeted by the doorman and then went through for tea. We ordered our teas - one English Breakfast, two Darjeeling, one Earl Grey and one Green Tea then waited, chatting and enjoying the feeling of total relaxation.
The cake stands arrived what a delight - at the bottom a round of sandwiches each - a quarter smoked salmon, a quarter cucumber, a quarter egg and tomato and a quarter coronation chicken. In the middle beautiful cakes some decorated with fresh flowers and a shot glass full of Eton Mess. At the top two scones each with butter, strawberry jam and fabulous clotted cream.
We chatted, laughed and gradually nibbled our way through the lot. It was great to make time in busy schedules to just enjoy the company of good friends.
The service was impeccable - attentive without being too fussy. A perfect experience and I would recommend that you go as soon as you can!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
