Really impressed on arrival with the small blackboard reserving me a parking space, and even more when the same happened when I returned to the hotel after a day touring. That, in fact, was typical of the level of service at this hotel - couldn't be faulted. Drink prices on the dear side, though.
Had meal in the Mirabelle restaurant - very disappointing both in terms of presentation and taste, thought the dessert was very good and the maitre d' very friendly and informative.
Not for youngsters, though - my wife and I are in our 60s but we were among the youngest guests.

We enjoyed a lovely english tea and cosy atmosphere in the lounge of this hotel .service is wonderful and the hotel is old world charm typified . One must visit then go for brisk walk along the marvelous sea front"

Ours was a nostalgic visit; we had our wedding reception at the Grand Hotel in October 1988. Now one of our friends lives in Eastbourne, we wanted to visit him so we chose to stay at the Grand.

Nothing much has changed in 26 years. The service is still impeccable, from the doormen who helped us when we arrived in a state of some chaos following a tyre blow out en-route to the receptionists and the waiters. Housekeeping staff invariably greeted us in a polite and friendly manner in the hallways.

Our room was spacious and the beds comfortable. Internet access was fairly good in the room but better in the public areas. This is an old, very big and dense building which must make providing WiFi reception a challenge. The bathroom was fairly small and the shower control needed a training course but storage for clothes was adequate.

The food quality was uneven. Service in the dining room at both dinner and breakfast was excellent. When we had afternoon tea with our friend the service continued in the same manner and again when I had a bar meal on the second night.

Having had outstanding meals on the previous two nights neither of us was particularly keen for a rich meal on our first night. I chose from the vegetarian menu and my wife had a light meal. The quality of both was at best indifferent. My goat cheese starter was particularly poor. We live in south west France where cooked goat cheese is a local speciality. The Grand's effort fell far short of what we make at home. The main course, Moroccan pepper was a mess. We felt that overall the dinner was also poor value for money.

But, afternoon tea the next day was top quality. It was on a par with the Four Seasons both at the Pierre in New York and London, Park Lane. Both of those hotels prided themselves, justifiably, on their afternoon tea. Breakfast on both mornings was very good, a wide range and for a buffet style, good quality. The second evening I had a roast beef sandwich in the bar. As I said service was again impeccable and the sandwich superb. It was accompanied by a small cup of delicious mushroom soup. That with a half pint of beer was very satisfactory and all I needed after the afternoon tea.

The building and fittings are in need of freshening; furniture in our room was past its best and the hallways need more lively carpet and paint. That would be a huge investment but it is needed to match the service and comfort of the overall experience.

This is an old style classic hotel, a really relaxing place to stay. We loved it and will certainly go back but sooner than 26 years next time.

We stayed at the Grand in July. The public rooms are lovely - elegant and traditional. Our double room was at the rear of the hotel (we had booked late and this did not worry us). However, the room itself was in a poor state of decoration, with peeling paintwork and wallpaper parting at the joins. The floor was on a slope, so that cups were liable to slide off the table. Worst of all, it was incredibly hot at night. The hotel supplied a fan, and although it made a marginal difference to the temperature, the noise made it difficult to sleep. There is, we were told, no airconditioning in any of the rooms which makes its 5 star rating a bit questionable. On the up-side, the breakfast was good, the lovely promenade and beach are 2 minutes away, and the busy carpark was well-managed so we were always found a place. It's also an ideal place to tour Sussex. Advice - book early to get a decent room and don't have a room which has had the sun on it all afternoon.

Really impressed. Invariably, we're really disappointed with English hotels when compared to German and Swiss ones. The Grand Hotel however impressed us and we'll return. The staff were excellent - attentive without fawning over you ; the food was good ; and the decor/condition of the hotel was also pleasing. Nicely sized room (Executive Double, upgraded to a Sea View - thanks), which was very clean and comfortable. Price-wise, I thought that it was very reasonable given the number of stars and the quality of the experience and staff. Many thanks.

My husband and I stayed here on Saturday 29th Nov. Booked through booking.com. The Grand is certainly 'grand', beautiful decor throughout. Our room (110) was compact but decorated nicely and clean. Bed was comfy and breakfast was nice. The hotel is in an ideal location and the staff and service received was excellent. Would come again.

My wife and I visit a lot of hotels and this report may provide harsher criticism than from others, however it is a considered assessment of this hotel. However it is extremely difficult to criticise the high level of service provided at the Grand.
BOOKING
I booked by telephone directly to the hotel and the lady I spoke to was interested in what I had to say, offered suggestions about the best deal. A pleasant experience.
ARRIVAL
I drove into the car park and was beckoned by the Consierge to drive in front of the main entrance. He asked if we were registering and immediately opened the boot, his colleague took out our cases and the offer to park the car was made. We went to register, an easy process, and our car keys were returned and the Consierge left, almost before I could say thank you.
ROOM
Our room had a sea view and was located above the Garden Restaurant. A pleasant room, clean and tidy, but like the room we had previously stayed in, it could do with some redecoration. This is not to say that the room was untidy, dirty, or whatever adjective you can think of, it was not. It was in my opinion simply 'old fashioned.'
There was plenty of space to sit for we were in an Executive room.
The bathroom was spacious, but the bath was narrow and it would have been nicer to have a shower and no bath.
I had emailed the hotel before our arrival, requesting that our bed be fitted with sheets and blankets. It was. We both find duvets to be too hot, and there is no chance of cooling down. Sheets and blankets provide that option.
The bed was extremely comfortable.
HOUSEKEEPING
We seldom saw any housekeeping staff, but they were extremely efficient, and very polite when we did see them. They are to be complimented on the service they provide.
BAR
We visited the bar each evening for pre-dinner drinks. The staff were polite and attentive, save for one night. Our drinks were served with trays of crisps, nuts and olives. Then there were two canapes each, all served whilst we selected from the menu, which changed every night. As well as there being a 'classic' menu to choose from we did not have any difficulty choosing, but with only four selections, one of which was vegetarian, despite there being a separate vegetarian menu, could be considered a little restricting, especially as my wife does not eat fish.
Firstly there was an amuse bouche served, before the 'starter.' Then there is a different sorbet every evening, before the 'main course. The suites also changed each evening, although some were very similar. All I had were delicious. My wife only had cheese on one evening, which is a good sign. There was even a good selection of cheeses.
We both thoroughly enjoyed all of our evening meals, despite the duck on one evening being a little dry.
The hotel describe the menu as a three-course meal, but it is effectively seven courses if you include coffee.
LOUNGE
Coffee was served in the lounge and I had a brandy each evening. I do not understand why hotels and restaurants do not include coffee within the meal price. A Cafetiere of coffee was served, together with petit fours.
We generally sat in the lounge, or at the end of the entrance hall near the fire.
If one sat in the glazed section of the lounge it was distinctly cool, as were the guests who used it!
BREAKFAST
This is the worst thing about the hotel, not that the food was poor, far from it, but that it was self-service. With a little organisation at least the cooked breakfast could be served, which would just raise the standard just that little bit more.
There was always a good selection of freshly prepared fruit and plenty of cereals.
The hot food was, but the plates could have been hotter.
When I ordered smoked haddock, it was cooked reasonably quickly and served promptly.
STAFF
The staff we met were all polite, informative and most listened to what we said. There is a trend, not present at the Grand, for waiters/waitresses to ask if your are enjoying the meal, and then not listen to the answer, here they did listen.
BILLING
I don't like the way we had to pay for the room on arrival, and I suggest that the billing system for the meals could be improved. There were things on our account which we had not signed for, but had ordered. If the system requires a signature than it should be requested.
OVERALL
This was the second time that we have stayed at the Grand. My wife says that we have never visited any hotel for a third visit, but the Grand would be the exception. Neither of us would have any objection to visiting the hotel again.
We purposely did not stay at a weekend, and so the hotel was reasonably quiet, at times it felt almost empty. The service was still excellent.

Recently spent two nights here. Fabulous room, very spacious, very clean and comfortable. The staff are tremendous, nothing is too much trouble. This is what good customer service is all about. Treatments in the spa are amazing, food in the lounges and restaurants hard to beat. Cannot fault it.

Our Executive Seaview room was very spacious but the decor was jaded with faded chintz curtains and faded matching bedcover and the furniture was dark mahogany which made the room look very old fashioned. The bed was comfortable although on the soft side, with huge squashy pillows and excellent quality cotton bedding. The bathroom was also spacious but sadly quipped with a narrow bath with shower over ( and resulting clingy shower curtain) and had very poor water pressure. The bathroom was crying out for a large walk in shower and bearing in mind the prices charged by The Grand I would see this as a must. There was only one long mirror in the bedroom but no mirror where you would expect one and where you would dry your hair. The room was boiling hot despite turning off the radiators and opening the window ( only one would open in the bedroom, the other was painted shut!)

Breakfast was pleasant but again the dining room was boiling hot - many guests were complaining about the heat - and this spoiled my breakfast experience. The vegetarian choice seemed limited with no veggie sausages on offer. However, the breakfast items were tasty and good quality.

Service was impeccable throughout and this made up for the disappointment in other areas. The Concierge took care of parking ( which can be tricky due to a lack of space) and a bell boy appeared from nowhere to take our luggage to our room. Waiting staff in the dining room were very pleasant and attentive. Check in and out was quick and fautless. Housekeeping staff were pleasant and acknowledged guests walking around.

I would return to this hotel because of the service but I would ask for a fan in the bedroom and take my summer clothes because of the excessive heat everywhere!

The Grand Hotel is a very traditional hotel with excellent service and amazing decor. My wife and I spent 3 nights in November. We were upgraded to a junior suite which was most appreciated. Breakfasts are first class and we had one evening meal in the Garden Room restaurant which was superb. We thoroughly enjoyed our break and would recommend the Grand Hotel

We had the basic double room which was very comfortable and spacious would recommend to have board on bed as they are extremely soft. Breakfast was amazing fresh abd hot with a wide range to cater for all. We had room service one evening and the food was fantastic coleslaw to die for. We booked afternoon tea for the Saturday which was just as amazing as everything else however I do think there was too much pastries and not enough sandwiches as many people where taking them home with them. We are returning in February and will upgrade to have the full experience. The staff are fantastic and there nothing was too much trouble.

This was our 5th stay at the Grand Hotel in Eastbourne. Why do we keep going back year after year? Well because it is the best hotel on the south Coast. The service is impeccable from the concierge to the chambermaids. The staff are so attentative, polite and very smart in their turnout. Nothing is too much trouble and providing a first class service is their goal. Having been coming back to this hotel over the last 4 years, it's nice to see the same regular faces of the staff, and of course the odd new ones. That's a good sign that the staff are very happy working at such a prestigious hotel, therefore the management are looking after their staff, which is how it should be. And that happiness and work contentment is passed onto the customer. We always take advantage of the hotels winter, spring and autumn breaks. The food in the restaurant is superb and our invited guest who dine with us agree. The hotel is like going back 40 - 50 years as hotels used to be run and long may it continue. I remember my early days as a young waiter learning my skills in silver service, and this hotel takes me back to those days. It is a First Class Hotel in every sense of the word and having already booked we will be back in February. If you have always been used to staying in the "plastic coated", "plastic food" hotels because they tempt you with cheap offers then please don't be fooled. The Grand may seem a little expensive at first sight but it's not, it is value for money, so bite the bullet and book up and enjoy the experience. It will be an experience you'll never forget, and then, you're hooked! You will not want to go anywhere else.

I cannot recommend this hotel highly enough. From the wonderful, helpful, happy staff to the beautiful Edwardian Decor I look forward to my stay here and it never fails to live up to my expectations.

I regularly travel with my small dog and they provided a small bed and a meal for her, the Doorman even held an umbrella over her so she wouldn't get wet from the car park. My Dachshund loved every minute of this superstar treatment and I'm sure she could get used to it! The door staff are exceptionally kind and very skilled at what they do. Such a good introduction to a grand hotel.

The family suite was spacious and a cot and steriliser were provided. Nothing was too much trouble at breakfast and high chairs were provided in the family end of the restaurant. They even provided a small towel and rubber duck for the baby bath. Such a lovely touch.

It's a perfect location, with free parking, swimming, spa and recreational activities for everyone. On a rainy day you could spend the whole day in the hotel and not have to leave.

Full marks to the Grand I will be back for more 5 star treatment. It was a fabulous holiday with lots of special memories.

Had a great last weekend 7th & 8th Nov 14 at The Grand Eastbourne. True to their word they reserved a car parking space next to the main entrance. All the staff couldn't do enough for you, very helpful, polite and friendly making you feel special. The room was spacious and clean along with the bathroom. The afternoon tea was first class plenty of it. Had a meal on the Friday evening in Mirabelle Restaurant. The service was first class and the steak was the best both of us had tasted for a long time. Breakfast was good plenty of variety. I'd like to thank everyone at the Grand for making this a great weekend.

Excellent value for money. Genuine and attentive service. Large room with all of the facilities that we required. Mirabelle restaurant outstanding. Excellent all round. I look forward to an early return.

We stayed here for a weekend for the purpose of attending a classical music concert nearby. The position of the hotel on the sea front is lovely and on our arrival we were greeted and helped with finding a parking spot.
The room was huge for a hotel room these days and it did feel very luxurious.
The only disappointment we had was paying for afternoon tea. It started off very well, but then the room was taken ver by a a group around 25 loud women with equally noisy children. That was a bit of a let down. I felt that perhaps a group booking like that should have been in another room rather than dominating the peaceful atmosphere for the other guests.
We did eat at the restaurant on Saturday evening and the food was very good and the service was excellent.

Had a good weekend break. Hotel clean and tidy if a little on the hot side. Staff very polite and nothing too much trouble. Have used this chain a lot and it is extremely good value. Rooms very spacious and clean

We really like The Grand.It is as simple as that.The staff are all so friendly and happy to look after you.The food in the 2 dining rooms is of a very high Hotel Dining Room standard.Housekeeping is excellent.If you are lucky with the weather(Oct30 we were swimming in the outdoor pool!) you have magnificent walks on your door step.This Hotel is a one off......simple as that!

Making a reservation was easy and Joanna was extremely helpful and efficient . On arrival the professional and friendly style continued in all areas of the hotel`s operations . Our room had a side sea view and was pleasantly large and the bed very comfortable ! However the furnishings and décor were dated . Curtains didn`t quite pull together and they were all fitted inside the frame so there was always a gap where light came in . One window was leaking - more of that later ! - and the bedside light switch didn`t make proper contact and the bulb had to be moved around to get it to come on . I reported this to reception and the following day the Duty Manager came to me and asked about my concerns and said he would deal with the leaking window that day . Nothing happened to the window or the light during our 3 night stay .
Dinner in The Garden Restaurant was good with attentive service , although pre dinner drinks and wine were expensive - central London prices ! Another concern was that at breakfast the tea , and hot water , was serviced in metal containers and you were given a folded paper serviette to stop the handles burning you . This policy is potentially dangerous as the paper slips easily when on the metal handles and could easily scald some one .
Overall great staff but not backed up by dynamic management and certainly not five star accommodation . Shame as it has potential .

We arrived in pouring rain to be greeted by the concierge "Welcome to the Sunshine Coast". Our room had a sea view. As the weather was warm enough to have the window open at night it was great to hear the waves in the distance but not be bothered by traffic. The room was very comfortable and clean. Nice bathroom with over-the-bath shower: there was enough room for a standalone shower so maybe on the next refurbishment this could be considered.

We dined in the Mirabelle restaurant: impeccable food and service and in the garden restaurant, and lunched in one of the lounges. Delicious food all round.
A grand stay

My husband and I stayed here for one night as a real treat. Having grown up in Eastbourne as a Child, I always dreamed of staying at The Grand. I was not at all disappointed. We were shown a couple of rooms and chose the best! To wake and hear waves crashing and to see a beautiful sunrise was absolutely priceless. Our evening meal in The Garden restaurant was delicious and so was breakfast. I took the freshly cooked option! Fantastic stay!...one very happy Lady!! X

Took my 90 year old mother for short break in august. Asked for a room to accommodate her wheelchair and with adapted bathroom. She was allocated a ground floor room with own balcony and the room was like a small studio. Wonderful. 3 of us could sit comfortably on the balcony and watch the afternoon jazz concert and the world go by.

the restaurant where we had breakfast and evening meal was very pleasant. Breakfast was buffet style, but tea and toast were promptly served.evening meal was good and service efficient. Loved the lounge and the general ambience of this hotel.

Very easy access for wheelchair users in and out and for crossing to the promenade.
Undoubtedly the main advantage of staying here are the staff. Without exception we were treated to warm smiles, greetings and great service. Everyone seemed happy to be working here and the atmosphere was consequently so happy. We felt very special and everyone was woncerfully kind to my mother.

The Old Lady is in need of a facelift. My room this time had an open window with no handle so I had to go our in the rain to shut it. Bedside light had no bulb (but they did put one in at "turndown" as I had left a note). The heavy curtains would not fully close on the closers (not ideal for privacy when the area outside the window is where the smokers gathered). The TV was stuck on showing subtitles on all channels and had to be replaced. At breakfast the cutlery had to be replaced because around of the silver plate had worn off showing the metal underneath.
Wifi in the room was very variable. Tip - it is OK after 11:30pm and before 7:30 am but who wants to use it then?

It used to be fun anticipating before a visit what would go wrong that time. The "joke" has worn a little thin and until the hotel has had a good facelift I will be going elsewhere.

On a positive note the staff were very friendly although it would have been helpful if the breakfast staff understood that "could you not bring me toast until after I have finished my cooked breakfast" did not mean "bring it at once" and again when it was sent back "bring it on another occasion" again before I had been served my cooked breakfast.

At least having four canapés served for three people at lunch caused some amusement and discussion as to who had the extra one.

We booked for 3 nights to treat ourselves to a relaxing few days after a difficult 2 months. We stayed in a superior sea view room which we could not fault. It was on the 3rd floor with a very large bed in a lovely room. 2 very comfortable armchairs. There was a small study complete with wardrobe and desk on the way to a very large bathroom. The bathroom had an over bath shower and its own window overlooking the sea. The room was big enough to have a separate shower which would have been preferable. From the moment we arrived the staff could not have been more helpful and attentive. We ate in the Mirabelle restaurant on the first night and in the Garden restaurant on the last night. I can recommend both for fine dining. Will definitely return soon.

My husband and I stayed for just one night at The Grand. The room was lovely. Clean, comfortable and just what we had expected. We had an excellent dinner with friends. Bed was comfy.
Breakfast however was very disappointing. All precooked and kept hot under lamps whilst we helped ourselves buffet style. We learned afterwards that we could have been served at our table if we had asked. I did order a fried egg but this was undercooked and watery.
For this class of hotel it was very disappointing. Have had better cooked breakfasts in a Little Chef!
Uniform jackets/skirts need to be replaced for some staff as they were tatty and dirty on a couple of waiters/waitresses.