Its hard to find anything to criticise at the Grand Hotel,,,,firstly its Grand..no argument there... We stayed this weekend for airbourne..the staff were all attentive and low key...check in was smooth and even having arrived early we had a room available right away...we were worried a little when we checked in as an elderly gent was complaining about the time his breakfast took to arrive that morning but this was totally unfounded as we later discovered the breakfast to be great and no issues at all with service...the room was cosy with a lovely view of the sea with a nice bathroom and all the traditional amenities that you would expect from an British Seaside hotel. And thats the key at the grand..its traditional and caters to a certain market who come back because they like whats on offer...If you are looking for a club..or a restaurant with with an ice sculpture and food made from weird and wonderful ingredients this isn't the place....freaky cocktails and house music..nope not here!!! We loved it because of that....and it does exactly what is expected....efficiently and traditionally....
One thing that was both charming and old fashioned was the staff uniforms, from the waiting staff to the chambermaids it was really traditional....a bit Downton Abbey....perhaps a more practical uniform (up to date) would be better....or maybe it would rob the Grand of a little of its charm....you decide when you go!! I would thoroughly recommend it>>>>

I stayed at the hotel for work and due to a local event for convenience i ate in the hotel.
Well as someone who stays in hotels on average 300 days of the year i rarely have chance to ever eat in them but i thought the grand looked like it might surprise me... It certainly did i have never been so disappointed by a meal! Half a plate of smoked salmon with a dollop of avocado with a couple of leaves for £14!!!!- Working away from home i spare no expense on good food its one of my pleasures in life but this was appalling no dressing no seasoning nothing!!!! i could have gone to tesco and got the ingredients and done better!!-i forgot to mention the half a plate of brown bread triangles the type my nan would do in the
70's when i was 5!! The previous days tuna salad was just as bland. If opening a packet and arranging the contents on a plate makes you a chef in a 5star hotel sign me up! I really think the chef needs to venture to other cities for inspiration- bristol is a great foodie city with an abundance of great eateries across all budgets.

From the start the stay here was amazing, the concierge and reception were so helpful, the room was beautiful and the food was fantastic.
As we passed staff in the hotel they were always smiling and would greet us by name.
Having stayed in hundreds of hotels on 4 continents, The Grand has the most personal and friendly service of all, and more importantly, has by far the best full English breakfast I've ever eaten.
The mushroom soup was perfectly seasoned and we'll balanced.
Well done The Grand, 5 stars all round.

visited eastbourne and stayed at the grand . Service is always brilliant . Especially Oliver the bar manager . Staff friendly and attentive . Its not cheap but its worth it. weather was amazing and we just sat by outdoor pool.

We enjoy ourselves at the Grand,because of the friendly staff,the peaceful setting at the end of the Prom,the superb outdoor pool and the food in both of the dining rooms ,that just gets better and better!The 5 days we spent here at the start of the warm weather in June were just perfect.

We arrived at The Grand to have some final photos and the grounds and building really is a great backdrop for your special day .
All the Staff were very happy friendly abc nothing was too much to ask .
We had no wedding party it was just us so we had booked the first night package so our beautiful suite was amazing . Two large rooms one a lounge with doors onto a massive sun terrace over the front of the hotel with views out to the sea and the beautiful outdoor swimming pool situated in the hotel grounds .
The second room was out four poster bedroom again with doors joining the terrace . Big bottle of champagne on Ice , pyramid of strawberries and chocolates . Lovely coffee machine and selection of teas also in the room and a large very clean en-suite bathroom shower and bath and bathrobes and slippers and Molton brown toiletries .
We had booked into the amazing Mirabelle Restaurant for our wedding breakfast just the two of us and front of house a lovely couple had decorated our intimate table with rise petals in a heart and silver heart confetti ❤ The Food , Wine and Service was fantastic 5* . We will be returning very soon .
The bedroom had been turned down and we had our towels in love swans on our bed with real Rose petals over the bed and a Moulton Brown Gift Pack for us .
Wow it was very special and the hotel was beautiful . Breakfast was served in the Garden Restaurant and again had a great choice and good service .
Thank you everyone for making our wedding very special . We look forward to returning . 🌺

I took my mum their for a birthday treat and this is truly one to the loveliest places I have ever stayed. The building itself is very impressive, beautifully located at the far end of he beach away from too much traffic in front of a sweet parade. Once inside, expect classic furnishing and decorations that are very in keeping with the style of the building. The spa and outdoor pool are great and relaxing spaces- they are worth a visit even if you just want to do a spa day rather than stay in the hotel overnight. Afternoon was gorgeous, just try and book it in the grand hall so that you get the full atmosphere. Leaving the best till last is the service; from the moment we arrived and were greeted warmly at the door to the moment we were helped into a taxi after 2 days all of the staff were amazing. They helped with every detail of your stay- just ask and they will help! A fantastic stay, one that we will be repeating for many years to come I'm sure!

We booked here as a special treat for our Sons 5th birthday as we were going to Drusillas which is nearby. On arrival my 7 Year old was overwhelmed by having the car door opened for her and our bags collected. On Check in they gave my son an unexpected birthday card and both children received a goody bag which kept them well occupied, my son loved the baseball cap which was a great touch for a warm day. His angry birds one is almost redundant now! The Room was clean with a great view of the seafront. We went swimming in the indoor pool but there was an option to swim outside but the children preferred not to. The Changing rooms are a bit lacking the 5 star lustre, a bowl of cotton wool would be a simple improvement. The children were delivered warm milk and a cookie at a desired time. All the added touches for the children exceeded our expectations and would definitely recommend this hotel for a family seaside break. Just a shame we only stopped one night and didn't get chance to make use of the other kids activities available, the mini golf and the punch and Judy show.

A friend from Yorkshire, last seen some 20 years ago, was holidaying in the south and we arranged to meet in Eastbourne. Wishing to exchange our news over a leisurely lunch, much thought was given as to the venue. "Lunch at the Grand" about five years ago left another friend and I rather disappointed with a bland offering that any inexperienced cook could produce. "Friend from Yorkshire" felt it would be an experience just to walk through the door, so we did, maybe feeling slightly apprehensive. What a pleasant surprise! Imaginative food, served hot by waiters lifting covers in unison, decent bread and selection of desserts/puddings, all of which seemed so inviting it was difficult to choose. Those of a certain age will remember listening, on the wireless (as it was called in those days) to the music of the Palm Court Orchestra broadcast live on Sunday evenings, from the Grand Hotel. It still retains its bygone elegance and a modern makeover would seem quite inappropriate. Only a minor quibble: the young waitress, on serving our puddings, did not know which was which, and to whom she should serve them, so that is my only reason for not awarding 5 stars.

Instantly felt very welcomed by all of the staff who were very friendly and down to earth.
We were seated in a room just in front of the main lobby and it was great to watch the world go by. Everything is very traditional which isn't really usually my thing and some might even say its a bit too traditional but it creates a great atmosphere and you really loose yourself in the place.
I really enjoyed afternoon tea- delicious array of sandwiches, scones and cakes and hot drinks...I don't drink hot drinks but they kindly substituted this for cold drinks.
Overall I was very impressed mainly with the staff who were very intentive whilst not being too intrusive.

I had a wonderful weekend overall, with a few minor issues which were on the most part sorted immediately. We ordered a paper and did not receive it, we had mixed service, some waitress could not do enough others barely recognised our presence. We had salt in our sugar bowl which was not pleasant in our coffee, the coffee was also very weak.

Ahh ! It’s summer already !
And here we are, again, sunning ourselves at the sea-side .. and what a Grand time we’re having.
Yes. It’s our (annual) report on living the ‘high life’ at Eastbourne’s ‘Number One’ establishment .. The Grand Hotel.
Situated at the (up market) end of the town, just a short stroll from the South Downs, there are no swings and candy-floss machines here. Oh no. This is an adult playground – with a liveried concierge service, full Health Club and Spa, swimming pools inside and out, string quartets and dance bands playing (to which people actually dance, not jig-around), a choice of restaurants and, oh joy-of-joys, a proper Cocktail Bar.
5 star treatment means that everything other hotels do must also be done here – and done superbly. It also means that there must be something additional (possibly exceptional) which puts that establishment ahead of its competitors.
The Grand has its ‘pair of Aces’ with (food) the Mirabelle Restaurant and (drink) Oliver McTear’s bar service which is ‘orchestrated’ (we do come down here for the opera season at Glyndebourne after all) in superb manner. What other hotel has such a ‘menu’ of cocktails with which to entice the customer – at, compared with Mayfair and Kensington, sensible prices – and one which features a whole page of deliciousness concocted by The Grand’s own bar staff ?
This hotel has history (Debussy composed here) and it impresses with its classic proportions. Architects these days are given little opportunity to design on the grand scale, have rooms and corridors with ample size, and adorn walls with stone and plaster-work which shows good design and uses quality materials. Given the correct proportions large numbers of people in a room don’t make the space look crowded and The Grand can contain a full-house of customers without reminding anyone of their weekly commute on the Central Line.
DO ask for rooms with sea-views. To be this close to the Channel and to be deprived of the sight of the sea is to short-change yourself.
Our usual suite was as pleasant as ever and as well-presented as ever. (Thank you, Housekeeping).
But it’s the ‘meet and greet’ of both the Concierge Staff, who convey your luggage for you and valet-park your car (on the premises – for free – beat that, London), and the Reception Desk that sets the tone for staying here. Smart, courteous and efficient and, for those of us who know a good thing when we see it and call again, with that personal touch ..
“Good Afternoon, Mr. *****, so nice to see you return to The Grand !”

The Grand Hotel Eastbourne is my favourite hotel, and I stayed there for four nights last week with family and friends. The rooms, the food, the staff - everything is wonderful, and the town Eastbourne is a lovely place, especially when you walk the streets around the hotel. Put on good shoes and walk back from Beachy Head, a wonderful walk!!! Most sunny place in Britain and beautiful!

How welcoming to be greeted by friendly doorman in morning dress. From here on service, ambience and facilities were excellent. The hotel has held it quintessential Britishness and old time charm. High ceilings, beautiful chandeliers and big rooms.
Check in was quick and efficient and our bags were swiftly taken to our rooms. We had an executive room but unfortunately no sea view. I think it would be worth the extra money for the view which will be better from the 2nd and 3rd floors. Our bed was soft and comfy. Robes and towels were soft and white. The bathroom was roomy, good shower and Molton Brown toiletries.
We had drinks in the lounge bar on returning from our day out. The lounge was relaxing, one of the waitresses was rather abrupt but all other staff were lovely. We later had dinner in the Garden restaurant which was excellent. There was a piano tinkling in the background. Plenty of room between tables and a lovely atmosphere. Because there is a dress code, jackets and/or collars for men it meant everyone was well presented which lent to the ambience of the room. The four of us all chose different meals and everyone was very pleased. Presentation was beautiful, flavors excellent and a good selection to choose from. There is a 3 course set menu with further choices at a supplement. There is also a second fine dining restaurant with fewer tables and a more refined but more limited choice. Breakfast the following morning was also good. A large choice of cereals, fruits and yogurt. Cooked breakfast from the buffet or fresh to order, cold meats, cheese and salad and a rather limited selection of pastries.
Finally there is a spa and an indoor and outdoor heated pool. We only used the outdoor pool which at 7 in the morning in the sunshine was lovely and it is heated so very comfortable.
All in all would definitely recommend this hotel for its level of service, location, quality and atmosphere.

Having stayed at the Grand before and been impressed by both the service and its beautiful grandeur, we decided to hold our wedding there on the 12th of July. All our expectations were exceeded.

The help, support and understanding by our co-ordinator Claire before the big day made everything seem easy. On the day, staff made sure everything ran to plan and we would like to thank the event manager, Elliott, and the toastmaster, Stephen.

The environment in which we got married was perfect. The Compton room was transformed from a grand dining room for our Wedding breakfast into an intimate 'club' for our evening reception. Our master suite was a perfect room for my wife to get prepared in together with several bridesmaids as well as spend our first night as husband and wife.

We had thought the Grand might prove too expensive by the time wedding 'extras' were added to prices. In reality, everything seemed to be included and we were genuinely surprised by the transparency of costs and what good value it was.

We would not hesitate to recommend The Grand for a wedding.

My friend and I had a lovely last minute spa day. We were warned about renovations, but honestly we didn't notice them. The treatments were good, the facilities were relaxing and clean, the staff really friendly and accomodating, the food was good. We'll definitely go again.

A wonderful overnight stay at a beautiful, elegant hotel that takes you back to the days of opulence and style. We were greeted by Concierge service who parked our car and delivered our bags to our 3 Executive sea-view rooms whilst we checked in. The staff had remembered that it was 'grandma's' 80th birthday and had a birthday card for her...an unexpected but kind gesture that all added to making her weekend that bit more special. Our rooms were bright, spacious and all had beautiful bay windows with stunning views out to sea. We felt very comfortable and well able to relax in them. On the ground floor, there were several different areas where you could sit to relax, have a drink or partake of afternoon tea and all of these areas were well served by plenty of staff who were always ready to see to our every need. Dinner was in the Garden Restaurant and again we were particularly well looked after by the staff. The food was exquisite and 'grandma's' dessert arrived with a birthday candle and Happy Birthday written on the rim of the plate in chocolate icing. Such a lovely touch. Breakfast was equally good with a vast array of choice and excellent service. The stay for five people in 3 rooms was very expensive, coming in at a total of £1,200's (including all extras) and not a price we would have normally paid had it not been a very special occasion, but the level of service, attention to detail, and beautiful surroundings would have been difficult (though not impossible) to find in a cheaper hotel.
A truly lovely and enjoyable stay and perfect for our special celebration

I only stayed for one night at this hotel in a junior seaview suite. The room was very spacious and very luxurious with a double sink, four poster bed, Molton Brown toiletries, a balcony with table and two chairs. Breakfast was very nice, the hotel customer care of all staff was excellent. I have no complaints about this hotel.

My husband and I visited the Grand for a last minute getaway on a July weekend.
We booked in for a 'spa break' which included bed, breakfast, a 25 minute treatment and use of spa facilities. We were able to conveniently use the spa area before check in time and make use of all facilities.
Although the facilities for the spa were small, staff were friendly and helpful and the treatment was lovely. We were provided with cosy robes and slippers during our time in the spa and loved the peace and quiet of the pool area. It may have been nice to have some relaxing music playing in the pool/jacuzzi area as it felt a bit awkward at times to chat over the silence.
When we checked into our room we found our window very close to a generator of some sort which, on a warm summer evening, would have broken the tranquility that the hotel cultivates. We highlighted this to the front desk who immediately found an alternative room and had our belongings moved while we had a drink in the bar.
For those reviewers who say the decor is dated I have to disagree. This hotel is not a modern hotel and that is what makes it great. It has retained is classic britishness with regards to dress standards (gentlemen must wear a jacket into the restaurants), decoration (stunning) and service (always with a smile).
It was a treat to enjoy such 'old school' surroundings just across the road from the beach.
Breakfast was lovely, plentiful and varied and didn't seem disorganised (despite what other reviewers have said) and they seemed to cope remarkably well with the wedding party that was going on over the weekend without disruption to the service we received.

Myself, wife and friend went to The Grand on Sunday for morning tea and coffee. What a fabulous experience and what a fabulous hotel. This is the best hotel I have visited for a long long time.

Not just country house atmosphere - country mansion atmosphere.

I cannot say more. Just try it. The total bill for the three of us - £13.25. Unbelievable. White linen cloth on your table. Beautiful bone china. Lovely coffee and tea. Lovely waitress. Free papers to peruse. Comfortable armchairs...you get the picture.

Thank you so much for our brief moment of luxury. After an appalling night before at a three star hotel down the road this was heaven. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

The hotel is situated slightly away from the main town but within easy walking distance along the sea front. We stayed here for our anniversary and had a fantastic weekend. Despite the car park being small, it is managed with military precision and we were accommodated with no issue. All staff made sure we received a very warm welcome and we were made to feel very special. Our room on the third floor faced the sea and was large and comfortable with stunning views. Although not particularly modern, we thought it felt very homely, was very clean and had everything you would expect. The bathroom could however do with some updating and certainly I was not a fan of the carpeted bathroom floor. However it was very comfortable and a truly wonderful space to enjoy our champagne. We had lunch on both days on the terrace - efficient and friendly service and very nice food. We enjoyed a delicious meal in the Mirabelle restaurant, beautifully presented, very good service and a sommelier with great knowledge and expertise. Although we didnt make use of the pool and spa - instead deciding to enjoy a lovely seafront walk in the sunshine - they looked very pleasant and well maintained. Breakfast was just right, with the added bonus for me of the option of some very tasty vegetarian sausages. It was a special stay and although the hotel would benefit from a little updating here and there, it has a lovely atmosphere and you are very well looked after. Will definitely return with our family.

We spent a weekend in June (14th and 15th.) We booked the Grand as they were the rare hotel that allowed bookings for the one night over the weekend instead of having a minimum two night booking. From the moment we arrived we were treated special.We had booked a parking and when we arrived they had special boards with our name and perfect allocated parking.The door men were polite and brilliant offering to take our luggage , truly what you would expect and get from a true 5 star hotel. Check in was fantastic with polite staff and the extra offer of newspapers in the morning. The hotel itself is classy and you feel like you have stepped into a "Grand Place".

Our room and bed was a little small with not a great view but had coffee making facilities, biscuits, and all the typical 5 star toiletries in the bathroom, i.e Molton Brown. The bathroom was superb and immaculately clean.Full bath and shower. The spa was great and the service was great.We had fine dining at the Mirabelle restaurant. The meal was superb a truly excellent dinner with wonderful service.The piano player in the restaurant was amazing and the ambiance was special. After the meal the hotel had a live band playing and we had few drinks too many as the service and the music was great. A truly wonderful time.

When we left the next day, the breakfast was superb and serviced in the most luxurious and spectacular dining hall. My wife had unfortunately left her kindle in the room. We rang in and asked if the hotel could assist. The hotel staff were truly fantastic and housekeeping arranged for the kindle to be sent to our home address via special delivery.We can not compliment this hotel and its staff enough.My wife is now planning a girl's spa weekend with her friends.

Well done and thank you to the Grand Hotel and all its staff , with a special word of praise for housekeeping for giving us a wonderful weekend.

This 'Wedding Cake' 5 star Hotel is wonderful, the staff as you would expect are efficient and friendly and also have a huge warmth, they seemed pleased to have you as a guest. Our dog was made so welcome even having his dinner served on a silver tray.
There are plenty of walks from the hotel.
Breakfast in the Garden restaurant is superb, a perfect continental buffet and help yourself full english with exceptional coffee. not very long ago we stayed at a famous 5star in Taplow like the Grand a wonderful building but it's the staff that make hotels, The Grand has this to Perfection.
We had R 146 27th June 2014

This is a very nice hotel, lovely location but I rated it average in comparison to other 5 star hotels.Do not believe the write-up of others suggesting that this is mainly a hotel for older people. Wish it were as they still have some standards. Many young people abound, even those with horrible tattoos, dreadful sense of dress style and even worse eating habits. We stayed for 4 days. The weekend was chaotic parking wise; we fortunately had booked a parking space (£25 per day) otherwise parking would have been impossible.Food was mediocre and bad in the Mirabelle restaurant; think chicken, pork etc and very poorly presented and served.The Sunday lunch in the Garden restaurant was very average. Carved from a trolley by an inexperienced chef; Yorkshire pudding cold, roast potatoes greasy etc.No atmosphere in either restaurant, except for a good pianist. Breakfasts very basic and exactly the same each day.Our room an executive seaview room on the third floor was very basic with a very old fashioned bathroom. Weeds were growing in the gutters. The hotel has wonderful porters and reception staff but those elsewhere are mainly foreign and lack being able to communicate with guests adequately, which in turn does not add to any style or warmth.Rooms downstairs look nice but dare I say it a little dated.The hotel also needs a lick of paint outside.Not really 5 star and certainly not 5 star guests.

When we arrived at hotel staff were very effient showed us to a room that was twice upgraded curtains and bedspread were old ragged did not like the room ask if we could see the room we booked it was the same but much smaller so decided to go backto the larger room opened all the curtains to get some light in the room, beds were very clean and dinner was excellent breakfast was the best ever afternoon tea. Was really good if you are expecting a 5star hotel with all modern trimming forget it if you are looking for 5 star service and food this hotel is for you I would love to go back