The Grand Hotel Eastbourne

4.6/5 based on 4565 reviews
Latest Reviews
We have just stayed overnight at the Grand for my wife's birthday. Having chosen the winter package, we were delighted with the spacious room, and our wonderful meal. In all we were made to feel very welcome by all the staff, who were both very professional, yet extremely friendly throughout our time there.
We will hopefully be returning soon.
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Stayed one night for valentines - service was faultless from the moment we arrived. This hotel is a true experience. The spa is great, yes the rooms could maybe do with a lick of paint but I don't tend to spend (much) time sitting in the room looking at the walls!
We booked the DB&B package and the dinner was beautifully presented, delicious and great value. Breakfast was also excellent. I thoroughly recommend this wonderful hotel and it's permanently polite and cheerful staff. Thanks for a great stay and we will definitely be back!
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A traditional seaside Grand Hotel. Restaurant food and service are part of the 5 star experience- leisurely and sophisticated. Not for those interested in fast and cheap! Being a senior I like the idea of a dress code - tie OR jacket - Basil Fawlty would have approved. Not for those who need to be informal.

Rooms traditional, by which I mean, they could do with being
modernised a bit. However, very comfortable.

Staff are pleasant, helpful and efficient. Keeping up their high standards can't easy but they do succeed.

Swimming pool and gym are adequate but not very spacious. Could be claustrophobic for some since they share an underground space.

Excellent traditional English afternoon tea. Pricey but worth it.

Not a cheap experience but a memorable one. Will certainly return for more.

Dr. D
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I have stayed at the Grand many times and find it delightful. A true luxury hotel, it exudes old-world charm but also has modern amenities like a comprehensive spa/fitness suite and two levels of WiFi - free and higher speed for a modest charge. Many of the rooms have full sea views and all are well-equipped. Two rosette-rated restaurants offer great food with variety in menu and ambience. But the best thing about The Grand is how friendly and helpful the staff always are - it really is a pleasure to return here.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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The Grand is very grand, a stately hotel in the fine English seaside resort that is Eastbourne.

My partner & I had the pleasure of staying here, overnight, for a black tie ball. The facade is grand, the public rooms are grand & much is made of the hotels illustrious past. When one is dressed up in full black tie & standing in the great hall, champagne glass in hand, you can easily imagine all the historical finery that was a must in those bygone days.

All of the staff are polite, attentive and deliver excellent service. On occasion - and this is a vey small gripe - to attentive. I need only be asked once if I want anything. But better that than being ignored.

Our room was large, comfortable (we asked for a king sized bed), well equipped - though no mini-bar or wifi. There was free wifi throughout the hotel, but cover didn't extend to our room. Decoration wise, the room was dated and need of being brought up to date. All I need say is green velour & floral! Also the shower wasn't really a power shower, it was impossible to moderate the temperature so it was simpler & less scalding to have a bath.

All this comes with a price & that is on the rather high side but then it is all rather grand indeed.
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We stayed at the Grand to celebrate a birthday. From the moment we arrived in the car park the service from the staff was friendly and helpful. They all seemed proud to work at the hotel and happy to do everything they could for the guests.

Our room was very comfortable, with a sea view and although the weather outside was cold it was really warm in the hotel.

We went out for dinner but had a cocktail in the bar, where the service was good in a very atmospheric setting. The breakfast next day was delicious, again with really service.

The hotel is in an interesting historic building and thoroughly to be recommended for a special occasion.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Had a delicious afternoon tea celebrating my friend's holiday. The large open fire makes the afternoon tea very special and cosy! Friendly staff, excellent service and good location! Definitely will go back!
tripadvisor.co.uk
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The hotel is beautiful and its location perfect. We had a beautiful seafront room, so we were able to lay in bed and watch the waves, even though the weather was rubbish it was wonderful. The bed was comfortable and we both slept soundly. The morning swim was a rare treat. The staff were helpful and polite, the food excellent and the atmosphere enchanting.
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I was fortunate enough to be taken here by my husband as part of my birthday celebrations. He had booked us in for 'Afternoon Tea' - I think this is my very favorite English tradition!

When you walk through the swing doors you cant help but be impressed by the grand and imposing sight before your eyes. A beautiful long hallway with a roaring log fire at the end (just what you need on a cold damp January day) with a few comfy looking armchairs.

You are greeted by the maître d' and shown to your seat. The beverage choices were champagne, English breakfast tea or coffee. As much as I love champagne I was driving, so opted for the tea. Beautiful crockery sat perfectly on the crisp white tablecloth.

We ate a selection of sandwiches (Smoked Salmon, Creme Cheese & Cucumber, Egg & Smoked Ham) followed by the freshest, slightly warmed scones. All the accompaniments, strawberry jam, clotted cream & butter were immaculately presented on a side tray. I personally like butter with my scones and it was so refreshing to be given the option. Normally you have to ask for this and they look at you as if you have sprouted a second head!
This was followed by cakes & pastries and all accompanied with lashings of tea.

Afternoon Tea really is a pure delight when it is done correctly ( I have had some terrible ones too) and the staff were so lovely. Everything was carried out with complete professionalism by all the staff, you were made to feel relaxed & at home. Our waiter even managed to track down a phone charger for me!

I would highly recommend EVERYTHING about my experience, so if you fancy taking someone special out for a treat, or to impress a friend - while away a couple of hours enjoying life, The Grand Hotel @ Eastbourne is the place to go. I, hopefully will be checking in next time...

Cara x
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We stayed at The Grand Hotel for one night which included breakfast and an evening meal. We were upgraded to a suite which was lovely and clean. The service and food was wonderful and nothing was too much trouble for them.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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We visited The Grand Hotel Eastbourne on a lastminute.com spa deal in early January. These deals can sometimes be a bit hit and miss but this was definitely a hit!

The Grand Hotel Eastbourne's staff are truly what makes this hotel 5 star. From the moment we arrived we were pampered and indulged - every request we made was catered for. The spa treatments left us relaxed and the 3 course meal (served in our room as we were too lazy to leave) was delicious. A truly exceptional experience.
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We booked for late December and the Christmas Decorations were pleasant without going over the top.

The service was very good as was the selection of sandwiches and cakes and able to park without a problem at the Hotel. Just the job for a cold winters day
tripadvisor.co.uk
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I visited a few weeks ago, but am just catching up with my reviews. We had a beautiful afternoon tea, highly recommended for any occasion. A mix of miniature sandwiches and cakes and endless tea, the staff were attentive throughout the afternoon. The only issue became parking but we found somewhere eventually.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Excellent in every respect. Outstanding. We have stayed in some very fine hotels in Europe but none as good and as friendly and helpful as the Grand. We will go again - soon. It is not far form us and I can see us becoming regulars. John MB
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Our stay at the Grand exceeded our expectations. From the moment we approached the front entrance to the moment of departure, we enjoyed a standard of service – from doormen, porters, receptionists, restaurant staff – that made everything smooth and agreeable. Our room was spacious and well-appointed (the porter who took up our bag gave a lucid and informed explanation of its facilities) and we were especially impressed by the evening servicing – when we came back late from the theatre, we found the bins emptied, mineral water and used towels replaced, bed turned down and curtains drawn, all of which contributed to a good night’s sleep. The free Wi-Fi, which could be accessed without entering a code, was very useful. The buffet breakfast offered a rich spread in an elegant but relaxed ambience (the maître d’ invited us to browse before choosing and we had fun doing this). The cost of the stay was less than anticipated and fully justified by the high quality of the whole experience.
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We decided to enjoy the delights of the Mirabelle Restaurant at the Grand Hotel on New Year's Eve for a lunch treat this year, with a family couple, and we were not disappointed. From the moment we arrived, with the car whisked away, we were so cared for, even to the extent of alternative menu suggestions for our strict vegetarian friends. The staff were delightful and very professional without being too intrusive and just enough wit and banter to enhance the occasion. The three course lunch was perfectly adequate, preceded by G & T, and washed down with a lovely wine. We took coffee and petits fours in the lounge where the hoards were arriving for NYE and we felt quite smug that we were already satisfied. The car magically appeared and we had an enjoyable family New Year's Eve in the comfort of our home. Well done Jonathan and staff for making our day !
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We got married here on 9th November 2013 and our day couldn't have been any more perfect. I as the Bride stayed the night before and the minute I arrived on the Friday I was made to feel like the most important person at the hotel.
The day itself could not have gone better and we cannot thank all the brilliant staff enough. Our wedding planner was Claire Funnell and she was so brilliant from the day we booked the venue 2 years in advance to the wedding day itself. She was there every step of the way to help with my planning and answer my many questions. I managed not to be a stressed Bride throughout my 2 years of wedding planning and this was down to Claire making me feel relaxed and at ease knowing my wedding day was in her hands.
I must also thank Elliot who was absolutely wonderful on our wedding day. He was there the whole day making sure everything ran smoothly. He was even there the next morning to greet us at breakfast which really added the personal touch.
We had lots of our guests commenting on what a stunning venue it was and how wonderful the day was, we especially had lots of comments on the delicious lamb. Compliments to the chefs for a perfect wedding breakfast.
I would be quick to recommend The Grand Hotel to anyone looking for a beautiful wedding venue that appears to bride itself on it's wonderful attention to detail. We will be back for visits to relive the memories of our amazing day.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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I am sure the afternoon tea at the Grand is always of a high standard but we were lucky enough to take tea on one of the few occasions when they have a Palm Court group playing throughout tea. No surprises that the quality of sandwiches, cakes and scones were very high.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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We were invited to join friends who have an apartment in Eastbourne to celebrate New Year's Eve. Prior to the stay I have extensive contact with the hotel's reservation department about the various room/suite types. Our friends had booked the Mirabelle Package which included dinner in Mirabelle and vintage champagne. I felt the package was quite expensive, and unlike other hotels that offer you a discount on the room if you stay over the Grand add a surcharge as it is New Year.

In the end we chose a suite, which had a large lounge and four-poster bed, and a good size bathroom. The room overall was very clean and had some nice touches such as a decanter if sherry and small Christmas tree. The decor of the room was quite dated and the floorboards were showing through the very tired carpet, and the room felt in need of a good decorate and refresh. The bathroom was spacious but a little old fashioned with the dark wood and brass accessories.

We did not enjoy our dinner on New Year's Eve and found the arrangements some what complicated and not that well organised. The food was not very inspiring and was grossly overpriced for what we had, and the entire menu did not flow well, and we found the service to be somewhat hit or miss.

After dinner we were directed to go and sit in the great hall where coffee was served with some horrible, mushy petit fours. The atmosphere was very strange with people just sat round in what felt like a waiting room, not mixing with the other guests, unless you went to either of the two rooms were dancing was possible. However, as you had not been part of the party, you felt a bit like a gate crasher at someone else's party. The music from the band in the Garden Restaurant was in my opinion very amateurish and was more akin to a rowdy wedding than a refined New Year's Eve celebration. New Year came and went and well that was that.

The rest of the stay was a lot better and the New Year's Day buffet was excellent and very well stocked, and staff were very attentive. We had dinner that evening which again was very enjoyable as was the service.

Therefore overall we enjoyed our stay but would not recommend the New Year's package as we felt it was overpriced for what it was - a very average meal, two glasses of 'vintage' champagne - which had a very strange taste - some amateurish entertainment, and a bed for the night.

However, I believe that the Grand really does try to be an excellent hotel, and whilst not all staff were well trained, many of the staff were very kind and attentive. I understand the hotel is commencing a refurbishment of some of its rooms and in the Spring will start a redecoration of its facade and I am sure this will add to the overall experience.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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What can one say about The Grand except the following:-

Friendly, courteous and efficient service always from the moment one is greeted by the doormen.
Good food, served beautifully by happy staff.
Comfortable and very clean bedrooms and bathrooms.
Pure comfort in the welcoming lounges and bar. Bliss!

P.S. We have visited and stayed many times, the last being a few days ago when we enjoyed the Grand's full afternoon tea with friends - excellent.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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If you have not yet experienced the Grand's New Year celebration package, put it on your 'to do' list and start saving for it now. It's fairly expensive but well worth the asking price - in fact cheaper than spending new year in a run-of-the-mill hotel in Paris or Brussells via Eurostar.
We arrived at the Grand on 30th Dec in time for tea, pastries and music, followed later by a champagne reception and dinner, breakfast on new year's eve and the celebration bash in the evening with dinner, live music, dancing and champagne at midnight. The Garden restaurant (and the rest of the hotel) was beautifully decorated for the occasion with great atmosphere. A leisurely and wonderful brunch was provided on new year's day to complete the experience.
In our experience the rooms are well appointed and comfortable, plus at new year there are extra in-room goodies to enjoy. A nice touch for families is the entertainment for children. We have found the staff provide a highly professional service while at the same time showing kindness and consideration for guests. We have found that The Grand is one of those rare places where everything works as it should and, upon leaving, I must admit I start thinking of excuses to return.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Having been to the Grand Hotel for afternoon tea in April we loved the hotel and decided to book for New Years Eve and stay overnight. From the time we checked in until the time we left the team at the hotel were attentive, helpful and couldn't do enough for us. . We dined in the Devonshire Suite where the food was wonderful and saw the New Year in to the sound of the fabulous band. The wide choice of brunch the next day certainly cured our hangover from the night before. The overall package was great value for money and I have to say it was one of the best New Years I have had. We will definitely be booking for next year.
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Our friends had been to The Grand Hotel for the New Years Eve celebrations last year (2012/2013) and rated their experience so highly we decided to join them, in the celebrations, this year (2013/2014). The whole experience was truely wonderful. From the high standard of our rooms, the wonderful food, the hospitality of the staff and the whole New Years Eve atmosphere was really amazing.
Please, please, please don't book The Grand Hotel for New Years Eve for 2014/2015, otherwise there may not be enough room for our party when we decide to book again.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Just returned from a weekend here with three generations - my mother who is in her 80's, my sisters and my daughter, 11. We have been several times before because we always have a great time - we all properly relax and just enjoy doing nothing for a few days - welcome escape from frenetic lives. What really makes this hotel is the staff - they are all so courteous and attentive in just the right way. Just to balance this review a little I would say they could do with more cushions in the lounge!
tripadvisor.co.uk
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We were invited to a family / friends lunch and prior research showed a good menu and price. We were not disappointed; although we were not residents we received a warm welcome from the doorman and were ushered into the lounge for drinks. Service from all the staff was warm and welcoming and the three course set lunch offered a good range of choices, all cooked to perfection and served with style. If you are looking for a treat with excellent lunch, served in a luxurious setting but at a very good price, then I would thoroughly recommend The Grand.
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