The Grand Hotel Eastbourne
Latest Reviews
There is not enough relaxing area around the pool for the size of hotel, rooms at the back are a little dingy ! But the hotel still retains the air of dignity!
This was a treat for my birthday from my son, breakfast was excellent ! And the whole stay was enjoyable.
This was a treat for my birthday from my son, breakfast was excellent ! And the whole stay was enjoyable.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Having been married all those years ago in Eastbourne we decided to book a suite for two nights at the Five Star Grand Hotel. Imagine our surprise on arrival that no car space or valet parking was available and would we please take our car to the town centre multi storey. Not a good start to our stay nor was being told we could not dine earlier than 8pm in the Mirabelle Restaurant. The suite left so much to be desired at the top price charged that our very special celebration turned into utter disappointment. Such a shame for Eastbourne. We checked out the following morning with a memory of a hotel which has lost the plot as to what service should be and is in urgent need of total refurbishment of its bedrooms and bathrooms.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have been treated twice here for a meal - once for lunch and second time was dinner. The whole experience is just wonderful and takes you back in time when elegance and service were masters. Jackets and ties are not required for lunch but preferred for dinner -although we did get away with it midweek.
I cannot comment on the bedrooms, but everything else is just wonderful.
I cannot comment on the bedrooms, but everything else is just wonderful.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I was take here for lunch by my parents who recently moved to Eastbourne.The hotel has a certain faded elegance.Prior to lunch we decided to have drinks in the lounge.Service was slow and we had a sour faced eastern european waitress who the management should fire.
The drinks once ordered were graciously served by the barman along with a plate of various snacks.Menus were brought and we were shown to our table. The service was superb and the food actually very good.Full marks to our waiter Ronnie for looking after us but other staff need to get their act together.
The drinks once ordered were graciously served by the barman along with a plate of various snacks.Menus were brought and we were shown to our table. The service was superb and the food actually very good.Full marks to our waiter Ronnie for looking after us but other staff need to get their act together.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Like the Eastbourne and the Empire, much of what set the Grand Hotel apart is now confined to dusty history books. The building and location are excellent. Sadly the experience is a series of dimishing returns thereafter. Upon entering the hotel, the reception staff were all extremely courteous, professional and had me checked in with minimum fuss. Dealing with the concierge was more hassle, however. I had mentioned I had neglected to pack socks and were there any shops locally that were opened after 6pm. I was told no, the only places were out of town. In fact there were many a mere 10 minute walk. Maybe I am a feeble looking 30something. This annoyed me more than it should. My bedroom room was extremely spacious, however the bathroom left a lot to be desired. Perhaps fully carpeted bathroom suites were once an ostentatious display of wealth. Nowadays it automatically conjures up images of a foul smelling, dank room riddled with other people's foot sweat and athlete's foot. The shower was in a stand in bath, the mattress was extremely soft and the decor so dated it will probably be en vogue again any year now. I felt like I was staying with my grandmother. As for the clientele, being judged at for being under 40 and not wearing a tie while walking the corridors does not create an overly welcoming environment. In terms of dining, lunch and dinner were part of the package. Both can only be described as functional dining experiences. Lunch was little more than canteen food albeit with attention paid to using seasonal vegetables. Dinner was standard but nowhere near what one would expect from a 5 star hotel. If one must visit Eastbourne, I am confident there are more cost effective options.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
On arriving at The Grand we were welcomed by a very friendly and informative receptionist, then we were shown to our room and offered help with our bags. A good first impression.
However, when we entered our Deluxe room we were slightly disappointed - the room was very dated and wallpaper coming away from the wall, a tiny t.v and the tea making facilities were on the floor in the wardrobe... Bathroom was spacious and spotlessly clean, as was the rest of the hotel.
I will say that the quality of the bedding, and mattress, along with the Molton Brown toiletries, we were soon won over.
Spa - sadly I did not book in advance and didn't get to enjoy a treatment here but the spa/pool area and gym were fantastic. We spent a whole day (whilst it was raining outside) laying around the pool, enjoying the jet spa and sauna room. You can also order food and drinks here at a reasonable price.
After our first night the hotel grew on us, along with the dated furnishings/decor - it was quite nice to see the original features of the hotel and tried to imagine it how it was back in it's own era.
Staff were all great and helpful - the only thing that needs to change (in my opinion) is the dress code for dinner - we had to eat out (apart from breakfast which was delicious) because of the black tie/dinner jacket rule which was a shame. They have 2 restaurants - surely they could have one for more relaxed diners?
Overall a lovely stay and would come back.
However, when we entered our Deluxe room we were slightly disappointed - the room was very dated and wallpaper coming away from the wall, a tiny t.v and the tea making facilities were on the floor in the wardrobe... Bathroom was spacious and spotlessly clean, as was the rest of the hotel.
I will say that the quality of the bedding, and mattress, along with the Molton Brown toiletries, we were soon won over.
Spa - sadly I did not book in advance and didn't get to enjoy a treatment here but the spa/pool area and gym were fantastic. We spent a whole day (whilst it was raining outside) laying around the pool, enjoying the jet spa and sauna room. You can also order food and drinks here at a reasonable price.
After our first night the hotel grew on us, along with the dated furnishings/decor - it was quite nice to see the original features of the hotel and tried to imagine it how it was back in it's own era.
Staff were all great and helpful - the only thing that needs to change (in my opinion) is the dress code for dinner - we had to eat out (apart from breakfast which was delicious) because of the black tie/dinner jacket rule which was a shame. They have 2 restaurants - surely they could have one for more relaxed diners?
Overall a lovely stay and would come back.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This hotel is rated 5 star so I was expecting 5 star service but sadly it failed a few times. We were staying over night & our room was ready when we arrived, a sea view which was gorgeous. We decided on a cream tea but on arriving at the lounge we were shown to our seats and forgotten about for 30 minutes! Cream tea eventually arrived & was yummy. A quick drink before dinner again turned into a waiting game, 20 minutes before we were served. Dinner was 5 star, breakfast was 5 star & the leisure facilities were also 5 star - staff not so 5 star! Waitresses were clueless which was a shame. My advice book a table if a cuppa is required & allow time before dinner for a drink.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
At one level, this was a charming experience. A truly lovely building from a different era, with the public areas very well restored and maintained. The staff were very polite and welcoming. And all the basic requirements of a good bed and good shower in a clean environment were met. But at another level, this was really a bit dated - especially for the high room rates offered. The bedroom furnishings (in a superior room) were dated; the carpet in the bathroom a serious no-no at a time when we expect a high standard of hygiene in guest bathrooms; and a demand that guests wear a jacket or tie in the evenings in the public areas - including the bar - really ludicrous in the 21st century (especially when peering into the dining room, the sartorial dress sense was somewhat odd). So if you want to take a step back to another era, then this is definitely recommended - but perhaps not for those of us who want something rather more up-to-date at every level.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Wonderful old Victorian building but rooms are in need of an update, particularly the carpetted bathrooms (eeewww!).
Friendly and helpful service.
Outdated rules dictating dress codes - men must wear tie or jacket in restaurant and bars - ensured that we did not drink or eat in the hotel, so can't comment on quality of food or drink, except for breakfast which was good.
Friendly and helpful service.
Outdated rules dictating dress codes - men must wear tie or jacket in restaurant and bars - ensured that we did not drink or eat in the hotel, so can't comment on quality of food or drink, except for breakfast which was good.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My daughter got married on Saturday and we had the reception here.
Claire has been brilliant with the organisation/planning, and all staff on the day and beforehand could not have been more helpful and friendly.
Steve, the toastmaster was great, the chefs did a fantastic job, and the managers were on hand to help at all times.
Both families and friends had one of the best days of their lives – and I know for sure, so did the bride and groom.
I would recommend this hotel without hesitation (for any special occasion), and although many people will think it is expensive (the only 5 star hotel in the area), it was less than I thought it would be, and actually, in my opinion, excellent value for money.
many guests stayed on the third floor, and the rooms were large, comfortable and added the final touch to a brilliant day.
Claire has been brilliant with the organisation/planning, and all staff on the day and beforehand could not have been more helpful and friendly.
Steve, the toastmaster was great, the chefs did a fantastic job, and the managers were on hand to help at all times.
Both families and friends had one of the best days of their lives – and I know for sure, so did the bride and groom.
I would recommend this hotel without hesitation (for any special occasion), and although many people will think it is expensive (the only 5 star hotel in the area), it was less than I thought it would be, and actually, in my opinion, excellent value for money.
many guests stayed on the third floor, and the rooms were large, comfortable and added the final touch to a brilliant day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Built in an era when beautiful architecture boasting high ornate plasterwork ceilings and an imposing elegant staircase were the norm for a top end hotel this `Grand` lives up to its name. Everyone has travelled to reach a destination, we had driven for only an hour and a half but the charming enquiry if we had had a good journey immediately strikes a warm chord of welcome from the moment we stepped out of the car. The air of discreet, efficient but kind service pervaded the entire stay, especially as my friend is in her late nineties! The staff are thoughtful in their helpfulness. We dined deliciously each evening and breakfast a daily battle with temptation...from the very fresh fruit salad to the super quality smoked salmon. Be spoilt and chill out in Grand style, enjoy the beautiful views less than 10 minutes away from Beachy Head and especially Birling Gap.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
this hotel is for you if you enjoy formal polite service with opulent surroundings afternoon tea a must most services first class the restaurant staff let this down. heated pool & spa services out door pool needed a clean but still usable on the day we used it very warm September day nice seating area around outdoor pool bars & lounges very comfortable excellent location on sea front can recommend sea view two bedroom suite if travelling with friends all in all a delightful stay
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The Grand was the perfect place to spend a celebration weekend for my mother's 90th birthday. There were 9 in our party (age range 22 - 90) and we all had a great time. We requested a room close to my mother for convenience and were delighted when we found we had been upgraded to a suite which was connected to a lovely room for my mother. The staff were very helpful, polite and friendly and did all they could to make our stay wonderful. All the meals we had were delicious especially dinner in the Garden Restaurant. I shall look forward to staying there again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As always this delightful hotel delivers on every level, we had a very nice twin room with plenty of space , it was quiet but ther is still an air of relaxation and peace anyway, the sun shone and we had another great stay thankyou to all who made us feel special . It's a treat we look forward to again soon ,
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I would not have thought of going to this restaurant, a part of The Grand Hotel, except that my daughter and her family had been in the summer and said it was the best food they had had in Sussex.
Lunch was delicious and not too expensive. Guinea fowl breast with truffled cauliflower puree and rosti with mushrooms was special and the ham hock terrine was very tasty. Sea bass was beautifully garnished and the desserts were good too.
You could also eat in the Garden Restaurant with a more English menu.
Couldn't fault the service and the decor was grandly old-fashioned.
I would put this under 'restaurants' because we didn't stay, but the site won't allow me too.
Lunch was delicious and not too expensive. Guinea fowl breast with truffled cauliflower puree and rosti with mushrooms was special and the ham hock terrine was very tasty. Sea bass was beautifully garnished and the desserts were good too.
You could also eat in the Garden Restaurant with a more English menu.
Couldn't fault the service and the decor was grandly old-fashioned.
I would put this under 'restaurants' because we didn't stay, but the site won't allow me too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We only stayed in this grand hotel for one night, comfortable room with side view of the sea. Not sure about the carpet in the bathroom, tried not think about the hygiene of this! Staff very friendly and attentive. Hotel is comfortable but is very dated appealing to guests of a certain age which is fine. The breakfasts though are definitely not five star, there is a hot buffet with awful tasting scrambled egg, but a "fresh" cooked breakfast can be ordered, but as I expected it was exactly the same as the buffet, luke warm and the dreadful tasting scrambled egg. Considering the price to stay at The Grand the breakfasts are a huge let down and would certainly put me off staying at The Grand in the future, and I wouldn't recommend a stay here.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My stay at the Grand Hotel Eastbourne was both peaceful & relaxing. There is something very regal about the hotel, and I rather felt that I was living amongst a Poirot story. It is old fashioned, but completely charming. I took my small dog, and we were both made to feel very welcome. They even provide wonderful food for dogs via room service - what a treat! Beautiful views, right on the sea front and excellent for walking.
The room was comfortable, clean + had a wonderful view. I enjoyed a few cocktails, very well made, in the bar. Also breakfast was wonderful, a wide selection and quality ingredients. The staff were helpful, cheerful and really made my stay very enjoyable.
The room was comfortable, clean + had a wonderful view. I enjoyed a few cocktails, very well made, in the bar. Also breakfast was wonderful, a wide selection and quality ingredients. The staff were helpful, cheerful and really made my stay very enjoyable.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Friendly and helpful service. Room at the back overlooked the kitchens and flat roofs; not quite the pleasant Eastbourne views. The rooms are very expensive, but apart from being tired, they were clean and the bathroom excellent. The room overheated because the radiator was blasting out and we were unable to trun it down. The window was difficult to open. The food in the mirabelle restaurant was average and expensive. We enjoyed our break away but felt we could have done better elsewhere.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
just had another visit to The Grand in Eastbourne, again another magical time. It really is a lovely hotel, like its title it is grand, but is never overwhelms, its friendly, professional and easy. the staff are amazing nothing is too much bother for them. took my little jack russell with me, and he was made at home too!
a very relaxing time.
a very relaxing time.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This hotel has been delightfully maitained in the 'grand' style of the first half of the 20th century which was great. I had a huge room decorated from that era, but the bed (king) and pillows were definitrly 21st century and beautifully comfortable. Breakfast was probably the only weak point beacuse although the food was okay, the 'service' by the (male) wait staff was suboptimal.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Grand(ish) hotel, average age of clients 70+. Lots of dark carpets and draylon, and all quite fuddy. However, room was very large, bathroom had nice toiletries and possibly the best towels ever. So you balance one thing with another.
My room was far too warm and only realised as I left that the windows could be opened. It was not a comfortable heat. The other thing that was disappointing was the breakfast - lots of time waiting for items to be replenished, slow service with coffee etc. Not enjoyable really.
Reception staff were very helpful and friendly, and were very informative too. The indoor pool area was ok, but the outside pool looked much better.
Overall, it is a grand hotel, it could possibly do with a refurb in areas. I imagine the age of the clientele will never change though.....
My room was far too warm and only realised as I left that the windows could be opened. It was not a comfortable heat. The other thing that was disappointing was the breakfast - lots of time waiting for items to be replenished, slow service with coffee etc. Not enjoyable really.
Reception staff were very helpful and friendly, and were very informative too. The indoor pool area was ok, but the outside pool looked much better.
Overall, it is a grand hotel, it could possibly do with a refurb in areas. I imagine the age of the clientele will never change though.....
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I am delighted to say that Sarah the duty manager put right the heating issue of which I complained yesterday...room heating is now under guest control an effective and efficient service addressing issues from the duty manager?..well done Sarah. The Grand now fully deserves its five stars back. The hotel has also added efficient wifi. Table D'Ote and Alcarte menus and food sampled last night..superb, the former offering exceptional value for money. The Grand is highly recommended in all aspects.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A very good stay here as we ended up in a full suite! I booked an Executive Sea View room & the bookings person agreed it would be on the 1st floor (I don't do lifts). When we arrived we were told the room was on the 3rd floor, so I explained we'd been promised the 1st floor. They obviously hadn't got a free Executive Room on the 1st floor, so immediately upgraded us to an enormous suite with a very large terrace on the 1st floor. So full marks to the Receptionists for dealing so promptly with the problem. All the staff were very helpful & polite.
Bit disappointed with the Mirabelle Restaurant where the food was good but not outstanding as I had expected it to be. The breakfast next morning was very good with an excellent choice of food.
Bit disappointed with the Mirabelle Restaurant where the food was good but not outstanding as I had expected it to be. The breakfast next morning was very good with an excellent choice of food.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Chose this hotel through Travel Agent in New Zealand. Price was up there in choice. First impressions were OK. Room was on the fourth floor, up lift then up a small flight of stairs. Nice view over the sea. Went down the first night to the Bar for a drink, slow service. Were going to eat dinner but were informed that my husband had to have a tie or jacket to be allowed into the restaurant. Two restaurants both require tie or jacket. What year is it, 1920? It is nice to be dressed up for dinner but have one of the restaurants a bit more relaxed and casual. Ordered something to eat in our room. Next day after a day sightseeing in the area, changed and went down to bar, again service slow and poor. You must only be allowed one drink per person. We had to wait 20 minutes at least between drinks. Given little nibbles, peanuts, olives and STALE chips. Had a couple of drinks and went to our room. Had breakfast in our room next morning, that was nice. We wanted it again the morning we were checking out but no, no card left to fill out for that, must only be allowed breakfast in your room once. Seems like we drink a lot but there was not even a fridge or mini bar in your room. Wardrobe big enough to accommodate one. Everything was warm, nothing cold to drink. Time for The Grand Hotel to get into the 21st century and get with the times. People our age (50 plus) want to come on holiday and be wowed especially from some far away. Are people that stuffy and boring this side of the world. Would we recommend this place to our friends travelling here, no, but we would recommend the area. Eastbourne is a lovely spot.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Living in Eastbourne this is right on my doorstep so we occasionally have lunch there on the terrace overlooking the pool. On a sunny day, there is nowhere better to eat in Eastbourne and the food is generally of high quality. The service is patchy though and for the price charged it would be nice if the service matched the food. The hotel itself is not old fashioned exactly but has a genteel style all of its own. It is a beautiful building and a visit to Eastbourne would not be complete without a visit here.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
