The Grand Hotel Eastbourne

4.6/5 based on 4565 reviews
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The quality of the set three course meal (£27.75 incl VAT) was excellent. Good tasty food, arty but not stingy.
Disappointed that Tea/Coffee was not included. This was £4.50 extra, so for 7 people it added £31.50 to the bill... just for a beverage and a couple of Petits Fours.
For some reason a discretionary surcharge of 10% is added for 6 or more people. We didn’t pay this as we could not see the logic in charging customers more than the table next to us which only had five people sat at it.
The sting in the tail was the price of drinks.
This added over £120 to the bill for a pre-drink each, two bottles of wine with the meal and the beverages.
Overall, nice, but can’t afford to come again.
Oh, and we were the only ones who appeared to treat the meal as an occasion and dressed accordingly. Remember standards?
5* - quality of food, service, et al.
1* value for money.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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This was our second trip to The Grand and the whole family had a lovely time. The warm outside pool on a sunny day gave us the sense that we were somewhere exotic. Our suite, that accommodated five of us beautifully, was in a great position with magnificent sea views. The room was decorated in a suitably grand style and the beds very comfortable. The bathroom was past its best, but my daughters enjoyed the jacuzzi bath. We ate in the dining room, but were disappointed to be in a family section. Nevertheless, the trip gave us all a boost and the staff were extremely accommodating.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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I went to the Grand on a girls spa weekend and we all had a lovely time. The staff were friendly and welcoming from the start and we had beautiful rooms. The hotel is from an era past with a big white sea front facade and grand old fashioned drawing rooms and a traditional bar. We ate at their more contemporary restaurant which was still formal, but in a lovely way. The spa was great and both of our treatments were relaxing and great.
I would really recommend this for a weekend break. We all came back to London feeling relaxed and refreshed after just one night away!
tripadvisor.co.uk
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I have stayed at the The Grand on business on many occasions and it never disappoints. Irrespective of arrival time, guests can rely on a friendly greeting, valet parking, helpful and efficient reception staff and a speedy check-in. The spacious and well furnished rooms, although a little dated, are spotlessly clean. The beds are always comfortable with high quality sheets and blankets. Discreet turn down service and complimentary bottled water.
The Mirabelle and Garden Restaurants are of a high standard but, depending upon the number of guests, not always both open. Breakfast in the Garden Restaurant is a real treat. Service in the large lounge is impeccable, whether for afternoon tea, pre-dinner drinks or a nightcap.
The hotel also has an excellent spa.
The Grand Hotel at Christmas is a sight to behold with a huge, beautifully decorated tree in the main lobby.
Excellent value for money and a hotel which I will return to again and again.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Stayed for 3 nights. Couldn't fault room or service. Drinks in the bar pricey but only what you would expect for a hotel of this type. Spa and pool worth using although I didn't brave the outdoor pool!. Would be happy to stay here again sometime.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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We chose the Grand to host our small wedding reception and stayed for two nights. Our stay was absolutely wonderful, the staff made us feel very special and nothing was too much trouble. The room was wonderful, the food excellent and the whole ambience exactly what you'd wish for from a hotel such as this.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Booked last minute to make something of a trip to see a Football match in Brighton. Booked here as there was little available in Brighton last minute and all very expensive. Looking further afield got us much more for our money! The booking process was great. On arrival the 5 star experience started from the car being parked for us! We had not read the small print that ties were required to eat in the restaurant! This clearly happens often as lending us a tie was not a problem! The room was large and extremely comfortable. The bed was amazing and we had the best nights sleep ever! The little extras and choices available made our stay even more comfortable, and all the staff were friendly and attentive. They went out of their way to make us feel valued and important! The quality of the food served was amazing and the whole experience was wonderful. Will be looking forward to when we will be staying again!
tripadvisor.co.uk
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We stayed here on the day after our wedding for one night having stayed here when we first met. Although the Grand is elegant, old and worth a visit it is looking tired. Our room was the same one we had when we first came to the Grand and my husband had organised flowers to be left in the room but unfortunately these were not there on our arrival.

When we ate in the restaurant the service was excellent with a wonderful waitress but unfortunately the restaurant had a visitor (a mouse) which we had to point out to the maitre de who when seeing it opened the big double doors to let it out but didnt think of saying anything to us which was a shame.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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This was our second stay at the Grand and once again we were made to feel supremely welcome.The Grand is indeed a very grand and elegant building but its best feature is the service provided by every member of the staff-from the porter and reception staff who greeted us and escorted us to our room-to the bar and dining staff,those in the Mirabelle restaurant are especially good, as is the delicious food.Even the maids in their charming old-fashioned uniforms are a delight.
Dinner in the Mirabelle was excellent in every way, breakfast in the garden room acceptable though not outstanding, and the dancing on Friday evening after dinner was wonderful to watch and I think we need to take some dancing lessons so we can join in !
The only minor disappointment was that the jacuzzi in the health club is very hot and very violent and fierce with some jets spurting up into the air -maybe needs adjustment ?

Our sea view room 323 was very comfortable with a wonderful view and classic furnishings-we certainly didnt notice in the room OR public areas anything that other reviewers have noted as faded/shabby and so on...we found everything to be of a very good standard of decor. I have added some personal photographs.

We were celebrating something special and hope next time we have something to celebrate we will return to the Grand.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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the grand hotel was like wow and so clean i love going as this is my second time and i love the outside and the building its so unusual and i love the rooms that all have lovely views even though some of the building is shabby and falling down but only because of age the beds are really comfy and well made the room service is a bit late at arriving up to the rooms but the staff are really friendly and the foods perfect i feel like i have gone away from england and love relaxing their. and eastbourne beach is a real childhood memmory for me i would tell anyone who goes to look outdside of the box and ignore the little shabby parts but look at the clean comfy rooms and taste the lovely food and take a chance to use all the facilities there weather its a romantic week or weekend away or with the family just relax
tripadvisor.co.uk
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First impressions this hotel is stunning inside and out, the doorman went out of his way to find us a space in the car park as it was full. Greeted by a friendly receptionist, who informed me we had been upgraded to a sea view suite, we booked a sea view room, so delighted us. The entrance hall is beautiful with high ceilings and columns, and fabulous fresh flower arrangements (very 5 star !)
The suite was very spacious, old fashioned Laura Ashley swags and tails matching bed spread, slightly worn carpet, and furniture which was forgiven, as we had been upgraded.
The restaurant is very elegant and the service is superb, the food is a little disappointing, overlooked veg, but the complimentary pâté and sorbet are lovely touches.
We think a dog had been in the room before us as there was doggy salvia on the glass balcony doors!
But overall it was a lovely stay
tripadvisor.co.uk
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It does what it says on the tin. An grand old hotel, a bit shabby in places. Very nice staff, bar, reception, valet, parking. Outstanding location. Fairly good food. Breakfast was OK, but busy. Room service took a while. You need a jacket o tie to eat dinner here in the evening.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I've just returned from a stay at The Grand, and wow! it's like walking back in time! What a beautiful building! Although it is a bit worn around the edges, it is such a unique place you can not help but to love it!

Upon initially booking our stay there was a slight computer glitch, and I phoned the hotel to confirm they had received everything. The staff were so friendly and confirmed everything over the phone and then sent me an email to confirm it all again in writing just to ease my mind. Approximately 1 week before our stay, I received a welcome message from the hotel confirming our stay and wishing us a nice trip.

From the moment we pulled onto the drive we were greeted by very friendly parking staff, (superbly dressed!) who took our luggage out of the car, and escorted us into the hotel. The receptionists were very friendly and efficient, and check-in was very quick! All of our reservations were confirmed at check-in (i.e. room rates, spa treatments and times, dinner times, etc.) On the way to our room we were given a short tour of the hotel, and again, what a beautiful place!!!

Our room was very large and spaciously layed out! The room/bathroom was a bit dated, but they were clean and the linens were very clean and like new. The bed/mattress was the best I've ever slept on! It was a very soft mattress, but in my opinion it was very comfy and the room itself was quiet-I was on the 1st floor. We ate dinner in the Mirabelle Restaurant, the food was absolutely delicious!! I can highly recommend the poached pear dessert! I also felt the food was very reasonably priced for the quality and preperation and presentation that we received! Great Job Mirabelle!!

Breakfast in the Garden Restaurant was very good as well! The staff were very efficient and the food was first class! I was a bit disapointed that not everyone adhered to the dress code (i.e. no jeans), but I guess the hotel can not control that.

Things to note:
+I have never been to a hotel where the maid service staff were dressed in the original Victorian style garments from the period that the hotel was built. This really added to the 'old world charm' atmosphere the hotel offers.
+Also, we enjoyed the complimentary Molton Brown toiletries in the bathroom!!
+Finally, there are indoor/outdoor heated pools which was lovely!

I can not comment on other nights, but we stayed on a Friday night and the hotel bar lounge was very lively and there were lots of people seemingly having a great time; however, when we got to our room it was very quiet and peaceful. The hotel is very well laid out and the restaurants are sort of arranged so there is a seperate section for those with children and those without. So, to me, it seems like it would appeal to a lot of people--those looking for a good time or those looking for a quiet evening.

Pricing:
We spent £361.90 for 2 people for 1 night in a standard room to include Bed, Breakfast, a 5 course meal with champagne, room service for lunch (cream tea with champagne) and 1 massage per person. I would have happily paid more for all that we received as it was truely first class and totally unexpected!

I wasn't sure what to expect with this hotel, but overall, I can say I was very impressed with the hotel and it's staff! I will definitely go back, and I can highly recommend it to others! Even if you just want to go here for a meal, you will not find better service anywhere, this hotel has continually got it right!! Well done to The Grand!
tripadvisor.co.uk
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stayed at The Grand, wonderful hotel. superb service, beautiful room, really lovely. nice weather on the saturday so we used the outdoor pool which was very clean and very warm. on sunday, when the weather was awful we used the indoor pool which was really nice.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Wow, all you soon to be brides out there, I can't recommend The Grand Hotel enough as a first rate location for your wedding. The service from the wedding coordinator Gabriela and the manager on the night Lesley couldn't have been better. We had 230 guests and there wasn't one complaint, only praise for the staff and the stunning surroundings. We had the best day of our lives and I am smiling writing this with the memories of my day still fresh in my mind.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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I stayed with my Girlfriend who is a regular at this hotel. The staff, the rooms, the bedding are all excellent. We had supper in the restaurant and I ordered a steak, which was the best steak I have had in a very long time.. The staff of this hotel without exception are pleasant, helpful, well presented and always have a smile on their face. This Hotel is old world charm and comfort.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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I attended The Grand Hotel on Saturday 22nd September for a wedding(Davenport and Phillips). Although I did not stay at The Grand, the venue for the wedding was wonderful. The staff were very smart and helpful. I would like to particularly mention the guy who seemed to be organising the wedding (didnt get his name). after the wedding we were invited through to the room where the meal was being served. I have alot of food allergies and every course on the wedding meal menu included one of my allergies. I mentioned this to the gentleman who said it was not a problem and that he would change the menu for me. When every course came i was given an alternative. This was so kind of him. The food was absolutely wonderful and the normal menu was enjoyed by the rest of the party on my table. At the evening reception the same guy came to find me and told me to see him when the evening food was being served as he had asked the chef to make me some buffet food that did not consist of any of my food allergies. Again this was so kind, nothing was too much trouble for him. I wish not that I had taken his name so that I could actually thank him once again on here. A true credit to your hotel. The whole day was thoroughly enjoyed.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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On Saturday 1st September we had the most amazing day at The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne. My mum and I arrived to stay the day before the wedding & we were greeted and treated like someone very special! The staff were all so friendly and so helpful. I was keen to check out the table plans, the set up of each of the rooms for the wedding ceremony & reception. All of which were already organised and beautifully laid out. I felt free to pop in and out of the rooms at my leisure to add bits & pieces as I wished & take photos. I arrived with our wedding cake which consisted of French macaroons (190 of them), each box was carried with care one by one, by one of the catering staff & stored as the french patisserie suggested (the Grand Hotel rang the patisserie to check!) On the day itself the day couldnt have gone better, no fuss, no stress. Every member of The Grand Hotel did their utmost to make our day perfect. Claire Funnell who was our wedding coordinator had checked that nothing was forgotten. We had an amazing toastmaster Peter Tautz, who kept everyone in line, guiding us & our guests to where we needed to be at the right times, checking everything was properly done, he made us feel very relaxed and made the day run soooo smoothly. Our photographer Sarah Tate who was recommended by the Grand was fantastic. The staff at every opportunity were delightful, friendly and professional. We can't thank them all enough for making our special day the best it could have been. Our guests have all commented on how well they were treated and looked after, and so did the florist Jeanne from the Wild Orchid. She commented on how helpful the staff were to her when transporting flowers, vases etc. We expected the best and we got the best. Thank you to The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne.
Sarah & Kevin Foord
tripadvisor.co.uk
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It was like stepping back in time...courteous staff especially at Reception and the Concierge and porters couldnt have been more helpful.

Lovely room with excellent appointments. Wonderful comfy bed and luxury bedding soft egyptian cotton! Lovely breakfast with lots of options!

Enjoyed our two night stay and would thoroughly recommend the Hotel.

Only comment Bar prices rather hefty!
tripadvisor.co.uk
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weve just come from a short break in the grand.we always stay here as we find the second we walk in after being looked after by the wonderful porters and receptionists especially emma.we switch off and relax.we love the rooms and the garden restaurant is our favourite dining room.excellent service .we love it here and try to return as many times as we can. next on the agenda for us is a 2 night stay in feb where we have a night free .so bargains can also be found here.thanks again from janet and derek johnson
tripadvisor.co.uk
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We have just returned from a fantastic 2 night stay at The Grand Hotel. From the time you pull up at the Front entrance to the moment your leave the staff are all so polite and attentive. Nothing is too much trouble, very clean and a very spacious room. Spa with swimming pools etc a real bonus too. We will be going back very soon for another break.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Magnificent grandiose building, a little tired in some of the rooms but certainly in keeping with the original style and maybe too modern would look out of place anyway. Stayed in a suite overlooking the sea which was really nice, loved the little home comforts like fresh fruit and flowers and the balcony. Very Olde Worlde English with bags taken on arrival and a maid who called to see if we wanted the bed turned down. Personally wouldn't have carpet in the bathroom but bathrobes and slippers were used. The Mirabelle restaurant is superb and our meal was absolutely fantastic, compliments to the chef who accommodated my gluten free needs, definitely 5* service. Really good choice of champagne to choose from. The Moet was a great accompaniment to our delicious meal. ALL the staff were very accommodating to our every need, couldn't fault them. Used the outdoor pool which was quite warm given the time of year. Definitely a 5* building on the outside, some changes needed inside but didn't spoil our stay one bit, 4* interior in places but definitely a 5* service throughout. However, for a 5* I would have expected the bins to have liners and all the lamps to have bulbs that worked. The Garden restaurant is adequate, I did need to request a clean fork however; great choice of breakfast. Reception staff were extremely helpful. Would definitely stay again!
tripadvisor.co.uk
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Our family stayed at t his hotel for a weekend. Check-in was efficient and polite, and a nice man brought our luggage to our room on the third floor. The room was spacious, however a bit old-fashioned. A carpet in the bathroom sounds strange to most Norwegians. That the floor was a bit lopsided at the wall is charming, but also a bit risky. I put a bottle of wine on a commode at the wall; it was so lopsided that it glided off and fell on the floor. Otherwise great room, comfortable chairs and a huge bed. Slept very well.

Service is great at this hotel, although not very fast at breakfast (which was great, by the way). There is a dresscode for dinner in the hotel restaurant ("Gentlemen are requested to wear a jacket or a tie"), we ate elsewhere. In the information folder in the room men were even discouraged to use jeans for breakfast, it turned out however that they allowed it. We knew most of this beforehand so no complaints, we chose the hotel mainly for the possibility for our son to have a swim. The outdoor pool, which was great and well heated.

There are a few cons however. There was no hair-dryer in our bathroom, They also offered cabeled internet connection, but at a price that allowed only for quick e-mail checks. A five star hotel should provide free Wi-fi in 2012.

But all in all, we enjoyed it very much, although I guess there are as good alternatives nearby at a more reasonable price - if you don't need a pool.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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My wife, daughter and I stayed in a master suite this year. It was truly grand, with high ceilings and loads of space spread over two big rooms with good furniture and comfortable beds. There was a Nespresso coffee machine in the suite with free capsules. Toiletries were excellent. The bathroom was a disappointment though: small with a dingy carpet.

The lack of WiFi is very annoying as my mobile phone also had hardly any signal, so I could scarcely use it as a local hot spot. I didn't manage to plug their cable internet into my PC and this is expensive to use anyway.

The Grand Hotel has a great pool, they're very child friendly. Breakfasts are super (we hardly had any cooked items so I can't comment on them). Dinner is quite good but nothing special. If you choose their "family dining" option for your child to have a children's menu dinner while you eat from the main menu, then you get a much smaller choice, even though it's in the same huge room as regular dining. Very strange and annoying!

The hotel's location is excellent. The porters efficiently coped with the parking mayhem when the airshow was on and I find the staff very agreeable and professional even when they're busy.

So why, with its various shortcomings, do I give the Grand Hotel 5 stars? We love it and we've stayed here three times. One year we stayed in a normal suite which wasn't grand, with a lower ceiling and rather limited floor space. With three of us we should have gone for more room. This year, with a master suite, we were very happy. The Victorians jolly well knew how to build a hotel and this one is well maintained and well run.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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I cannot recommend this hotel strongly enough, especially if you have dogs. We had a lovely one night stay with out two very large Great Danes at the end of August 2012 and it was nothing less than perfect. The setting is heavenly, on the sea front with a lovely stretch of lawn before the beach, and the hotel is beautiful. We had an executive sea room for £250 and it was wonderful. We had a very tasty burger and chips in room service for £15 and a bottle of Pinot Grigio for £21....and it was scuh superb quality it was closer to a chablis that a pinot. The bed was Kingsize and very comfortable!!!!! This is a lovely hotel and the fact that it accepts dogs (with prior arrangement) is a double bonus. We will be returning regularly!!
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