A most impressive building with street appeal. Our short visit was just before Christmas. The central area decorations were stylish with three huge real Christmas trees decorated very tastefully. The great hall was certainly a place to linger. Our basic priced room was fine, clean, well decorated and with a good bed and bed linen.
The restaurant was the weakness in my opinion. We booked for Sunday lunch which was disappointing for a five star hotel. The food was certainly not as hot as it should be and we mentioned this to the waiter. The choice was limited and the food about OK. We did realise that the dining room was stretched as it was very busy immediately before Christmas. Evening dinner the next day was much better. However breakfast on both mornings was not to our expected standard. The buffet was average. It was best to order from the menu because the food was then cooked to order.
We found that the porters and doormen were very attentive and helpful.
The hotel is well situated on the seafront and if you appreciate a grand ambience then this is the place for you but only if you get it for a good price!

Well... Our second visit to this wonderful hotel, we went up for valentines night and we had room service and breakfast in bed the following morning, it was the first time for us to have dinner there the last time we had afternoon tea but it was stunning food. It was my brothers birthday and I had the hotel to make a cake and it was fantastic they made my brother who's birthday it was feel like a lord. I have nothing bad to say about this hotel and beleave you me i'm fussy ohh I forgot my hubby ordered flowers with hotel for valentines and they were beautiful. The staff are amazing the hotel is impeccable and the food is to die for. "See you soon guys" x

I booked a spa package one night stay at the hotel for my Mum's birthday treat. I should firstly state that the overall standard of service was very high and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay.mas soon as we arrived we were met by the reception manager, Emma, who was very welcoming, friendly and helpful. She told us that our room had been upgraded (unrequested). The experience at reception gave us a really good impressionn from the start. However, we had booked for a spa package and as such were looking forward to using the spa facilities. Prior to using the spa we had lunch in the bar. Again, the service from bar staff was impeccable, definitely what you would expect in a 5 star hotel. The staff that we encountered within the hotel set a very high standard...unfortunately this was let down by our experience at the spa reception. The young female member of staff seemed to assume that we were not guests at the hotel and told me that we would need to pay £15 each entry to the spa. It was me who then had to say that i had booked an overnight spa package. When we entered the changing room the first thing we noticed was the muddy changing room floor which was extremely off putting. A number of other ladies in the changing rooms (who appeared to be members of the spa) also commented on the floor and said that it was going down hill. Obviously not the sort of thing you want to hear when you want to relax and unwind. The facilities were fine, but when we noticed others wearing robes and slippers my Mum went to the reception desk and had to ask for our robes etc, these were not offered to us! I had thought that whilst we were using the facilities that the floor may have been cleaned, but no. It was really not a very nice experiience to shower and then have to walk across a muddy floor. This is not something a guest should have to mention to staff, I think an hourly inspection of the changing rooms by staff should be a regular Occurence. No excuse for a lack of cleanliness.

I have to say that we really enjoyed our treatments, I had a back massage and my Mum had a facial. Our room was superb, as was our dinner in the Garden Restaurant. Breakfast also absolutely delicious and high quality service. Sorry to say that we did not use the spa again on our last day and enjoyed a leisurely walk along the sea front instead. As a spa package, utterly disappointing, but truly excellent stay in the hotel.

Our stay at the Eastbourne was simply wonderful Every member of staff was fantastically kind and polished in the art of wonderful service. The atmosphere was so relaxing, the comfiest chairs and beds ever. Tremendous food. Great spa. Sea breezes. Old fashioned glamour. We'll be coming back and just hope not too many people find out how great the Grand is

My husband took me here for our first married valentine's weekend.

Firstly, the staff could not have been more helpful and friendly. Our every need was met before we even had to ask.

The hotel itself is beautiful inside. It is a classic and traditional hotel so if you like contemporary then this is not the place for you. But we loved it - reminded us of the Downton Abbey era. Our room was a good size with a lovely big super clean bathroom - the Molton Brown toiletries were also a lovely surprise!

We made use of the swimming pool and steam room - again great. We also had a massage and a facial - both therapists were great and really friendly. Due to a busy valentines weekend (and us booking last minute) they did not have any space for us originally but let us know when a cancellation came up which was great.

We had the most amazing cocktails (with nibbles) in the lounge before an amazing 4 course dinner in the Garden Room. Topped off by a live band and traditional dancing (Waltz etc - or how you fancy dancing) in the bar afterwards.

The breakfast the next day was also top notch, and the complimentary Sunday Times an added treat.

A truly lovely and relaxing stay. Thank you very much indeed.

Just got home from a weekend at The Grand Hotel with my wife Angela and my sister and partner. A great relaxing weekend was had by all. The rooms were first class very clean an comfortable. We ate in both the Garden and Mirabelle restaurants. The meals on both evening were first class as was the service we had during both evenings was excellent. The group/band on the Friday evening was a bonus the singer was great sounded like Karen Carpenter. The car parking space was reserved as promised which really helped. The reception and courtiage personnel were very welcoming and helpful nothing to much trouble. Thanks to everyone for making the stay first class be back at Easter..

Visited for a Valentine's Afternoon Tea which was delicious. However the service let down the food. It was scrappy and inconsistent. Not what I would expect from a 5 star graded hotel. On arrival, apart from the doorman, no-one assisted us. However on leaving I noticed the people that were arriving were warmly greeted and asked if they were here for afternoon tea. Their coats and names were taken and they were led through to the correct area for their tea. We were left wandering around and when we found someone were told to 'go over there they'll be able to help you'. Then we were asked far too quickly if we'd made up our minds what we wanted. Having just sat down I hadn't even looked at the menu. So asked if she could come back but in the meantime we'd have our champagne (as we'd booked for champagne AT). We waited and waited for the champagne. Eventually another member of staff came and asked us about the champagne and had we ordered it...! Eventually it came. Along with the sandwiches and cakes. Then when I asked for the tea to be served it took ages to come. It wasn't until we'd almost finished that someone came and asked us if everything was alright. The waitresses seemed more interested in having a chat at the bar than serving the customers and the only saving grace was a very pleasant and efficient male member of staff who seemed to be running around doing everything! Such a shame because bad service can't be redeemed by good food. Shan't be rushing back there.

I was taken here as a birthday treat for three days. It's a lovely old fashioned good service hotel. I used the spa and had a wonderful treatment from Be Be, fabulous lady, so friendly but absolute professional.
Shame it's so far to travel or I'd be there regularly

Spend over night Saturday 31st January, from the time you walk in you think you have gone back in time, from the reception at check in to leaving I really can't think of a negative, we were booked in for lunch at the Mirabelle restaurant which was lovely the service was excellent and the food wonderfully cooked, our room was beautiful everything you could of asked for even a four poster bed, nothing was to much trouble for the staff. Use the health spa later in the day all you need for a chill out, didn't bother going out in the evening we stayed in the bar and had a snack and drink, could stay for a week, a lovely place and will definitely go back.

We stayed here for three nights b&b early February, on a 3 nights for 2 deal. We were looked after from before we walked in the door until we left. The interior is impressive, the room was large, and the service was prompt and excellent. We used the bar, restaurant, pool and spa; all were fine. I wouldn't wish to pay full price, but we received five star value for our money.

My wife and I have stayed at The Grand for several years. The service has always been good and so have the rooms. We like the fact that everyone is expected to dress for dinner. At many other hotels guests arrive in the restaurant wearing dirty trainers and tea shirts. If that's what you want to do, then don't come to the Grand. Of course some people will think it is old fashioned, but surely that is part of the charm.
We have always found that the food is good and the dinning rooms are nice with subdued lighting. If you like a little charm from another age then the Grand is for you.

We stayed overnight at the Grand following a good friends funeral nearby. The weather was very balmy for late Jan and we enjoyed a couple of bracing walks along the front.The hotel was lovely as you would expect from the only 5 star seafront hotel in England.The food was excellent and the staff were extremely helpful and attentive. The public rooms( of which there are many) are intimate yet discreet and the funeral Wake arrangements the hotel organised were first class.We stayed in room 17 which we strongly recommend. We of course wish our stay had been under more pleasant circumstances but we will certainly be back.

This still remains one of our favourite hotels for a week-end away. It never disappoints and it is lovely to be welcomed back. The staff, as always, are a credit to the hotel, from the doorman on arrival through to reception on departure. They are all very attentive, friendly and extremely efficient. One very small downside was on our first night when there was a large private dinner party in the Garden restaurant. Everybody was gathered in the bar areas so there was nowhere for us to have pre-dinner drinks. Not a huge problem but it would have been nice if a small area had been set aside for all the other residents.
The beds are very comfortable and have lovely pillows. The breakfast service has an excellent buffet and still has the best black pudding. Can't wait for our next visit.

I have to say that this was the best tea I have ever had. Following a funeral at Arlington we went to the Grand Hotel for tea and had lovely soft sandwiches, hot pork filets, garlic mushrooms, fish balls, and wine and tea for those who did not want to drink.Lovely room at the Carrington Suite, nice staff, lovely ambiance and superb loos. Best tea ever. Well done Management of the Grand Hotel, for the Vine function.

Dined at this seafront hotel with a large group and pleasantly surprised at the courtesy and good service offered to our party Have stayed here before and the décor is elegant and very period
Large parking areas and doorman and valet services too
.One of the best hotels in Eastbourne

The Breakfast buffet was very standard and they kept running out of items. The table service was excellent.
Dissapointed with the afternoon tea, as we had to wait for an extended peiod of time for more sandwiches. The scones and cream were good, however the cakes were nothing special. My friend was gluten free, which she had advised when booking a few weeks prior.
It was very clear that the gluten free option was shop bought and very plain indeed with the fruit cake being dry.
The string quartet was very pleasant but the cakes just did not cut it, I would not recommend the food and the kitchen needs to up his game!

A visit to the Grand, 38 years after a summer job working there! It didn't disappoint, many things were instantly and reassuringly recognisable - the staircases, the lounges and the bedrooms seemed just the same. Far from being a negative this was a tremendously good thing - the old lady's elegance and presence and lack of mobile phones, ipods, computer screens, background muzak etc all made for a thorougly relaxing and enjoyable stay.

Great experience, treat for my other halfs 40th, saw Dirty Dancing at congress then stayed a night at The Grand. Staff were great, could not do enough for you. Everyone was welcome, we even saw dogs being walked. Evening meal and breakfast was superb, kippers with my full english, lovely. Sauna, pool, steam room was a pleasure, although could probably do with a makeover. Room was nice, decore was in keeping with the style/era of this 1875 building, so don't expect too many mod cons. The hallways seemed to go on for miles as our room was on a wing, it was fair hike to our side sea view room but well worth the trek, again so Grand! We both loved the experience even if it was for just the one night and would definately stay again. Highly recommended.

Had a wonderful pamper day in the Spa at The Grand Hotel today. The staff are so attentive and can't do enough for you. Had a facial with, I think her name was Becca. Very relaxing. Great sandwich for lunch. Will go again soon.

This was bought as a Christmas present from are daughter and wow what present this is a fantastic hotel from the moment you arrive they can't do enough for you,there park your car for you take your bags etc loved every minute of it the pool sauna is superb the room is large and the bed well best we've ever slept in can't praise this hotel and the nice people that work there thank you for a wonderful stay

My wife and I booked in for their New Years Gala dinners, one on the 30th and the other on the 31st, we had champagne receptions on both nights followed by dinner and dancing to a live band also on both nights.
The hotel itself is wonderful we had a suite of rooms overlooking the beach with a large balcony,
sherry and fresh fruit were provided in the room, the complimentary tray included a coffee machine and the beds were turned down, our nightwear was folded and placed on the pillows every night.
The staff were fantastic, we didn't have to lift a finger, everything was done for us, if you went towards a door someone would rush and hold it open for you, if you wanted your car from your free reserved parking space it would be brought to you, we were made to feel very special.
The breakfast had every combination of food that there is in the world, the full English was buffet style or if you preferred they would bring you fresh from the kitchen, kippers, smoked haddock and eggs Benedict were also on offer.
We stayed until the second of January, on the first of Jan the breakfast was later than usual because of the late night of the 31st, they called it Brunch which turned out to be steak, lamb chops, bacon, eggs and anything else you fancied.
However I was disappointed in the Gala dinners, I expected fine dining but it was quite ordinary, it had all the fancy names but didn't come up to scratch as far as I was concerned regarding how expensive the whole package was and it was very expensive.
Other than that we had a marvellous waited on 3 days.

My husband and I went for a Festive afternoon tea and loved it! It was my husbands first afternoon so he wasn't sure what to expect but was more than impressed. We had the prime table, sat right in front of the fire with the gorgeous giant Christmas trees either side of the fireplace. Staff were very polite and attentive, sandwiches were delicious although my husband found the egg and turkey a little bizarre - I did explain that this wasn't traditional so must be the 'festive theme'. Cakes and scones were fantastic, we struggled to eat it all but forced ourselves as everything was so tasty. Tea was continuously topped up by the waiters. All round great experience! Highly recommended.

My husband and I held a birthday lunch for 9 people in the Garden Room and I cannot praise the hotel highly enough. The hotel was beautifully decorated for Christmas. The service is second to none - friendly and efficient and helpful - the waiter even advised us not to order extra side dishes as we would not need them and offered to obtain them quickly for us if we did not agree!!! He was quite right and saved us quite a lot of money! The food was really first rate - every starter, main course, and dessert that we ordered between us was excellent - beautifully presented, plenty of food and wonderfully cooked. To cap it all it was very reasonably priced for such a 'grand' place. I would strongly recommend for an occasion.

PS The afternoon tea is also excellent - served by the fire in the great hall.

My partner & I enjoyed a brief stay at The Grand Hotel in December 2014, just before Christmas. The surroundings were opulent & beautiful. The Christmas trees & classic decorations made the atmosphere even more magical.

Our room was stunning, spacious, warm, comfortable & with everything that we could have wanted & more. The bathroom made a lingering bath an absolute joy!

We had booked afternoon tea, which was a real treat, very tasty & beautifully presented. The hotel staff were welcoming, swift & professional in their service- perfect for a special occasion, which this was.

In the evening, we dined in the Garden Restaurant. Excellent cuisine, again, beautifully presented & served by a fantastic waiting team.

All in all this was a very pleasurable experience from the moment we checked in, to the time we checked out. The reception team & porters, along with every one else we met, were an absolute credit to the hotel. We would highly recommend a stay at The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne.

What we love about this place , other than the amazing sea views , is the amazing traditional of cocktail making which is so clearly upheld in their bar. We enjoyed some expertly made bloody Mary's ,which had a shot of sherry in them too, before enjoying a reovirus of beef with all the trimmings for supper.
This place is an institution and we thoroughly recommend to everyone.