Although the beds are comfortable and the Molton Brown luxuries are a nice treat the rooms feel very dated. There are definitely some positives upgrading to the Grand such as the excellent food in the Mirabelle and fantastic service from the bar manager.

If one thing could be improved it would definitely be to upgrade the rooms, and also to perhaps offer free upgrades when the hotel is quiet... I believe there were only 20 - 30 guests when I stayed but I still got a room with a tiny bathroom.

The spa/gym facilities are exceptional and they obviously spent a lot of time decorating the public areas for Christmas time.

This is the last remaining top class (5 star) seaside hotel in England, which in itself is something of a pity! I stayed for a weekend and it lived up to expectation.

As in any top class hotel the staff are what make the place. The level of professionalism and courtesy is exceptional. Service is delivered with an element of formality (which has been lost almost everywhere else) but combined with real tact and desire to please. This combination is like gold dust in hotels in this country – it is exceptionally rare today and is why I will return to this hotel.

I dined in the Mirabelle restaurant which was excellent (I know it quite well having used it as a non resident in the past). Like all the staff the manager was superb and the cuisine could not be faulted. I was slightly disappointed to note that the cut crystal glasses have been replaced with ordinary ones. It would be a shame if more such economies crept in.

The major downside is the decor, which is drab and dowdy, especially the rooms. This is not to say that they are run down, they are not, but they have been decorated with an absolute absence of any style whatsoever. I would describe the look as superior B&B. The room itself was rather small and in the eaves (probably a former servant's room). I had booked the standard grade of room but had expected something a bit bigger. It basically wasn't a room that one would expect from a five star hotel.

Everything from the plain green carpet to the dralon sofas to the indifferent repro furniture could have been made far better. Also, carpeting (more plain green) in the bathrooms is not acceptable in this standard of hotel. The public areas have also suffered from style devoid decoration, for example the sludge coloured velour sofas. It looks as if the decor was chosen by a committee of middle aged accountants, and I understand that this is not that far from the truth. This is a shame as so much more could have been achieved for the same outlay had some advice from an experienced decorator been sought. I would suggest a call to Colefax & Fowler or a similar firm next time any decorating is contemplated as a stylish/top class country house interior would very significantly further elevate the hotel.

We enjoyed a family Easter Sunday Lunch in the Garden Restaurant. It was a real treat. The food was delicious and the service first class. We chose the Red House wine and it was excellent. The restaurant was busy but the pace of serving the lunch was perfect. Every member of staff made you feel very special. You definitely felt you were in a 5* Hotel.

The restaurant was beautifully decorated and the flowers were lovely. There was a pianist playing which added to the ambience and was very useful when two of the guests were celebrating birthdays.

Benn at The Grand last February for my Girlfriend birthday, and I must say everything was fantastic, since the moment we arrived till the check out, really friendly staff and amazing food. The staff is defenittely a credit to The Grand!!!

We had our fortieth wedding anniversary at the Grand, and our children and grandchildren also came for dinner and overnight. We had a superb suite overlooking the seafront which was very luxurious. The hotel as always was most impressive and all the staff polished and efficient whilst remaining approachable and friendly. I would agree with some of the other comments that the dinner in the Garden Room, (good value for a five star hotel) may be a little average and could perhaps be a little more memorable in its content and cooking. But overall an extremely pleasant and comfortable long weekend, which we would heartily recommend to anyone seeking a memorable visit.

I have been frequenting this lovely hotel since Elite took it over and spent millions on renovations. I am an Elite Club member so frequent the restaurant often and stay in the hotel at least once each year. I have celebrated my 50th in the hotel and also my partners 50th when we stayed in the Debussy Suite for 2 nights (excellent). The Mirabelle is a good fine dining experience and reasonably priced and what the hotel has its AA rosettes for. The Garden Restaurant table d'hotel menu has crept up in price whilst the selection has diminished. The food is nowhere near as good as it once was. It is clear that the hotel has not been immune from the financial climate and costs have been cut, noticeably so. Coffee and petit fours are now chargeable, staff numbers reduced drastically and plate sizes reduced. The extravagant flower arrangements and the perfumes that once pervaded the hotel have been cut back. I cannot fault the staff or service in any of the areas, polite and friendly whilst being discreet but it has to be said that when the hotel is very busy things don't always go as well as one would expect from a 5 star establishment. I have tried pretty much all the rooms from suite down to executive sea view and can honestly say they have always been clean and comfortable. I like the old fashioned antique feel about the place. I love the Grand at Eastbourne and will be a loyal customer for many years to come but there are some improvements required.

This was a memorable hotel whose impeccable hospitality and friendliness made you want to stay longer. The room had a sea view and balcony which enhanced the ambience and the hotel facilities were great for our family including our 7yr old who loved the swim pool, pitch & putt and snooker room!

A hotel for celebration and relaxation made afternoon tea glamourously effortless, which by the sea made this a great coastal location for families and all. Loved the romantic Garden Restaurant, pianist and attention to detail. The service and location make this a 5 star hotel, beautiful hotel in a fab part of the country with the promenade, South Downs & dramatic coastline. A favourite!

We stayed here for three nights to celebrate a special occasion. The hotel lived up to our expectations in that it was indeed, grand, and the staff level of service (excluding the Garden Restaurant) was very good, and the room comfortable and pleasant to be in. Hotel facilities were very good. The champagne afternoon tea in particular was very good, and the service excellent. However, we were extremely disappointed in the quality of food and the service in the Garden Restaurant. We had booked for our special occasion evening dinner, but didn't think it provided a special occasion. On arrival, the maitre'd ignored us for 2/3 minutes before acknowledging us - he was busy with his booking sheet - and then we were 40 minutes being seated before we had any service. The service was then perfunctory, and the food was bland and uninteresting - it's a traditional menu, but that doesn't mean it has to be without some imaginative taste. It was like very basic pub grub - but at a much higher price! As the alternative restaurant menu was not to our liking, we then had to find places to eat out as we cancelled our subsequent Garden Restaurant bookings.

It was a wonderful experience. We have been there on 3 ocasions, and each time the overall service and food is excellent.
The breakfast is the highlight of the trip, with just so much to choose from. The fresh honey from the comb was delicious, and something I've never seen in a hotel before.
LOOKING FORWARD TOT EH NEXT VISIT

Staying at this hotel is utter bliss. From the moment you walk in, to the moment you leave you are treated very well by friendly staff. The facilities are very good, with spacious, well furnished and clean rooms and well decorated, clean public areas. The leisure centre is good too. Dinner in the Garden restaurant was excellent, as was breakfast and the waiting staff/chefs were able to cater very well for me, despite my food allergies. The only minor issue is the lack of parking at the front of the hotel but this wasn't a problem for us as there is plenty of on street parking at a reasonable price.
Overall, this is a wonderful hotel and if you are looking for a high quality and classic hotel, then The Grand is an excellent choice.

as a treat for my wife and I I booked to stay at the Grand and to have dinner in the Mirabelle restaurant. The booking process was easy, and having considered the set menu I had to raise with the hotel a change to the menu for my good lady who has a problem with shellfish. All absolutely seamless no problem with a change to our meal. We were looking forward to a romantic evening in the hotel without the need to go home afterwards.
I arrived at the hotel before my good lady, checked in and was going up to our room when I noticed a sign pointing into one of the restaurants, not the Mirabelle, indicating that gentleman were requested to wear a jacket or tie when dining. I didn't have a jacket a tie with me. I enquired at reception whether the requirement applied also to the Mirabelle restaurant and was told that it did. I was also advised that I was notified of this requirement at the time of booking, which is factually wrong. In fact, buried in the small print at the foot of the confirmation of reservation e-mail, all that stuff which is usually confidentiality notices, is notification that gentleman would be expected to wear jacket or tie when dining. I take that as being a post contract arrangement and not part of my booking. The hotel staff remained calm and were very happy simply for me to walk away and go elsewhere, not something one does on Valentine's Day.

Eventually, I was loaned a tie. We had a very pleasant meal in the Mirabelle restaurant, service was exemplary and the Chef's choice of wines to go with each course very pleasant. The alternative to the shellfish course offered to my good lady was seabass which I believe she enjoyed.

The restaurant itself perhaps had seen better days, this is however a grand seaside hotel rather than a cutting edge city hotel. I am not entirely sure how the hotel merits its five stars but that is always confusionas there does not appear to be a general policy.

Whilst the issue with the jacket and tie leaves a sour taste, we have rebooked for Mother's Day but won't be staying in the hotel. The hotel is caught in a time warp, apparently pandering to its traditional Client base, seeking to offer a traditional dining and staying experience, I am not sure that a jacket and tie policy really fits in this day and age, no doubt they wish to avoid the "Kiss me quick" hat market, with the greatest of respect to the hotel what they charge excludes that market in any event. I take considerable exception to being told of a policy which is only communicated after the booking has been made. That being said they handled it very well and were very firm. Would we stay there again, frankly no. I think this hotel has to watch out. If Eastbourne is God's waiting room, the waiting room empties and there may not be anybody left wishing to go there. Whilst not in the first flush of youth by any stretch of the imagination, jackets and ties smack of a bygone era.

I love the Eastbourne Grand. We've made at least 20 visits over about 10 years and each one has been just as lovely. It is totally old-fashioned in the best possible way. We are a family of four with an 11 year old and a 6 year old and we have always been amazingly catered for as a family. The hotel provide lovely and special high teas for children during school holidays with several choices and dedicated staff. There is a decidedly older clientele but you are never made to feel unwelcome and everyone is given the same star treatment. It is true that the rooms could do with a bit of modernisation and that the food also is a bit old fashioned but none of this really matters when the wonderful location, grand public rooms, sense of occasion at every meal/drink in the bar and every staff member has been hand selected (or at least that's how it feels). The manager is omnipresent and remembers every face. He takes the time to chat to every customer and make them feel special and he has selected his staff to take the same care. You don't find hotels like this any more. What the Grand lacks in mod-cons, decor and foodiness it more than makes up for in staff attention to detail, friendliness, welcoming for children and care for families and the older generation and just general loveliness and old fashioned charm. Dancing to a live band and the regular strings trio that play at afternoon tea time evokes memories of a time long gone but one which I wish more hotels would aspire to recreate now. Special touches for families include special welcome rucksaks for children with a special set of steps at reception so they can see over the reception desk - they are even asked to sign in with parents. High teas, day long entertainment should you wish, all day long use of the pool and special canapes at dinner, even milk and cookies delivered to the room free of charge every evening and small cans of coke/lemonade on ice in your room on arrival - it's those little details that really count for families and make you feel you are actually welcome here rather than sidelined. Our last visit was for the New Year's Eve package and I actually think the food has really improved in the last year. We had a really happy and enjoyable time and the children really enjoyed the free party on New Year's Eve which included a special disco, games, babysitting til midnight, a lovely buffet and generally was fantastic. The adult party was pretty special too and the staff always have a smile and a chat for you. One of my favourite hotels - and trust me - we are a fussy family!!! Special thanks to the manager who always remembers a face and goes out of his way to help.

We recently stayed at The Grand as a 'special deal' gift from our son and his wife. What a lovely building. The staff were extremely professional and from the moment we arrived, we were welcomed and made to feel special. Our ground floor room, not the grandest in the hotel admittedly, was nevertheless spacious and well equipped. A supremely comfortable bed was much appreciated and after our evening stroll, we returned to see the bed on each side turned down. A nice touch.
A few niggles have to be mentioned though:
The supply of tea and coffee items was quite meagre for a hotel such as this, eg one very small packet of biscuits for two people?
Ditto the bath items...We both remarked on it and compared it unfavourably with the 4star hotel we normally frequent in Eastbourne. The bathroom was very small too which was another surprise.
My sleep was disturbed at around midnight by the noise outside of, I discovered later, squeaky trolleys which were being used to transport items to the bins. Such was the noise, I got dressed and went down to reception to ask what it could be? A very polite and helpful member of the staff came back with me to try to identify the noise. He was impeccably polite and helpful saying he would report the matter, assuring me it would stop very soon.
Clearly, this isn't an unknown problem.
Finally breakfast: Unfortunately we can only rate it as average...6/10. Service was excellent and we could not fault the way we were looked after. But the quality of the food, or do I mean cooking, was disappointing. My scrambled eggs were overcooked and crumbly in texture instead of creamy. My husband's poached eggs were hard.
Notwithstanding these criticisms, The Grand is a lovely elegant hotel with a well-trained and friendly staff.
I just wish the overall experience had been free of those annoying little niggles. Hence the title of this review.

We have stayed here a few times for the LMP weekend and the service and friendliness of all the staff is legendary. You will not find a better place to stay. Everything runs with a smooth efficiency but should you require anything the staff will try their best to accomodate. The food is also very good. Spoil yourself in the Mirabelle

We spent 5 nights at the end of last month (Jan '12) at the Grand in one of their Master Suites. The accommodation was excellent with separate living room, luxury bathroom and superb bedroom offering a double aspect outlook over the sea. The deal on the rates being offered was very attractive with the use of the leisure facilities adding to the enjoyment. The atmosphere at the Grand is relaxed and in no way 'stuffy' making dining in the Garden restaurant a pleasure and worth dressing up for (increasingly rare these days). Of equal importance was the standard of service from the staff. Room service was excellent, always prompt,curteous and friendly. They were attentive but not obtrusive.

We have stayed at the Grand at least 4 times and it is to their credit that their standards have not slipped enabling us to come away this time thinking that this was the best yet.

I love this place. I first went for a work function and returned with my family for a one-night break. Service was impeccable, the room was enormous and they were even able to organise a babysitter for my young child to give me and my husband a much-needed few hours off. The best bit was the baby-sized bath robe! We're fully intending to go again.

I have just spent 3 nights with my fiance and our 2 dogs at The Grand and consider ourselves fortunate to experience a wonderful hotel,exceptional service, top quality food all within 100 metres of the sea! The Grand combines old world charm and courtesy with modern day efficiency. The value for money is exceptional, we have already booked another short break and hope to return many times to this very inspirational and special place.

I was lucky enough to be whisked away to The Grand for a 24th birthday surprise by a very special person. Whilst The Grand may be oldly worldy in some senses it was perfect for a gentle romantic break... We had fantastic friendly service that was helpful and accomodating at all times (I was on crutches with a broken foot). The location of the hotel is unbeatable, we rose at 5.30am to sit ourselves in our arms chairs, drink tea and watch the sunrise over the sea from our 'Seaview room'. Couldn't have asked for more! A wonderful dinner in the Mirabelle restaurant (Shin of beef highly recommended!), cocktails in the bar to couples waltzing, relaxing massage and facial in the morning! The Grand will always be a very special place to me.

We visited the Grand Hotel for a formal dinner dance and arranged to stay the night of the function. We were delighted to be looked after so well as hotel guests and as guests of the function also. Attention to detail and service was excellent.
We shall look forward to repeating the experience another time.

I wanted to take my mother-in-law away for her birthday, she enjoys staying in hotels and I was attracted by the line "The only 5 star seafront hotel In the UK". We travelled as a group of 5 from 3 yeasr old upwards. I didnt fancy the drive to eastbourne so booked a bargain train fare in advance for under £25 for all five of us from Victoria.

I contacted the hotel directly well in advance and they were most helpful in assisting me to book a couple of rooms at a very reasonable price, I had a stinking cold when I booked and was not making any sense, but they replied to all my questions and emails promptly and politely.

The visit to The Grand was an absolute delight and is worthy of my only 5 star rating I have given on Tripadvisor ( so far ). It can be very tricky for a large hotel such as the Grand to balance the needs of a modern traveller whilst maintaining such rich heritage and keeping the building in the standard it deserves. The Grand manages this with aplomb.

It is also difficult for a hotel to offer family freindly visits without destroying the more formal elements that other guests require. The Grand achieved this well too.

I enrolled my daughters into the "Grand Kids" junior programme, and they were treated as welcome guests by all the staff in the hotel. They signed in under their own name, they were given goodie bags, and their own robes. This cost just £10 per child. We tooked advantage of the family dining session ( not included in the £65pp !), where they ate for free and the adults choose from the set menu. We dined in the formal dining room, which the kids really enjoyed. The service for dinner was excellent, we loved the silver service and the pianist.

We took the kids swimming twice, ensuring that they didnt distrub the spa dwellers, but mostly had the pool to ourselves. The spa staff were so helpful and welcoming.

I really enjoyed walking around the hotel, learning about its famous residents of the past, and loved looking round The Great Hall, where so much history has taken place. Taking a few minutes to sit on a sofa and looking up at the granduer of the the 4 storey hall, it was easy to transport yourself back a century, and imagine yourself to be a guest at the same time as famous classical musicians or royalty.

I would definately go back to the Grand, they made me and my family so welcome. With young children it's easy to be seen as a burden for some hotels, the Grand has set up itself to accomodate both young and old alike at the very highest of standards.

The Grand in Eastbourne is an iconic five star British hotel no doubt. The architecture and location in Meads (the posh bit!) sets it apart from just about all other Hotels (including those in Brighton) and it exudes an air of what was once great about Britain - a kind of understated class and efortless ease. Whilst the kitchens would not win any culinary plaudits the food is what a metaphorical Colonel would expect when taking his wife to dinner (no nouvelle cusine here). The rooms are spacious and very quiet (as is the whole town) and the facilities are good. I was very impressed by the gym and the spa. Room service is prompt and polite and all in all I was very happy. I will be going there again.

What was obviously once the Queen of the town has fallen on harder times. The bones are still good, but the hotel is a bit down at the heels and faded. From a distance still beautiful, but up close, not so much. High tea is still wonderful.

I went for a last minute spa day with a friend on 30th December, 2011 and it was one of the few places that still had availability. We thought it would be busy, however a lot of the time we had the facilities to ourselves. The pool was smaller than I thought it would be, however the jacuzzi, sauna and steam room were great. The pool was a good temperature for 'paddling' time away. The staff were very friendly and the half hour massage was brilliant. I had not been on a spa day previously and I must admit the idea has been sold to me. We had a fantastic 'girlie' day, however it would be a great break for anybody wanting just a total chill out and relaxing day. You can choose where to have lunch, so we chose by the poolside. The only advice would be to remember to take your swimming goggles as the chlorine was quite strong. Sorry I can't comment on the gym, the idea of using it was there, however that is as far as the notion went, afterall it was a day about relaxing! It looked small, not busy, and appeared to have good quality equipment in there.

Spent the weekend here for an anniversary and had a lovely time!! The deal we booked on was also very good value!

Our room was decent but with annoying, drafty rattling windows

We decided on a three night break at the Grand after a quiet Christmas.  Back in September we booked 'an Interlude' break - between Christmas and NY.  
We have stayed many, many times at this hotel over the years.  Having first come here for Conferences in the late 70s.  It's changed hands over the years but it still very 'Grand'.
We'd booked 338 on the third floor.  It's an Executive room overlooking the town.  If you crane your neck you can just make out the sea.  It's a very comfortable, large room and quiet. The bathroom needs a bit of updating but there's lots of very hot water and a jacuzzi bath.  The furniture is old fashioned but this is what this hotel is about.
The food in both the Garden and Mirabelle restaurants was very good indeed.  The service was good and the staff  were very efficient and friendly.
The hotel was very full and their were lots of children here too.  They had sectioned off part of the dining room for ' Family Dining' which we thought was a nice touch.  I wouldn't have classed this as a family friendly hotel but there you are.
My husband used the gym and said it was very good.  There is an indoor pool and a spa too. There is an outdoor pool but obviously not available at this time of year!
Whether this type of hotel will still exist in a few years time is debatable.  We think the younger generation will want a more modern hotel with all the gadgets and gizmos.  There is an Ethernet connection in the room which is free for 15 minutes a day.  There is no Wifi in the hotel.  We did manage to pick up a signal in front of the conference suites but it got very crowded there at times!!!!!
Overall we had a really good break and a battery recharge for the year to come.