We stayed at the Grand for my 70th birthday two years ago and really wanted to go back again this September for our 51st Anniversary. Unfortunately there was no availability for the dates we wanted, 16th to 18th for the type of accomodation we wanted. On our last visit our room was looking rather tired and in need of refurbishment and the bed was very very soft which was a problem for me, but everything else about this wonderful hotel met our needs, from being met at the entrance by the head porter who arranged for oour luggage to be sent to our room to having our car parked for us!! The staff were exceptional and the surroundings beautiful. One small problems was that if you didn't reserve a table for dinner, you would probably be unlucky. But we did and it was lovely. My husband had just been diagnosed as diabetic and this was handled efficiently by the chef. We had heard that a lot of work has been carried out at the hotel since our last visit 2 1/2 years ago so thought we must go back.
We were so disappointed as we had had a disastrous stay for our Golden Wedding last year at a nearby hotel in Eastbourne, and decided we would go back to our all time favourite. Disappointed yes, but perhaps we should have tried booking a little earlier. We were going for the best accommodation there too!!!! Better luck next time....

I stayed here for 2 nights in September with my 6 month old son. I chose this hotel because their website is very family friendly. We thoroughly enjoyed it. The staff upon arrival and departure were extremely professional and polite. The car was parked and all my bags were carried by the porter. The entrance hall is beautiful and impressive. We stayed in a deluxe room with an inland view. It was spacious and clean and the staff remembered to add in the steriliser I requested and a cot with extra towels and rubber duck as part of their "grand baby" service (free). I ordered room service for breakfast as I didn't trust my baby not to grab everything in the dining room and whilst it was 15 minutes late, it was hot and more than enough and as I ordered (slightly off menu). We went for a swim in the indoor pool, which was lovely and spent some time in the playroom, which was a bonus. The location is fabulous. I didn't eat dinner in the dining room as I was babysitting, but I did look at their separate vegetarian menu (available upon request) which had 3 vegan options, which was good to see. Having a room with a sea view would have made it a fabulous stay as my room was next to a road and there was occasional traffic noise - next time I will upgrade to the front!

Had a much needed long weekend in Eastbourne and stayed in this very grand hotel. Rooms very spacious and well provisioned. Restaurant great for breakfast and good for dinner but very up-market menu and dress code. These days slightly unnecessary for men to wear jackets. We ate there twice, once more than planned due to lack of anywhere else decent to find food. Lack of wi-fi a serious disadvantage. When you're paying these rates, wi-fi ought to be included, not just half an hour on a shared PC. If the Holiday Inn Express can do it ...... !!! Lovely to be so close to the seafront and to be able to sit sheltered from the biting winds!

This was our second visit to the Hotel ...once again when we first arrived the concierge was their to help with our bags and to show us to our rooms .The rooms were clean and the Bed linen was excellent .towels were changed daily.. there was tea/coffee facilities as well.Room service was 24/7 .. The housekeeping was good.. but on a couple of occasions in my room
it seemed that the bed was not made properly .. We had reserved a table in the Garden Restaurant (Table 3) in the alcove ..if you wanted to people watch ..Food was good ..choices were excellent.Waiters very polite and went out of their way to help.. During the Day you could sit in the lounge(we chose the weeks when the weather was not kind) and read your paper or just sit back and do nothing.Reception staff could not fault...J Scutt

I booked Sunday Lunch on 11th Sept.for 3 of us as non-residents.
Food,service and attention to detail was faultless,to the extent that I nearly didn't mind the bill!
Many thanks and well done, I look forward to saving up for another treat and wish I could afford to stay there.
Magnifique!

Beautiful architecture and a real sense of grandeur. The hotel is beautiful and the rooms very spacious indeed. I was here on a work event and the food was excellent along with the champagne.

We recently had a couple of nights at this hotel and were really pleased will the service, accomodation and food. We had a night in each restaurant and both were excellent. The service all round is wonderful. We will be going back as soon as we can. A lovely treat.

My partner booked a weekend here as a surprise, and we had a very enjoyable stay. There were a few little niggles (eg breakfast on day 2 was somewhat shambolic), but overall the service was excellent. The vast hotel is clearly maintained regularly at great expense, and is beautiful and impressive, and we give this top rating on the basis of the common areas. Our room was large and comfortable without noise. The style is traditional, so don't choose this hotel if you prefer something more fashionable. An army of staff, in smart uniforms, collaborate to make your stay comfortable... they even pour your tea for you!
Highlights:
Watch those who can dance to the band in the evening
Have the glorious afternoon tea in the Grand (?) Hall
Dinner in Mirabelle's was very special, with a high standard of cuisine.

My wife and I are now 'regulars' at The Grand and ensure that we have the same balcony, sea-view suite on each visit, when we make it our base for attending the operas at Glyndebourne.
This hotel gives you the best reception experience in the country .. and it doesn't diminish in other departments. May I particularly recommend the cocktails mixed by Gabor .. which he will concoct to suit your personality (!) .. so you find out what impression you make. True; the hotel doesn't (yet) have the plasma screens and gadgets which some hotels need in order to distract clients' attention away from the fact that their hotel lacks character and the amenities which will entertain you outside of your room.
We’re booked for our third (return) visit this year .. as I’m happy ‘to put my money where my mouth is’.

Excellence from start to finish!

We stayed 3 nights. The welcome, service, food and accomodation were spot-on!

A result in every sense.

We recently stayed here with our two children (5yrs, 11 months)and had a lovely time. The staff were very helpful and couldn't do enough for you. Our daughter enjoyed the Grand Kids package and loved her cookies and milk every night. Both pools were lovely and it was nice to swim somewhere warm!
Our only gripe was with the food. Although there is an allocated time in the restaurant for family dining we found the menu too much for us when eating with small people!! Our daughter had her meal in the lounge which was nice but the menu for us was very limited. However, there are plenty of family resturants to eat in around Eastbourne so this would not put us off going back. Helen, Cambs.

Had two fabulous nights here at the end of July and can only describe our visit as perfect. Greeted by the Concierge who escorted us to reception. Speedy and efficient check and we were escorted to a lovely room on the first floor which had all the amenities you would expect of a hotel of this calibre.The room was comfortable, well decorated and had a very good siized en-suite. We ate in the 'Garden Restaurant' on both evenings and the service and food were superb ( love the way the staff reveal your dish by syncronised lifting of the silver domed plate covers). Slept really well in the comfortable bed and enjoyed a substantial breakfast both mornings. Choice of hot breakfast buffet or order from the menu together with a fabulous continental choice.
All The staff we encountered were efficient, polite and friendly and I don't know how they could improve. Good location on the sea front and a short pleasant walk to the town centre. The area at the rear of the hotel is known as 'Little Chelsea' and there are very nice shops and restaurants, cafe bars, etc.
I would not hesitate to return and in fact looking forward to our next visit.

Last year we tried to book dinner and B&Bfor one night but were told we could only book a minimum of 2 nights. Thankfully in todays economic climes they have a change of heart! We booked a sea facing room which was large with a big bay window. All beautifully clean and the furnishings complemented the feel of the hotel. The bathroom had been refurbished with new fittings and pristine new tiling. Masses of thick towels and toiletries.
We booked dinner in the Mirabelle restaurant where the food was very good - could do with a bit more imagination on desserts.Wine was very expensive.
The service throughout the hotel was exceptional especially in the restaurant.
Breakfast is served in the Garden restaurant where there was a large choice of 'hot or cold'
Yes the building is Victorian and shows in parts but one would not book into this hotel if modern chic isi what you want.

Our Son Joe and his bride Maddie were married here last weekend and I can honestly say everyone made their day perfect in every way. Gabriella the wedding planner was amazing ....the staff first class and the hotel amazing!!! Thank you to all of you.....YOU ARE THE BEST!!!! xxx

The at the age of 46, This was my first Stay in a 5 star hotel, it was magical very much like the over look hotel off the Flim the shining. The room was lovely and the staff even lovelier, so helpful and polite. We eat in the main dinning room food was absolutely spot on. Breakfast was unreal, I can't wait to go back thank you to all the staff warm regards Amanda.

Unfortunately we only had a short weekend break here but it was just what the doctor ordered - great service so nothing to complain about!! AND we got a good price on Travel Republic. (Direct through the hotel you can also get a 3 for 2 deal.) Unlike other hotels in Eastbourne there are no worries about parking - just pull up at the front and your car is valet parked. Our suite was an ample size with an enormous bed and sofa bed for our 7 year old. It was left as a sofa all day and then turned into a bed whilst we were at dinner and our bed was turned down etc. Our bed was very sumptuous but a bit soft for me - but I guess that's just personal preference and would not stop me going again!
Luckily we had some sunshine so we could make the most of the outdoor pool which was bath temperature and terrace for the Jazz band on Saturday lunchtime. The indoor pool was really warm too and everything as clean as it should be. I could see it being a great place to while away an afternoon in winter - Us with a books on the loungers and son in the pool!
We paid an extra 10 pounds for our son and for that he got a goody bag, milk and biscuits at bedtime, access to some type of kids club (which we didn't need) and a meal in the 'Family Dining' restaurant which allowed casual dress at a sectioned off end of the Garden Restaurant which had a short menu. (Adults were £38) Slightly salty soup but the rest was fine. Apparently the other restaurant is better but didn't suit us with a young child. There was a fair selection for breakfast; most of hot stuff was from a buffet but was not quite as hot as it could be. However the service and ambiance made up for it - it was a lovely relaxing start to the day.
Staff at reception were really helpful. A fantastic choice for a peaceful break and some pampering.

Overall it was very good. However, there were a few niggles. Firstly, although the hotel is non-smoking, and we appreciate that you can't smoke in the rooms, it would be nice if they provided heaters on the terrace for those of us who like an after-dinner smoke - it was absolutely freezing out there! Also, whilst the swimming pool attendants were quite happily fixing furniture, they left two plastic glasses by the pool all day (they were still there at 1800 in the evening!) - not something one expects in a 5* hotel. Finally, although the rooms were maintained beautifully, someone should remind the staff that fingermarks should be cleaned off doors. Breakfast was good, but very similar to those experienced in 3* European hotels. I was tempted to order kippers, but there was quite a long wait.
All in all, a beautiful hotel, but these niggles should be addressed.

We stayed mid-week for our 20th wedding anniversary, which included an evening at Glyndebourne. The Grand was everything we expected and more, the staff was extremely welcoming and friendly, and although they didn't know it, made it for a memorable anniversary: we arranged for a car to take us to the opera and back (evening wear as tradition has it), and it happened to be a lovely white Mercedes S-Class. Upon our return, there was a band and singer at the bar, so we also - unexpectedly - danced. All quite decadent!
The guest population was mostly "older" couples and groups and middle-aged couples, but surprisingly quite a few families with children. Who seemed to be quite in tune with the surroundings because they were all quite coolly well-behaved! (what I mean is that they were naturally and stress-less well behaved, not constrained and with freaky parents)
The high tea is excellent and although we hadn't had lunch we could barely finish all the food...
Rooms are decorated in English style (but not overdone), there is a beautiful spa and outside heated pool.
The only small disappointment is that the toiletries were not replenished on our second day.
Will definitely go back, with or without the family, for a short break, and make use of one of the special offers, which we didn't this time. And we want to try the famed Mirabelle restaurant too!
NOTE: there is no Wifi but there is free internet LAN access in your room, as well as a free PC terminal for guest use. So (if like me) your netbook needs an ethernet adaptor, don't forget to bring it! I am not complaining about this BTW, it would take away the charm if the lobby/lounges/bar were full of people with laptops!

We go each year to the Grand we usually find something wrong each year,this year it was wifi and television problems, hopefully they will be sorted, I am afraid we made the duty managers life a bit hectic during our stay,but overall we enjoyed our usual suite, trouble is it gets more expensive each year at £400 for B/B per night, food at the hotel is very good but not in the Michelin standard yet.We still love the hotel overall and we would say to anyone that it is a nice place to stay,with good staff, who do go out of their way to please and the overall comfort of the place is very good indeed and the staff do set a good standard at all times with knowledge and help, we get looked after and it makes you feel good being there.

My wife and I took our 2 young children (8 weeks & 3 years) to this hotel for a relaxing family break for 4 nights. All in all an excellent hotel. The indoor pool was almost bath temperature which meant the kids stayed in for hours. The only slight disappointment was the standard of the shower in our room (deluxe) and that the children's tea was quite late so not really an option. Also the quality of ingredients for breakfast was disappointing for a 5* and the money paid per night which included breakfast ie the bacon was greasy and very thin and the muffins almost like Tesco value.. homemade ones would have been more fitting for a hotel of this grandeur. Overall though the staff and appearance of the hotel made our stay very memorable.

This was our second visit to this grand old hotel, last time we were room only ,but this trip was a good deal, pay the going b and b rate and you get £30 per person per night towards any of the hotels facilities, we opted for dinner on both nights, the first night we ate at mirabelle, it was amazing, the service first class, the staff knowledgable and the food delicious, the wine list is varied and extensive and caters for all palates and wallets we opted for a carafe of rose (still £20!) but were not made to feel we had chosen from the cheap end of the list.
at £40 for the set menu we felt this was such good value(£10 each with our £60 credit) but we would gladly have paid anyway it was so good as we had such a great time, after dinner there was a live band and singer in the lounge bar they were very good , the carpet had been removed to reveal a propper dance floor , we are not dancers but enjoyed watching as we drank our coffee and ate our chocolates, and we did take one turn round the floor !
Breakfast was lovely in the garden restaurant, there is a buffet but as we had read, order your food from the menu and you dont need to get up, thats what 5* is all about,
and you do feel special as they lift the cloches to reveal your bacon and eggs!
The public areas are all wonderful and we sat very happily reading our papers and having a drink, lunchtime on saturday they have a jazz band on the terrace they were brilliant, we didnt eat but were able to listen .
We were looking forward to our candle lit dinner in the garden restaurant on saturday but have to say we were very dissapointed, at £38.50 each we felt it was over priced , the room and atmosphere were good with a pianist playing as you ate, service good but the food let it down my husband ordered the plaice and iwhen it arrived it was served with roasted potatos and parsnips ! i had roasted guinea fowl so that was fine for me, when we had finished we noticed the next table had chips with thier fish, much more appropriate !, although 38 50 for fish and chips is steep! when we go again we would not eat there but in the mirabelle.
the band were in the lounge again and we passed another relxing evening.
upon checkout I mentioned the dissapointing dinner in the restarant and was told the regulars know to ask what the veg will be! , I felt we should have been told when we ordered and asked if that was our choice too. The restaurant manager did come and speak to me and appologise, but I felt he thought I was beeing difficult which didnt feel satisfactory if i am honest.had we payed the full price for our dinner (our £60 off made it £17 for the two of us) I would have asked for it to be taken off our bill.
But this did not spoil our wonderful weekend, thank you to all the staff who made us feel so Grand at the Grand ! its what 5* service does and we shall be back in the autumn for some more!

We stayed at The Grand Hotel Saturday into Sunday, during the last weekend in July. We were both expecting an amazing experience. You are welcomed by concierge politely and friendly. The car porters too were extremely helpful and jovial. The main entrance embodies all The Grands victorian splendour with high ceilings, pillars and gold leaf work, it is light and cheerful. We stayed on the third floor in room 324 which overlooks the back of the building not the seafront. The room was a disappointment. The decor definitely needs a major refurbishment as the pattern of the bedding and curtains was a late 80's design and looked tired and sad. The furniture could have been more modern as the seating was very hard, dark and gloomy. It was as if we were in a very sad old people's home. Our "view" was of the very noisy air-conditioning system and as it was a very hot day, the room was extremely hot to the point of unhealthy, but there was no air-conditioning in the room only in the main areas. There was not even a fan. The bathroom although clean and tidy, was also was an old design. If you want to do victoriana then at least keep it looking fresh, not faded and fusty. As we got ready, although we drew the curtains and opened the windows, the room became unbearable and my partner couldn't even put his shirt on for dinner as the sweat dripped off him with the heat in the room. We quickly made our escape and hoped it cooled so we could sleep. There are two sittings for dinner and had to wait until 8.30 before we could dine. We dined in the Garden Restaurant and decided on the Table d'hote menu. The food was good but I would have expected much more from a 5 * hotel, having stayed in other 5 * hotels. We have eaten better food at our local gastro pub and for less. The management could do with employing someone who could give the hotel an amazing reputation for food. It's an opportunity lost. Our bedroom was sticky but cooler than before, however the air-conditioning system outside was still working. It eventually went off at 00.28 but resumed around 6.00 a.m., not good for any light sleepers. Breakfast is buffet style with various cereals, fruit, yohurts, continental breakfast or cooked breakfast. Nothing extraordinary. As for the facilities, we didn't have time to use them. We went and had a look at the fitness centre and indoor pool. We have seen better facilities at hotels with a lesser star rating e.g. golf country clubs. Perhaps the hotel is short of space, but would have thought there was room for improvement especially with its close proximity to Eastbourne Tennis Club and the many players who visit, it should at least have a bigger indoor pool. We cannot comment on the spa and hairdressing facilities. Overall, the hotel is good but it is living on its past reputation from a bygone age. The staff are efficient and courteous. The main structural areas of the hotel are impressive but the bedrooms let the overall experience down. They really need some air-conditioning in the bedrooms in the warm weather and a major refurbishment of the decor and furniture. The food needs to be amazing not ok. You can do old world hospitality and charm but drag the facilities into the 21st century, urgently.

I took the Ladies of my family for afternoon tea. It was a lovely way to spend an afternoon.

The Staff were very attentive from the Gentleman on the door who directed us to the lounge to the excellent waiter and waitress who ensured that our teapot was always fresh and our cups were never empty.

There was a good choice of sandwiches and cakes and the scones were warm and very fresh. There was also a very comprehensive choice of teas.

The lounge was a lovely place to have tea, calm and relaxing. We would definately return.

We stayed in Eastbourne as a friend was getting married nearby. We had lunch in the light filled dining room in this hotel the following day and the service was great, and loved our room too, quiet and peaceful as befits residents with a baby, well appointed plenty of room, fresh decor and good room service. Would love to stay there again.

We had a wonderful one night stay at this majestic hotel, right opposite the Eastbourne’s lovely seafront. The hotel most definitely lives up to its name, attention is paid to detail everywhere within. We felt like moneyed people as we were pleasantly greeted by the door man (who for a tip will happily park your car).

Inside the staff are friendly and very informative, we had a lovely chat with the bar man in the evening as we sipped on some pre-dinner drinks (although the drinks were a little pricey, but we sort of expected that).

Our room was a sea view deluxe complete with Molton Brown minis (girlie squeal). We had a nice view (the seafront was to the left) and room was extremely comfortable. I loved the in-room dressing gowns and adored coming back after dinner to find our bed “turned down” and decorated with rose petals.

The breakfast was delish!!! Their scrambled eggs were divine.

A lovely luxury hotel, we will most definitely be heading back for some old school glamour in this great seaside town.