Just had a very enjoyable weekend here. It is a beautiful,elegant hotel and whilst some of its facilities may not be up to modern standards this is more than compensated for by extremely helpful and professional staff as well as beautiful public rooms.
The location on the seafront is well set back from the road and consequently there is very little traffic noise.
We ate in the Garden Restaurant and the food was beautifully presented with a good menu choice and excellent service.
Our bedroom was comfortable and spacious with a sea view and well stocked tea and coffee and bathroom goodies.
If you are looking for comfortable, elegant,old world charm with great attention to service, I would highly recommend this hotel.

We're in our 60s and felt positively youthful here. It's a shame the demographics are as old as the hotel. Its faded elegance and evident need for upgrading lend it charm and our sympathy. Look past the carpet and wallpaper and you see a very clean, very well managed establishment -- with staff who maintain a tradition of service and care. Because this was a special trip (my wife is an Agatha Christie cultist...) we ate a very special dinner in the Garden Room, rather than the Mirabel Room. Slight difference in entrees and price; our decision based on entrees. Perfection. From the abundance of servers who never let a wine glass go empty or an empty plate sit atop the table, to the taste and presentation of the meal. Breakfast included with room, so we had buffet including eggs, fruit, cereals, juices, pastry; all good. Walked to Beachy Head, also explored some of the city. Will return with friends, family to walk Beachy Head again and see more of Eastbourne. Breathtaking views from the cliffs. Delightful neighborhoods in an obviously affluent community. (Oh, you must have a pint, or two, of Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter at a local pub, either the Pilot Inn or the Buccaneer )

We have visited The Grand for a number of years and am pleased to say that the standards are always very high . From the initial greeting by the concierge to the departure all the staff are trained to satisfy the guests requirement. The uniforms that the staff wear are immaculate and show the standards expected. The rooms may be a little tired in places with the odd wobbly table but this maintains the period character , do not let this put you off visiting . The afternoon tea should not be missed as it is one of the best in the country .The evening meals are served in 2 lovely restaurants but the food could only be considered as good and certainly does not justify the price charged . The breakfast offers a full range of options and should satisfy everyone's requirements .
It is well worth checking your final bill as twice we have been overcharged .This was rectified on both occasion with sincere apologies. There seem to be so many rates on offer that the staff get confused .
Despite the odd little blip we will return again to experience pleasant first class service where the customer is always treated as a special guest.

Just returned from a stay here which we really enjoyed. We had a room with a sea view which was delightful. Service was very welcoming from the very excellent doorman to the helpful receptionist. The barman was excellent with his lively cocktails and the evening meal was delicious. We had a very charming young man from Slovakia do a crepes suzette for us at the table. All round a nice experience.
The only slight gripe was a lack of attention at breakfast where the service was somewhat slow.

Visited this hotel the weekend and it definitely deserves the name as it is very grand indeed. From the moment we arrived to when we left the staff was excellent. So friendly and helpful nothing was to much for them. I booked this as an overnight romantic break for me and my boyfriend. He loves the sea so booking a sea view suite was a must even though costly. Was it worth it? Well we had a fabulous time so I'd say yes in some ways it was but I guess I'd much rather spent that money on a longer break somewhere. The food and drinks in the hotel was 5* the spa and range of treatments was excellent I would say the pool could do with being bigger though as it was very busy on Saturday. A seperate area for children to swim in would be nice too as wasn't as relaxing as some spa's I've been too. The weather was outstanding so my partner gave the outside pool a try on the Sunday and loved it. The location image excellent a stones throw away from the beach. My only real complaints are the rooms was very stuffy/hot and could definatly do with having a fan in them at least. We was lucky the windows could be left open as well as the balcony door all night but seeing there was no breeze about neither was very helpful really. Getting ready for a night out was like getting ready in a dark sauna! The rooms need much better lighting at least in the bedroom near the dressing table. Not great at all for doing your hair and make up before a night out! The hotel was very mixed age which was nice. Overall we had a great night away and Id definitely recommend a stay just be willing a spend that bit more! Afterall not many nights cost £400 before any food or drinks etc...

Just spent the night at the Grand Hotel in Eastbourne. Would highly recommend this place to stay. The staff are excellent. From the moment we arrived till the moment we left the staff could not do enough for you. The surroundings were beautiful from the restaurants to the chilling out rooms. A spa, swimming pool and even a snooker room to take your fancy. Our standard room was very clean and tidy but the bed, a double was only standard also so we had a sleepless night. That apart go there and enjoy a great stay. Not cheap, but an experience.

Stayed for three nights: service was excellent as the staff were friendly and helpful and the public areas were very impressive. However, compared to other five star hotels the rooms we had on the third floor were a bit tired looking and in need of an update. Had an evening meal at the hotel and was very disappointed with the quality of the food. Did not go back for a second try, though the breakfasts were good. The heated outdoor swimming pool (29c) was excellent, the gym was well equipped but small. The indoor pool was too hot and had too much chlorine. Hotel very close to town and seafront. Evenings had live entertainment in the bar areas which was really appreciated. Would visit again but ask for different rooms.

Thank you for a lovely first holiday with our 8 month son, the location was great just a stone throw from the beach & town.

Our room was beautiful & our son loved the swimming pools especially the surprisingly warm out door heated pool.

Breakfast was delicious & the staff very friendly & helpful I look forward to coming again next month.

Kindest Regards

The Russell family

we love this hotel. It is only an hour away from us, but we love it just to get away for a night. This time we decided last minute to phone them to see if they had a room free. We booked a deluxe side Seaview this time. It was a lovely bright room overlooking the front of the hotel. We had lunch in the Mirabelle first. This we usually do as like to just relax in the lounge area in the evening. We usually enjoy cocktails at that time with a sandwich to share. At 9.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays the band starts to play, carpet is rolled back to reveal a dance floor. We like to watch the few couples who get up and dance. Not alot though these days... A dying art!!! The service you get here is second to none. Everyone has a smile, nothing is too much trouble. It is such a relaxing hotel and with the prom just over the road for a nice walk it is the perfect place to recharge those batteries. One thing though. There is free wifi to an extent but only to do the basic things.... Any photos to view etc in e.mail and you need to pay for Fast Wifi. I think these days really in a five star hotel free fast wifi should be included.

Went to the Grand Hotel spa, extremely nice staff but the spa was very tired looking I was so disappointed when shown to the indoor pool area only about 6 sun loungers and 6 chairs to "relax" in no back ground music no ambiance, the ceiling tiles were dirty and one in the middle where we were sitting had a large piece missing with staining all round it. The treatment rooms were better not very subdued lighting and piano music playing the therapist was fantastic and the experience was lovely and relaxing. I was shown back to the pool area whilst waiting for my daughter to finish her treatments. I asked for a latte and had to wait over 30 mins to get my drink!!. Declined to use the pool used the Jacuzzi which was invigorating but would warn any seniors its pretty fierce so hips could be broken!!! We also had afternoon tea and were seated in the Grand Hall lots of people trotting past as we tried to have our afternoon tea, It was lovely but I would not pay to take someone for afternoon tea as I thought it was very expensive (this was a gift day from daughter) Over all the treatments were lovely didn't think much of the hotel for me

Stayed for one Sept night in a side sea view room on DB and B terms.
The hotel is well situated on the sea front with easy parking.
Reception staff are helpful and public areas impressive, in a faded English manner.

Our room was of good size but hot, despite all the windows being wide open on our arrival. Outside temperature was in the low 20's but room SW facing into the sun.
The room remained hot overnight, disturbing our sleep and not helped by a too warm duvet. Apparently fans are available and the hotel is clearly aware of the problem. Must be unbearable in high summer and air conditioning is clearly required in all of the sea facing rooms. Bathroom was adequate but the shower is over the bath.

The evening meal was disappointing. The set menu (£42) is limited and the
additional charges for eating off the a la carte menu are exhorbitant. A bottle of still water cost us £4.65 !

Overal the staff are excellent but the hotel does not provide the food and comfort that should come with a 5 Star rating and price tag. We will not return.

Yes she's old ,probably a little tired , but accept it.
We booked a double room with partial sea view and were upgraded to a junior suite , it was a huge room with a very nice bathroom .
The staff were very friendly and efficient , the clientel a liitle 'up themselves' ,but it was a pleasure to stay there.
The food in the 'Garden' restaurant was excellent but why oh why do they allow the staff to strip the used tables and prepare them for the next day whilst people are still eating at other tables.
On the whole brilliant!

What can I say? This is probably the best hotel I have ever stayed at. My husband and I spent three lovely nights at this Hotel last week. Upon arrival we were greeted by the concierge who parked our car for us in the Hotel car park. All the staff from the concierge, reception staff and housekeeping staff were professional, courteous and made us feel very special indeed.

The hotel itself is situated in a prominent position in Eastbourne along the seafront and is an ideal base to tour Eastbourne and nearby Beachy Head. The added bonus was that the weather was glorious too.

The hotel room was immaculate, the breakfasts lovely and the hotel itself is a gem.

We hope to go to the Grand again next year and this Hotel is simply the best.

We had a superb stay at this wonderful place. It is a bit of a time warp and they really need aircon in all rooms bur a modern equivalent would have none of this charm. Excellent staff, great facilities a blast from the past and a real treat.

Stayed here sat 6/7th sept for our wedding anniversary nothing was too much trouble ,staff polite very helpful .
We were upgraded to a master suite overlooking the front of the hotel which was lovely .In our room we had fruit and card from staff / managers congratulating us on our anniversary( nice touch ) .
Our dinner in the mirabelle restaurant was excellent with a man playing the piano and breakfast next day had a good choice of food hot/ cold .
A fabulous stay by the sea .

Firstly I must just say that the best thing about this hotel is definitely the staff who work hard and welcome you gloriously, but 5* it isn't! Take a good look at the rooms online as the photos are fair- pink velvet armchairs and chinz curtains and bedcovers. This hotel needs a lot of money spent on it to truly make it to 5*. We couldn't work out which part of the hotel had earned the star rating, certainly not the rooms. Children eat a buffet off of the main dining room which makes you feel like an outcast and their food choice was pretty poor with dried up burgers and pizza. Adult food ok but not outstanding. Service was poor at breakfast but, in fairness it was very busy with everyone arriving at the same time. As a couple avoid but if you have children who like swimming this could be for you.we won't be going back.

Go back in time, with decor and where service is top of their agenda and you feel like 'one of the family' as soon as you walk in, then The Grand at Eastbourne is your place!!
We went for the air show and even if the hotel was rather busy, the impeccable service, food quality and attention to detail did not fail to impress! Just as it should be where ever you go! Other hotels should take note!
Lunch being just a sandwich oh no you get a small cup of 'Chefs daily soup' in addition to your sandwich and crisps.
Now we hadn't booked afternoon tea until that day but this was no bother to them and we had this at 3pm. All fresh and heavenly. My only fault would be not enough savoury sandwiches for two people, but the pastries and scones Devine!!!!!
Are we going back??????? Definitely!!!!!!!

This is a difficult one as The Grand has so much going for it. The history of the building and it's music and radio past are exceptional. However there were moments where I felt
I was in a mausoleum. Everything is subdued and badly lit, although there is information about the history in sections of the hotel, it doesn't draw you in as it should. Nothing says this more than the huge breakfast dining room. A mish mash of styles and furniture, a selection of cereals placed in the centre of the room, making it a very sad focal point, whilst the hot food is hidden at the far end of the room. I say hot, I use that term loosely as the bacon was Luke warm and the scrambled egg was so cold as to be inedible. Staff wander around as if they wish they could be somewhere else. One young waiter proving the exception to the rule. I fear he is fighting a loosing battle as the word smile obviously hasn't been heard of. The whole room is depressing, yet again it's badly lit. Even the large picture lights are focused on the frames not the paintings. On a glorious morning with sunshine brightening the inside walkway alongside the restaurant we were subjected to sombre dining as overbearing net curtains blocked any light out. I realise this hotel works for an older crowd and overseas visitors but it could be so much more. You only have to read a few of the other reviews about the quality of meals and afternoon tea service to realise that more and more people feel the same.

I can only recommend staying at this well preserved and beautifully run Victorian relic which maintains so much of the flair of a bygone era. As a family with two kids and a teenager we have stayed at the Grand in Eastbourne several times. It is a fantastic place from which to enjoy the spectacular Eastbourne Airshow "Airbourne". We booked one of their Master-suites which are huge and were set-up with three beds for the kids in the large drawing room and mum and dad in the equally gigantic bedroom.
The staff are brilliant and took the best care of all of us. The leisure facilities are great and offer a fantastic break in the afternoon for the entire family. The outdoor pool was wonderfully warm and could be enjoyed despite the English weather.
We will definitely come back as soon as we can!

I've travelled to Eastbourne and stayed at The Grand on business many times. This time, it was a pleasure trip with my wife. What a great place to treat yourself to some old world elegance; the beautiful old building, the fantastic breakfast and unsurpassed service from the staff. Fantastic!

We live quite local to the Grand and often walk along the sea front past the hotel.
On several occasions my wife had said how wonderful it must be to stay somewhere like the Grand
but due to the expense thought it would never happen.
I booked a room and evening meal as a surprise for her 50th birthday and made several calls to the hotel prior to our stay and the staff were always very helpful and polite.
On the day of our stay we arrived at the hotel with my wife showing signs of concern as I unexpectedly tuned into the drive way.
Panic followed as I pulled up at the very grand looking entrance and a member of staff approached the car with a smile and asked if we had a reservation. My wife's panic turned to tears as I replied "yes" to his question and that was the start of the most wonderful visit we have ever had anywhere.
The hotel exceeded all our expectations.The staff on reception were polite and friendly and we were give a room upgrade which was a lovely surprise.
The porter took our bag and pointed out relevant areas and shared some historic facts as he showed us to our room. He was very warm and welcoming.
The room we were given was at the front of the hotel and had a lovely view of the sea. (In my opinion worth the extra cost).
The room was spacious, very clean and felt luxurious.
We went down to dinner and again were welcomed by friendly staff and were shown to our table. The dinning room was fabulous. Very "grand".
The food was the best I have tasted to date and there was a good choice.
When we went back to our room the lights were on and the bed had been turned down. The room looked very cosy!
We both had a great nights sleep in a very comfortable bed. It was so nice waking up to the sea view.
The standard of great food and service continued with breakfast in the dining room.
I had wanted my wife to have a treatment in the spa but there were none available when I asked. The member of staff took my number and said they would ring if they got a cancellation which they did some time later. My wife felt spoilt during the treatment and said the staff once again were great.
This was to be a one off visit due to cost but we had such a special time here we will definitely visit again.
This hotel is definitely worthy of its five stars and should be very proud of all its members of staff.
It was a visit we shall never forget.

Four of us went for lunch on Saturday. We enjoyed the set menu of three courses for £23. Beautiful hotel, fabulous service and of course the food was fabulous. I recommend this hotel for many reasons. I have used the spa for my birthday in the past, now I have had lunch there. One day I may have dinner there! If you think its out of your price range its not. Treat yourself to a little luxury!

This wonderful hotel (known locally as The Wedding Cake because of it's intricate white exterior) stands the test of time. If you want perfectly posh, then this is NOT the place for you! This Grand Old Lady has seen better times decor-wise, for sure, but this just adds to the charm. The whole point of the Grand is the service and comfort, both of which are outstanding. The food is well cooked, fresh and inviting, rather than the latest trend. The furniture is comfortable, inviting you to linger over another drink or coffee.....not those chairs and sofas which look amazing, but are so uncomfortable you can't wait to leave!
The staff...well, what can I say? They are well trained, and find that perfect point of being friendly without being over familiar. They are vigilant, and try to anticipate a guest's needs.
If you get to stay here, bedrooms and suites are spotlessly clean, with comfortable beds and good bathrooms. The extra touches such as water, bathrobes, slippers and good toiletries are an added bonus. Nothing is too much trouble, whether your request is to Housekeeping, Concierge, Room Service or Guest Relations (Did I mention Madeleine, the Guest Relations Manager? SUPERB!!) There is also a very nice pool, gym and beautician to add to a relaxing stay.
I, for one, hope that The Grand Hotel stays just as she is, and ignores the people who want more Razamataz...there are other places for them. Just go there, relax, be waited on and made to feel special....nowhere in this area does it as well as The Grand Hotel.

Very pleasant afternoon tea however somewhat sparse. The menu for afternoon tea was egg mayonnaise and tomato sandwiches, coronation chicken , cream cheese and cucumber, and salmon.which myself i don't eat cream cheese or egg and my friend does not eat coronation chicken. we asked for alternatives such as ham or something. when the sandwiches came out I had one triangle of coronation chicken and two of salmon and one of egg. My friend had two egg one cheese and a salmon. the eton mess was really nice and the scones were nice however the cream and jam was in short supply for the scones. The tea was served in nice silver pots the waitress was very attentive. The atmosphere inside the hotel was good however some of the décor could do with being updated. The afternoon tea was pleasurable however not the best that I have had and I think we both had higher expectations. We was not asked if we required any more tea or food which is unusual compare to other places we have been.

A palace that takes you back in time to an era of bygone days, when service was of the upmost importance and still is today!! when you walk into the lobby and the staff smile and with a warm voice and say welcome back to the Grand, we hope you enjoy your stay with us again? Before you go to your room, can we just confirm the reservation we have made for you during your stay and they reel off the bookings made and confirm the times. The porter will show you to your room and once again enjoy your stay at the Grand!! where ever you dine, drink or even lounge by the pool you will enjoy your experience at the Grand Hotel Eastbourne!! Oh! upgrade to a sea view room their the best!!!