We had a chance of a few days break and returned to the Grand, the experience was as always amazing. The staff are attentive and considerate, the location is wonderful giving the chance to explore the downs and beach walks are really relaxing and the food is exceptional. The hotel is a real luxury treat.

We loved the hotel as soon as we arrived and found the staff most helpful. They done everything they could to make our stay a pleasurable and memorable occasion. The rooms were beautifully clean and we had a lovely view of the sea. We ate in the garden restaurant the three nights that we were there. The first two nights were fine and we were really looked after by the waiters but the last night we were disappointed. The service was very slow. But the breakfast made up for it, there was everything there we wanted and everything was very appertising. On the whole we had a lovely break and will be coming back again soon hopefully.

This has been our third stay at the Grand Hotel and we have thoroughly enjoyed our visits in the past; on this trip we've started to notice things starting to slip.

Dining room service has been sporadic to say the least. Lots of flourishes when being shown to the table followed, on most nights, by a long delay before being served followed by more delays between courses. On our last evening we poured our own wine and received little more than cursory attention. But when "dignitaries" appeared in the dining room the service shown to them was embarrassing to watch, I've rarely seen so many grown men struggling to "out fawn" each other and the sight of five or six "Black Jacket" staff jockeying for attention was quite sad...and I couldn't even get the horseradish sauce I'd asked for! And when I mentioned this omission to the gentleman who served us, he blamed his assistant and sulked. We walked out.

In fairness John, a member of the restaurant team did follow us out and find out what was wrong and we told him and he and the duty manager did show real concern.
Reading this you might well think these are the comments of a sulky couple who weren't made the centre of attention and didn't get their horseradish sauce, far from it, we didn't want to be any more than paying guests expecting the same level of service as others.
Perhaps the seagulls that grace the hotel terraces have got it right by hanging around the food tables that look to offer the best tit bits and perhaps the guests that are surrounded by fawning "Black Jackets" should shoo them away in the same way as the "Black Jackets" do the seagulls.

Two last points to mention, The bathroom carpet has some very unpleasant stains around the toilet pan, whilst I'm told the carpets are going to be changed at some stage surely someone should go round and shampoo the area, I'm sure the Hotel General Manager wouldn't stand by one of his toilet pans in his bare feet. And if you've paid extra for a suite, like we did, you'll need to be careful not to rest your arms in the vast amounts of guano on the balconies.

All in all a hotel that's resting on its laurels which needs a critical eye run over it by its own management. There are still some very good attentive staff but it's hit and miss.

From arrival to departure the level of service was excellent. Our children were made to feel welcome immediately with welcome packs and their own signing papers. It was the small details which stood out for us. The high tea for the children, the cookies and milk before bed all very nice touches. The staff generally from front of house to housekeeping where very pleasant and extremely helpful. We will definately go back and would recommend this hotel to anyone, young or old all are catered for with the same level of care.

We booked this hotel fairly last minute, so as to see the Airbourne air show in Eastbourne. On arrival you can't fail to be impressed by the scale and beauty of the building. Attentive doormen took our luggage and parked the car within moments, and check-in was just as simple. We were shown to our room - 142, which was an 'interior' room (i.e no sea view), which was clean and tidy. I would agree with many reviews on this hotel - the public areas are beautiful, but the rooms are somewhat dated - disposing of the chintzy curtains and bedspreads in favour of plain fabrics would immediatley give the rooms a lift. And the too-small pictures hung randomly on the walls could be done away with. We had a nice tray of teas available, and a sachet of coffee for the cafetiere - all very well until you want another cup later on. The kettle didnt work - I had to keep the switch depressed by means of resting something on it. The view from the inside room was over the roof - not pretty, but at least the window opened. One piece of advice - leaving the window open all night (which we needed to as the room was so warn) means that you will most likely be woken by the screech of seagulls at around 4am. Not something the hotel can do anything about, and in a way it's quite nice as it adds to the feeling of being by the sea - but not great if you have filled up on wine from the restaurant the night before.
As far as the restaurants go - we ate in both. The Garden room is where breakfast is served. We read the information booklet on arrival, and it stated that men were required to wear trousers to breakfast - strictly no jeans. This came as a surprise - we knew this was the case in the evening, but didnt expect it for breakfast too. However, on arriving for breakfast we noticed all manner of clothing, from shorts to jeans, to smart trousers, so the rule has clearly been abolished. In the evenings, the restaurants seem to run a tighter ship in regard to clothing, and jacket or tie is required for the men. Food - very very good, in both the Mirabelle and Garden room. I would say the Mirabelle is the more 'refined' restaurant - everything done 'properly', - a quiet atmosphere with live piano in the background. On the evening we dined in the Garden room, there was a whole table allocated to some german children - all of whom thought nothing of running riot up and down the restaurant, and casuing havoc to the poor waiting staff. All of this going on behind the table of completely oblivious parents - all of whom were far too concerned with their ipads and conversation to take any notice whatsoever. I was surprised that the restaurant didnt insist on putting at least one adult on the childrens table to supervise. We were sat on the next table to this group, and suffered in silence for the evening - which may explain the fact we were given a complimentary glass of rather nice red wine..... The location of the hotel is superb - a mere stone's throw from the promenade, and an absolute corker of a spot for the airshow. For a taste of how Brits used to holiday, stay at the Grand - a lovely piece of history, and charming staff - just try and ignore the chintz in your room!

From the moment the Concierge opened the car door to the moment we left we enjoyed every minute of our stay. This was a special treat for us to unwind and we certainly enjoyed it.
The reception staff were on the ball, room not ready so coffee in the lounge as we were early.Super clean room, excellent hospitality tray and a good range of bathroom products gave the room a relaxing feel. To have coffee and drinks in the bar with all that extra service and the very polite staff is part of what we needed for our relaxing weekend. The Spa was up to standard and we enjoyed a full day of relaxing and treatments. We did not use the restaurants as Eastbourne has so many to offer but breakfast was good, order from the waiters not from the buffet, hotter and fresher. Saturday night dancing was 'fine' but a lack of residents made it a bit quiet. Booked for 2 night and stayed another night as the nice girl on reception offered us a very good rate.
Remember, this is The Grand if you need something ASK, they are only too willing to help.

We have a Studio Suite Room 129 with balcony overlooking sea i.e. one large bedroom with wing chairs and coffee table and very comfortable bed and huge granite bathroom with two sinks and jacuzzi.
I would only stay here if I had a balcony facing sea.
This hotel is all front.
Superb service, wide corridors, high ceilings and plush. We loved it. I would stay again and get half board as you get a better price for the evening meal. We unfortunately could not get the evening we wanted for the Mirabel Restaurant so dined at the Garden Restaurant which was lovely but I found the food a little bland but would not have missed the experience for the world.
It is easy to walk to Beachy Head which was the big attraction and the Pier.

So sad, once elegant hotel now shabby and out of time. First room we saw smelled stale and stuffing showing from the padded armchair. When I refused to stay in it and told the reception it smelled she asked - of what? I told her, people. Well, she replied, this is a hotel. Eventually settled on a room opening into the outside cafe- literally. There were people eating within a yard of our large windows.Nets had to be kept closed. That was the only view. Occasionaly the room smelled of food but it was better than stale people. Pools excellent and nice spa. Lovely very cheap seaside caf across the road for sausage rolls, cheese salad and white bread and tea.

Eastbourne is a town of old people. They are polite and courteous, such a welcome change from central London. It is really England as it used to be. The beach is pebble with hundreds of benches. The threatre is a pleasure and just five minutes walk from the hotel. Don't go to the harbour; it is all chips and fat people - unless that's what you like.

had less than 24 hrs at this oasis of peace and calm, we were given a warm welcome, the service is attentive yet discreet and if you just want to sit in the bar or lounge the staff will leave you in peace once they are sure you dont need anything, we had a light snack in the lounge as you need a jacket or tie to eat in the restaurant,the food was great and reasonably priced for a 5*. room lovely, molton brown toiletries,fluffy bath robes and free paper delivered to your room in the morning, we shall make the grand a regular treat, great to know old fashioned style and service is alive and well in this delightful seaside gem

I stayed at this hotel with 8 others for my Daughter's hen weekend. The staff made us feel so welcome and treated us as if we were very special guests. Nothing was too much trouble. The rooms were extremely comfortable and very spacious. They even made sure the 5 twin rooms were all next to each other. There were tables reserved for us in the cocktail lounge before dinner and the restaurant was superb. There was a pianist at the grand piano who played us a couple of requests. The spa was really relaxing and just what we needed. This has to be the best hotel I have ever stayed in and it fully deserves its 5 stars.

Stayed at the Grand for short w/e trip. Excellent service throughout the hotel; we were really looked after and nothing was too much for the staff to ensure we had an enjoyable stay. Nice touch to have our car parking bay reserved throughout the stay with a personalised sign. Innovative teenager package including use of laptop, games or dvd player. Rooms were spotless and decor in keeping with 'traditional/elegent' style. Whilst rooms did not have air conditioning, windows worked to let in fresh, sea breeze. Tea/coffee on terrace a delight. Didn't experience dinner but enjoyed all that was on offer for breakfast.
Location of hotel is towards the quieter end of the seafront; town facilities and foot of `Beachy `Head all within short walking distance. Many attractions in and around Eastbourne.

We loved this place! Our original plan was to stay in Brighton but I'm so glad we opted for this instead. Beautiful hotel in a great location at the quieter end of Eastbourne beach. Staff were incredibly friendly and helpful - absolutely faultless service. Room was a great size and spotless. We had room service as both restaurants were fully booked till late evening and the food was very good. The restaurants looked beautiful so we will definitely book early next time. Breakfast was excellent. Our children were made really welcome and appreciated their own check-in procedure, goody bags, high tea and milk and cookies at bedtime, all of which made the whole experience even more special for them. Pool was a bonus - quite small but not at all crowded. This truly is a 'Grand Hotel' - full of charm and with super staff.

If you seek a Victorian institution by the sea, you must stay here. The building is beautiful (Garden Restaurant illustrated), the staff endlessly friendly and helpful, the room was spotless, and the sea view wonderful. Children appeared well cared for. There were a wide range of food and drinks, hot and cold, for breakfast. We were enjoying ourselves too much to inspect the swimming pools' grouting. Stay elsewhere if you want a modern, soul-less, air-conditioned tower block. Spoil yourselves; worth every penny.

First visited The Grand on a week long course a few years ago and was very impressed. Since then my parents have been visiting several times a year and love it there. They had a deal where you could book a 2nd room for free aslong aas you all ate in the restaurant each evening so my parents booked this for us (husband and 9 year old son). We had an executive inland room and an extra bed was put in there. Room was very spacious and spotless. Not the most mordern of rooms but very comfortable with tea/coffee, plenty of free bottles of water, sodas etc. We paid an extra £10 per night for our son and this included breakfast and childrens high tea which I though was excellent. Each night a buffet was laid on from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. The food was very good and he could have as much as he wanted, he loved the desserts. Also, each night just before bedtime, a glass of milk and cookies were brought to the room which was a lovely touch.
We ate in the Garden restaurant each night and the food was lovely and the service 1st class. The lounges were very relaxing and the staff very attentive. Quite pricey but again, you are paying for the sourroundings and service. We were very lucky with the weather and the sun shone the whole time so we spent alot of time at the outdoor pool which was great. Indoor pool was nice too and you could have as many towels as you liked. Would definitely visit again.

great service - very helpful staff. Full of older clients so felt a little out of place being in my 30s with a young baby! The location in great, and the sea view junior suite was nice but was disappointed with how hot it was in the room (on arrival the windows were closed, drapes open and no AC making the room a greenhouse, after which there was no cooling it). To be fair the staff provided a fan on request but it wasn't very effective at cooling the room. Mini fridge, baby furniture (cot, bathseat, highchair) were provided on request. Having been to the Dorchester spa I was disappointed with the massage and pedicure I had - I could have done a better job myself with the nail varnish!

We stayed at The Grand for one night when we went to the theatre and had a wonderful stay. From the minute we arrived, everyone was friendly, smiling and polite. The room was clean and comfortable. We only had a drink, not dinner, at the hotel but the staff in the bar were discreet, respectful and had a good sense of humour. Breakfast the next morning was great. Anything you could have wished for was on offer. It was lovely to stay somewhere where everyone was friendly and polite. The building itself is beautiful and the hotel and the grounds are kept wonderfully.

The glamour and glitz of stunning victorian architecture lured me and intoxicated me. The location next to the sparkling blue sea and pebble crunchy beach was perfection. The staff were polite, kind and helpful.
However......... the room had no aircon or even a fan and was not equpped with a fridge!! The breakfast was bland, same old. aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.The swimming pool was a dirtry disgrace.Black and green mould competing in the deep end, a lack of sunbeds and tables. There were unbelievablly no poolside parasols, despite several requests, and the patio surrounding is very dirty.
I was saddenned by the neglect at the poolside, as this lets down a beautiful hotel. Hope they do something to improve this.

I agree with the previous comments regarding the grand exterior and the entrance hall....but all the agreeing stops there! Firstly old fashioned pink carpet in the bathroom and toilet how unhygienic. Definitley need an injection of cash the outdoor swimming pool was very dirty and the surrounding patio stones need a good grouting (or replacing) weeds around the pool area no umbrellas hardly any sunbeds........... come on The Grand we are in the 21st century update your bedrooms and sitting areas the settees are so dated (1980's) worn out..... foreign people visiting this hotel must think it is our sense of humour the bedrooms are so dated (I hired two) pink carpet, festoons and flowery curtains tatty old dark wood furniture..... uncomfortable bed and very cheap pillows and duvets......begs to ask how did this hotel get a five star rating?

Greeted by smiling doorman on arrival - valet parking, although space was only 10 yards away. Luggage taken up to room, door opened to be greeted by overwhelming smell of frying. This was 3rd floor, at the back, over kitchen. Another room provided very quickly. Good bathroom, clean room, chest of drawers couldn't be used as drawers stuck and desk drawer missing handle. When liveried waiter brought coffee sachets up to room - on a silver platter - we pointed out the problems and he said he'd arrange for maintenance to call. My husband was in the bathroom when he heard activity in the room and a man with 2 replacement pieces of furniture had arrived!!!
Good bed linen - quality cotton - mattress was dreadful, but we were only there for 3 nights so didn't do anything about that.
Breakfast cold buffet very good - smoked salmon, lots of fruit, pastries, cereals, ham etc etc. Hot food less so. I order kidneys and poached egg for breakfast . Waitress arrived, with silver dome over plate, lifted dome with a flourish and there were 2 fried eggs, gently floating on a layer of fresh blood from the very rare kidneys - even she found it repulsive.
We didn't eat dinner in the hotel as it was a fixed price menu, not a la carte, and we didn't really want or need 3 courses, and didn't want to pay over £36 each for a dinner we didn't eat.
Did enjoy drinks and coffee in the lounge - that was a very nice relaxing place to spend time - just chilling out, reading or listening to amazing conversations.
2 swimming pools - outdoor heated as well, but had to be very quick off the mark to get a bed/lounger.
The hotel architecture lived up to it's name, Grand - but really is very inefficient and must be dreadful hard to manage. Nice staff, very definite routines to follow - every cup of coffee had to be placed on a newly laundered cloth placed over the coffee table. A bit silly really.
I'm guessing it gets its 5 ***** for having the 2 swimming pools?

We stayed over the May bank holiday so the hotel was very busy but service was still excellent (apart from a bit of a wait at breakfast). We splashed out on a master suite which was fabulous with lots of nice touches like a Nespresso coffee making machine, fruit and nougat and even some sherry! No fridge or mini bar though but plenty of bottled water and some soft drinks. The clientele included mostly families and older people and the hotel is certainly traditional rather than boutique but very comfortable with quality furnishings. Breakfast was good although very busy, indoor pool pleasant but on the chilly side. We didn't eat in the restaurant but the concierge recommended the Siam Orchid Thai restaurant nearby which was good. We also had an excellent lunch at the Belgian Cafe on the seafront which serves fabulous mussels (there's a choice of 50 different recipes!). We also ate at Simply Italian in the Sovereign Marina area which is a couple of miles out and would be a pleasant area for lunch on a warm day - probably geared more to twenty-somethings. Food was good. Eastbourne is a very pleasant place for a couple of days but the shopping area is a bit grim with nothing interesting. If you want good shops and style, Brighton is way better but for a quieter break, Eastbourne is certainly an attractive, old fashioned seaside town - at least along the seafront.

Booked a long weekend with partner on hotel's own website. Found that they offered more varied selection of rooms than agents. Greeted on arrival by doorman with umbrella and car was valet parked for us. Fast check-in with an upgrade even though we had arrived an hour early. Had booked an executive seaview although quite expensive, really wanted a sea view. Was upgraded to an executive suite. To be honest not sure what the difference was, I think the room may have been a little larger to accomodate a sitting area. The room however was a good size with a lovely large carpeted bathroom with jacuzzi. The bed was a little small, bog standard double, not kingsize that I would have expected for room of that size.
The hotel itself is lovely for anyone not been there before. You really feel that you have stepped into the Victorian age of the upper classes, orchestra, pianists, beautifully restored decor. There is an outside heated pool that was very popular with the children. I don't agree with the comments previously re hotel full of 70 year olds. During my visit the guests were mostly families or couples of all age groups.
Breakfast was good the usual cereals, yogurts, fresh juices, bacon, eggs etc. which was hot and plentiful. There was an extremely small choice of cheese which was disappointing as I would have preferred the more continental choice of ham, cheeses and different breads and for a 5-star would have thought they would have provided for all tastes but instead they stick to the traditional english fare which was good, but for the prices charged I would have liked more choices. Staff were all lovely and pleasant.
I would recommend this hotel, but to get value for money you really need to use all the hotel services e.g. pool, spa area to justify the cost If its just a bed for the night you want there are plenty of cheaper options along the seafront.

We stayed at the Grand Hotel on Saturday 22nd May with my husband, myself and our two children aged 7 and 9. We are regulars at The Ashdown Park Hotel (a sister hotel) but decided we wanted to be by the sea for our weekendaway as the weather was forecast to be so nice.From the moment we arrived and got out of the car we where greeted with warm welcome by the doormen who then took our car and parked it. Check in was great, we where told about some little extras for our children, drinks in the room for them, dvd player if they wanted, kids clubs, childrens tea, cookies and milk at bedtime etc etc much to our childrens excitment and ours. The children where also given a goodie bag on arrival.Our room was perfect we had an inland junior suite on the 3rd Floor (inland was our choice) as I was concerned about possible road noise keeping us awake as the hotel faces the road the runs along the sea (we had none from our room). We had sea glimpses and a good size room for a family of four. We had a great time, loved the heated outdoor pool and thought our stay was excellent value for money. We didnt try the kids club, but had a look it was smallish room but looked okay.Only a small thing but we where not told that the childrens extras where to cost £10 per child extra on the bill which we found out on check out. We didnt complain and accepted it as we had such a good time and where happy with the costs overall. A great 5 star hotel with friendly staff in true old English Style and charm. We hope to go again soon.

We had a wonderful stay at the Grand - it really is a truly magnificent hotel. The staff is incredibly efficient and well-mannered and the hotel is maintained to a standard which is really quite exceptional for a hotel by the sea. If you appreciate exceptional traditional service, good food and comfortable rooms, I would thoroughly recommend this hotel. I shall certainly return.

We booked this hotel as it is part of the slh group.
Although we read the reviews on ta before going we were not not put off by the bad reviews. We got a great deal for a 4 night break over the bank holiday.

from the moment we pulled up the car was valet parked, and we were guided to check in.
we were then escorted to the room by the porter who gave us a guided tour of the facilities on the way and showed us even how to work the tv!
We were even upgraded to a seaview room!

the spa has inside/ outside heated pools,sauna,jacuzzi, steam room and gym. all of good quality, although we mainly stayed in the jacuzzi!

The breakfast was amazing,one of the best i have had such a huge choice.

the restaurants/pubs are about 15 minute walk from the hotel which is nice as you have the seafront to stroll through.

A very decadent hotel with exceptional service

I booked the Grand Hotel Eastbourne after having a disappointment with the accommodation I had booked elsewhere. 'The Grand' was an oasis of calm and tranquility. I was greeted on arrival by a courteous member of staff who immediately came to collect my luggage from my car and escourt me to reception. Reception staff were pleasant and helpful. My room was extremely pleasant although I was a single occupant the room was large, airy, clean and a pleasure to occupy. I had booked dinner for a myself and a friend. We were not disappointed. The meal was delicious and the staff once again courteous but non intrusive. All in all a lovely stay was enjoyed.