The Grand Hotel

friendly staff clean breakfast Molton brown products

tiny bed parking was difficult so we found parking a 10 min walk away

We received a good level of service with attentive staff. The hotel is very clean but with slightly worn furnishings as expected. The outdoor pool is lovely, very clean and the water temperature just right. The breakfasts we received were cooked well with good quality ingredients and speedily delivered. We dined at the Mirabelle this was a very pleasing experience with some querky complementary tasters and the main course really was exceptional.

We dined at the Garden Restaurant which lets the rest of the hotel down. The menu is overpriced and poorly prepared and in all honesty we could not recommend it at all.

I thoroughly enjoyed the suite allocated to me. It was lovely to have a lounge area separate from the sleeping one. The balcony was superb complete with table two chairs and sun shade. There was nothing missed out. Sheets were always fresh and clean. I liked the ‘environmental initiative’ regarding when to choose clean towels. The coffee/tea making a facility was very good. I appreciated the daily renewal of bottled water even though sparkling water would have been, for me, even better. Although it is charged as an extra, it was my choice to have a reserved car parking space. A concierge kept the parking well-monitored. I requested a little fridge for my room use. The first 24 hours passed with the little fridge not functioning! I was provided with a different one which was superior, functioned well and was perfect for my needs.

Certainly the fridge provision was not good to start with. The weather was hot and sunny, so any treats or a sandwich kept, needed to be chilled. Before my arrival a provided fridge should have been in running order. It was a good job I had taken a cool bag with me and the ice ‘block’ provision had kept the bag interior cool, just about cool enough until the next day!

This was our second visit to The Grand and it didn’t disappoint. Outstanding location and facilities with a fabulous olde worlde breakfast room. The staff were very friendly and helpful and let us use the pool and parking after we’d checked out as it wasn’t too busy. The breakfast was lovely, pity there’s an extra charge for lattes and cappuccinos though. Not a great look when you’re spending so much on a junior suite. The bedroom was very spacious, bathroom a little tired but the bed was huge and comfortable with nice bedding. We did have an issue with our phone connecting to someone else’s room when I pressed the reception button so that was a bit weird and embarrassing. The indoor pool needs refreshing in places where damp is creeping in but the steam room was wonderful. All in all it was great, the location, facilities and staff make the expense well worth it. We will be back.

Damp patches in the indoor swimming area.

All food was absolutely excellent (but see comment in next box). All staff were exemplary in their courtesy, friendliness and willingness to help. The main rooms were beautiful both in decor and atmosphere and the dining room was superb. Liked the matching outfits of the waiters and waitresses, ie. colour co-ordinated with decor.

Our room, although offficially an upgrade, was rather dingy and lacking in any character. The sofa was very uncomfortable although the beds were very good. We felt the menu could have been a little more varied, especially in the dessert section. Service was rather too slow at times.

It's a lovely hotel and maintained to a very high standard. Considering it was Airbourne weekend and it was really busy everywhere, all the staff seemed to just take in their stride. Greeted at the carpark by a member of the concierge team and they unloaded and parked our car, baggage was then taken to our room as we checked in. Easy and quick check in and off to our room, which was incredibly spacious (Executive Double Room). Breakfast was very good too, plenty of choice, hot and cold. The hotel is in a great location, grounds are well kept. Next time we shall use the outdoor pool(if it's warm enough to).

Drinks in the bar in the evening were a little slow and we did have to follow up with a waiter after about 15mins. However it was worth the wait and the cocktails are very good.

Breakfast was huge, varied and wonderfully served, the 'Grand Breakfast' is correctly named. Our room was possibly the 2nd best I've ever stayed in - we paid extra for a sea view and had a marvellous outlook on the 'Wheel', the coast and sunrise, plus a second window looking across town to the hills and the sunset. The room was large and well furnished with plenty of powerpoints and both shower and bath were fab. Clearners were efficient, turndown service lovely and porters most helpful. The outdoor heated pool was so good we didn't try the indoor pool. Diner was very good and our whole stay was a real treat.

The wifi was free and reliable but not the fastest.

Both breakfast and dinner, especially the taster menu in the Mirabelle, were superb, as were with staff in the Mirabelle and the Garden Restaurant. Our room was clean and the beds are extremely comfortable.

The service in the Bar was very slow and we had to ask for nibbles with our Champagne on our last evening. In fact the staff in the Bar seemed out of their depth and lacking training. A light bulb in the Garden Restaurant was out for our entire three night stay. No SkyTV and therefore unable to catch up on the tennis the day we left early as we were so cold. We expect a five star hotel to have more TV channels and more modern TVs.

You could have a relaxing and enjoyable holiday without ever leaving the hotel. The service was absolutely fantastic, the staff pay attention to every detail. Our room was upgraded, which was a lovely surprise. It was large and airy and the bed was so comfortable! The outdoor pool area was wonderful and the spa was nice also. We also enjoyed the jazz band that played on Saturday evening. The location is great. It feels secluded but there is easy access to everything. It was quiet and peaceful. We will definitely be coming back!

It didn't impact our experience at all, but certain things like the carpet and paint in some places are a bit tired. But we would stay again without hesitation.

My wife & I went back to The Grand for her Birthday.We arrived at about 11.30 in time to enjoy a coffee in the lounge prior to a spot of lunch.At 14.30 we were advised that our room was ready & that we had been upgraded from a junior suite with a sea view to a full suite with a sea view, which bearing in mind the occasion, was lovely. That evening we had dinner at La Loconda, an Italian restaurant nearby which we discovered when we were last down in Eastbourne. Try it ,you will not be disappointed. The following day for breakfast I chose a kipper which was superb. As it was a bit windy and chilly we decided to have a lazy day in the lounge reading,drinking coffee & having lunch. That evening we had dinner in The Garden Restaurant. The roast lamb was terrific, as was the Cote du Rhone together with the service. The morning we left, we had a small cooked breakfast, wonderful sausages. All in all a terrific time again. I love this hotel, it is a very impressive building with style by the bucket full. We will return, soon I hope.

The relaxation of the dress code at dinner. I understand why, but when my wife and I first came to The Grand in 2016 I remember a couple being turned away from The Garden Restaurant, because they were wearing T shirts & jeans. Its a shame the previous standards could not be maintained, especially when you see the staff so smartly dressed.