Head south to The Grand Hotel Eastbourne for some seaside solace, good food and warm, welcoming service at the UK’s only five star luxury seaside hotel.
The Grand sits proudly on one of the UK’s most postcard perfect seaside parades, which unlike nearby Brighton lays relatively untouched and free from the usual games arcades and tacky tourist shops.
Known as Eastbourne’s ‘White Palace’ or as we heard one person call it, ‘The Giant Meringue’, as the UK’s only five star luxury seaside hotel, The Grand is aptly named.
Only an hour and a half train journey from London, Eastbourne is ideal for city folk looking for some R&R at the weekend. In fact that’s pretty much what The Grand was built for back in 1875, when high society would retreat there for some seaside solace.
We arrived for our two-night stay on a chilly Friday evening. As it was already dark outside it wasn’t actually until the following morning that we could see just how spectacular The Grand is, looking out over the English Channel, its bright white ornate exterior against a perfect blue autumn sky.
The Grand is mammoth in size but inside there are not as many rooms as you’d expect thanks to the hotel’s decision to keep each room in a luxurious ‘suite’ style. This sets The Grand apart from other seaside hotels, making it perfect for families who need space for little ones to run around, or couples who want to feel as though they’re at home. In fact, our suite was massive, bigger than most London apartments, and we fully indulged in getting up in our huge bedroom and reading the morning papers in our equally as spacious next-door drawing room.
Dining and entertainment is at the heart of The Grand, from the delicious Full English breakfasts that’ll set you up for a day on the beach, to fine-dining in the hotel’s award-winning Mirabelle Restaurant. Friday nights in the hotel bar guest are transported back in time as The Grand’s resident jazz band play live music and couples take to the floor to dance. It’s retro, but undoubtedly a lot of fun especially after a champagne cocktail or two. We spent one of our evenings curled up by the fire of The Grand’s entrance hall sipping one of the best mulled wine we’ve ever tasted and indulging in homemade comfort food from Welsh Rarebit to chocolate cake.
The hotel itself if rich in history, which is immediately noticeable from the grand high ceilings, ornate furniture and decadent chandeliers hanging down in the halls. The Compton Ball Room is a must-see even if you just pop in for a sneaky look with it’s carved ceilings, lavish décor and balconies that look down onto the dance floor. Like many hotels of this ilk, The Grand’s played home to some very famous guests include Churchill, Charlie Chaplin and the composer Claude Debussy, who is said to have written part of Le Mer within the seaside hotel.
With the English coastline on The Grand’s doorstep there’s plenty to keep the young and old amused. We sampled a handful of what Sussex has to offer from relaxed strolls on the seafront to a more lively Beer Festival that takes place each year just a short stroll away. The famous Beachy Head is only a short car journey away, and its breathtaking views of the British coastline are a must-see if you’re in the area. Stop off for traditional ice cream cones at Beachy, before heading back to The Grand for some hearty local fish ‘n’ chips like we did.
As is the usual clientele of a somewhat sleepy seaside town, many of The Grand’s guests are older. But with a resurgence in staying on British soil for your hols and the hotel’s amazing family facilities (huge family friendly suits, a crèche service, good kid’s menu, etc.), we did see lots of families, as well as young couples and groups of friends staying at the hotel.
Before we reluctantly checked out of The Grand we spent the day at the hotel’s spa. It’s not the most modern of spas but we happily wasted away a couple of hours in the pool, sauna and even had a massage in one of the treatment rooms. If the weather permits, The Grand also has an outdoor pool lined with palm trees and luxury loungers. The sun was shining for our stay but we deemed October a little chilly for an outdoor swim even though the pool was still being heated and we saw a few guest taking a brave dip.
If you thought British seaside towns had lost their charm, The Grand will firmly put them back on the map. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities on the beach that’ll keep little ones amused or a romantic getaway cosying up in front of the fire, The Grand has it all.
Need to Know
Rooms: 152
Rates: Prices start from £230 per night for the Deluxe Bedroom
Facilities: Extra beds are available in rooms, Nespresso machine, Molton Brown toiletries in the bathroom, kids crèche, Internet available, two restaurants, afternoon tea, in-room dining, outdoor and indoor pool, spa, sauna and treatments available.
Check out time: 11am
How to get there: The Grand is in easy reach of the M25, is an hour’s drive from Gatwick Airport and an hour and three quarter’s drive from Heathrow Airport. Regular trains run from London Victoria to Eastbourne Station and take one and a half hours. The Grand is then a five minute taxi ride from the station.
The Grand Hotel. King Edwards Parade, Eastbourne, East Sussex, England, United Kingdom. BN21 4EQ. Tel. 01323 412345 www.grandeastbourne.com
For more family friendly British retreats check out the StyleNest Hotel Reviews page.