Superbly located just moments from the start of the South Downs Way, The Grand Hotel is an iconic 5 Star seaside resort hotel in Eastbourne that is also close to Beachy Head and Birling Gap for day trips.
Affectionately known as The White Palace, the Grand Hotel commands breathtaking views of the sea and the dramatic cliffs at Beachy Head.
The hotel is the only 5-star luxury resort to be found in an English seaside town and is also said to be one of the friendliest.
The hotel has 152 bedrooms and suites, all luxuriously furnished, many with sweeping sea views, balconies, or private patios.
Others have adjoining rooms which work well for family stays.
The beds are very grand and stylish, you can see that this hotel lives up to its name.
and some of the rooms have such breathtaking views, even the youngest generation can get excited when they spot the sea.
Although the adults were eyeing up the pool and looking forward to a wind down on the roof terrace which was part of the room…
… other members of the family, clearly wanted to find the big wheel themselves and say hello to the sea. One of the wonderful aspects about the Grand is how close it really is (even for little feet) to the sea. After a quick outfit change, and a wonderful “Junior Crew” cap that the hotel gifts to it’s younger members an adventure to find the sea started. It only took a few minutes, indeed the outfit change took longer!
The stretch of beach closest to The Grand Eastbourne really does get the benefit of some wonderful waves.
It also wasn’t long before we found the wheel too. Although one wonders if the view from the room wasn’t as good if not better than the view from the wheel.
The Grand Hotel has two options for lunch or dinner – the Mirabelle and the Garden Restaurant. The Mirabelle is a beautifully elegant, 2 AA Rosette award-winning restaurant with Head Chef Michael Sutherland at its helm. It also has the RAC Grade 4 award and is recommended by the Good Food Guide.
The Mirabelle serves an exquisite modern European menu of seasonal specialities that play creatively with flavours and textures, and which are complemented by an extremely well-chosen wine list. Previous highlights from the Mirabelle menu include Roasted Squab Pigeon with parsnip puree, blackberries, Scottish pine & juniper jus and Fallow Deer Wellington with braised haunch, celeriac puree, smoked blackberry ketchup, tahoon cress & red wine jus.
The Grand Hotel is currently offering The ‘Food Lovers Choice’ Experience from £242.50 per person per night which includes a five-course tasting menu at The Mirabelle with specially selected wines to accompany each course. Upon arrival at the hotel and check into your Deluxe room, you will find a half bottle of chilled Champagne with a selection of Belgian chocolates and fresh flowers. Breakfast the following morning includes organic options and an à la carte menu.
The Garden Restaurant, despite its high ceilings and period elegance, possesses a surprisingly intimate atmosphere which is both inviting and informal.
The menu is based around traditional British favourites created with a modern twist. The menus are often inspired by what the chefs source locally, including fresh fish and the best produce that the surrounding Sussex farms have to offer. Dinner menus change daily.
Across the Great Hall from the Garden Restaurant, you’ll find the hotel’s Cocktail Bar and lounge which is a wonderful spot to enjoy a pre-dinner drink of a Signature Cocktail or a G&T. On a summer’s evening, drinks can be enjoyed on the open-air Chatsworth Terrace, with views towards the sea.
With its starting point just a few minutes walk from The Grand, the 33-mile South Downs route from Eastbourne to Shoreham-by-Sea is one of the newest stretches of the long-awaited England Coast Path to open for walking enthusiasts in search of stunning views and connecting with nature. This new stretch, the 17th full stretch to open, will form part of the 2,700-mile-long England Coast Path, which will become the longest walking route in the world.
Also, just steps from the hotel, is the excellent Towner Gallery, a contemporary art space. This summer, art lovers visiting Eastbourne are in for a treat with two exhibitions presented simultaneously across Towner Eastbourne’s top floor galleries – “A Life in Art” and “Reuniting the Twenties Group” – and a showcase from pioneering female gallerist Lucy Wertheim.
Just moments from The Grand, visitors can enjoy Wertheim’s contribution to mid-20th century modern art, reuniting works from her collection, and telling her own story and that of the artists that she fervently championed. Over 150 works will be shown across both exhibitions. The exhibition is being showcased until 25 September in Towner Eastbourne with tickets starting from £6.50.
There really is so much to do just a hop, skip and a jump from the hotel. However, the hotel itself is also the perfect place to explore, whether you wish to appreciate the art adorning the walls and the rich history
or you want to play a game of snooker with the boys!
After all the fun and excitement, while the parents are getting ready for dinner, there is always a comfy spot to grab a book and catch up on where to find a rainbow in Eastbourne!
During our stay at The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne, we dined at The Garden Restaurant. The menu can change daily but here are some highlights from our dinner starting with Spring Smoked Salmon & Crab with avocado, yellow pepper & coriander.
Another starter is the “Grand” Fishcake with yellow and red tomatoes.
Mains include Seabass & Saffron Seafood Risotto which was by all accounts the favourite dish of the night.
Meat lovers will enjoy the Roast Lamb and red wine jus.
The lamb was served with Roast potatoes, Cauliflower cheese and seasonal vegetables.
Other sides include Tenderstem Broccoli with Almonds.
The dessert menu includes sweet treats such as this chocolaty piece of Hazlenut Praline heaven
and a wonderful Mojito Cheesecake. It was nice to see a selection of desserts that were not playing safe, and the gamble paid off as they were both very tasty.
For the little ones, there is also a selection of Ice Cream and Mini Marshmallows.
The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne is proud of its rich musical heritage and is passionate about bringing high-quality live music performances to guests and visitors. On selected Sundays throughout this year and next – starting on 25th September 2022 – The Palm Court Strings Afternoon Tea will allow you to step back to the bygone age as you relax in timeless elegance whilst enjoying delectable Afternoon Tea treats inspired by the late 1920s accompanied by live entertainment from Shelley Van Loen and her Palm Court Quartet wearing original Period attire.
The Palm Court Strings Afternoon Tea menu includes finger-cut tea sandwiches, the Chef’s seasonal Gâteau, freshly baked scones and Sussex Charmer & tomato quiche accompanied by a choice of Tea, Coffee, Fruit or Herbal Infusion – priced at £41.50 per person or £50.00 per person with a glass of Champagne. The Afternoon Tea is served between 3.30pm and 5.30pm.
Stay overnight at The Grand Hotel from £250 per room per night in a Deluxe Bedroom (two sharing), including breakfast. Upgrade to a Master Suite with sea or swimming pool views, separate living room and Plasma TV, from £560 per night.
The Grand Hotel
King Edwards Parade, Eastbourne BN21 4EQ
01323 412345
www.grandeastbourne.com