The Grand Hotel Eastbourne is located on the King Edwards Parade, on the South coast of England. Warmly known as ‘The White Palace,’ this beautiful 5* hotel has unrivaled sea views and is just a stone’s throw from the beach. What’s more, the grounds boast ornamental gardens, tennis courts, and an outdoor pool to add to the luxury of this establishment.
Built-in 1875 The Grand Hotel Eastbourne is well-loved, not just in the local area but further afield too, with special guests including the likes of Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, Arthur Conan Doyle, and King Constantine of Greece.
For a little background history, The Grand Hotel was built at a time where the upper classes ruled England, and their preference was to take their holidays by the sea, often for extended stays for months at a time. The hotel is also well known for its close association with music, and Debussy even completed his symphony ‘La Mer’ in Suite 200 in 1905.
In 1998 Elite Hotels, who are known for conserving country houses of outstanding character and heritage by turning them into luxury hotels, did precisely that to The Grand and a complete refurbishment took place. All 152 rooms have been restored to their true former glory, but are combined with hints of the contemporary to make your stay the best it can be.
With such a long and rich heritage in the luxury sector, it is no wonder then that The Grand Hotel goes above and beyond to create the most pleasant and memorable experiences for its guests. The hotel, which prides itself on giving the very best service, certainly doesn’t disappoint with welcoming and the gracious staff there to help from your arrival to your departure.
Accommodation
Guests can check into their rooms from 3.00 pm and check out is at 11.00 am with the potential of this time being extended, depending on availability. Most of their rooms face the sea and thus, offer fantastic views of the coastline. The choice of bedrooms is extensive to suit all needs and budgets: Deluxe Bedrooms, Deluxe Side Sea View, Executive, Executive Sea View, Junior Suite, Junior Sea View Suite, Master Suite, The Debussy Suite, Penthouse Suite, and Presidential Suite.
Deluxe Bedrooms: Inland view and furnished with either double or twin beds, an armchair with a coffee table, writing desk, and a luxurious en-suite bathroom = Approx 20 sqm in size | Deluxe Side Sea View: These are similar to the Deluxe bedrooms but offer a side sea view and again feature either a double or twin bed -Approx 32 sqm in size | Executive Bedrooms: A little more spacious than the Deluxe options, with a town view and have the space to fit an additional bed if required for a child – Approx 30-34 sqm in size | Executive Seaview Rooms: Very bright and airy, these rooms are at the front of the hotel and have full views of the sea. They also boast period features – Approx 30-34 sqm in size | Junior Suite: Large and spacious they feature a sitting area within the bedroom with views of the town. Most also have a sofa bed, ideal for families – Approx 40 sqm in size | Junior Sea View Suite: Situated on the wing of the hotel with a sea view to the site. Again they feature a sitting room with a sofa bed – Approx 40 sqm in size | Master Suites: Offers views across the outdoor swimming pool and also out to sea. They are bright, expansive and have a separate sitting-come-dining room with a Plasma TV and DVD. These suites can accommodate up to three children – Approx 81 sqm in size | The Debussy Suite: A beautiful spacious bedroom with a large lounge and a luxurious bathroom that features a whirlpool bath and walk-in shower. What’s more, it has substantial balconies – Approx 77 sqm in size | The Presidental Suite: Slightly larger than The Debussy Suite; it features a four-poster bed, large lounge, luxurious bathroom with whirlpool bath and a walk-in shower. Again there is a balcony to make the most of the breathtaking views – Approx 93 sqm in size.
The Penthouse Suite: The epitome of luxury, we cannot recommend this suite highly enough. Located on the 4th floor, it even has its private lift. With views of the English Channel from the floor to ceiling windows, it will not fail to completely wow. The suite is comprised of an expansive bedroom, a large lounge, and a beautiful bathroom with a freestanding bath and walk-in shower.
Dining
The Mirabelle Restaurant is genuinely outstanding. It is the proud owner of two red AA rosettes. As such, the hotel becomes renowned in the country, winning a legion of diners with its delicious and innovative dishes.
Spearheaded by Head Chef, Gerald Roser, the Mirabelle offers modern European cuisine of seasonal specialties merging the very best flavors and textures, and which are complemented by an extremely well-chosen wine list (again their wine offerings have also seen the restaurant win several awards).
If that wasn’t enough, the dining room itself, as with the hotel, is elegant. It combines subtle, traditional luxury with beautiful period features that ensure the very best dining experience.
Mirabelle Tasting Menu – This mouth-watering dinner menu represents a gourmet compilation of comfortable proportions with seven courses designed to reflect the Mirabelle style. Carefully chosen wines by the glass are recommended to complete the experience. Note, the menu regularly changes, depending on the season and local produce.
‘Amuse Bouche’ | Pike Mousseline Soufflé, Lobster, Asparagus
(Château Rahoul Blanc, Graves – 2012, France – 125ml)
Chef’s Herb Garden Lovage and Potato Velouté
Seared Scottish Diver Scallops, Vine Tomatoes, Basil, Saffron Emulsion
(Gavi, Tenuta Olim Bauda, Piemonte – 2013 Italy – 125ml)
Roast Best End of Sussex Marsh Lamb, Crushed Jersey Royals, Pea Purée, Baby Carrots
(Beronia, Rioja Reserva – 2010, Spain – 175ml)
A trio of Artisan Cheeses: Homemade Chutney, Walnut Bread, Biscuits
Woodruff Brûlée, Strawberry Tart and Milkshake
(Sauternes, Mouton Cadet Reserve, France – 75ml)
Cafetière of ground Coffee & Petits Fours
£64.00 per person for Tasting Menu, not including wine.
The accompanying four wines to complement are personally chosen by Chef Gerald Röser and Sommelier, Marcin Segrecki – £38.00 per person. Together with their other less formal restaurant, The Garden Restaurant, they epitomize the finest dining to be found in the area.
The Sussex Spa at The Grand Hotel
Another gem in The Grand Hotel’s crown is the Sussex Spa that offers wellness and fitness facilities as well as spa treatments for the ultimate relaxation experience.
For those who want to be active, there is a fully equipped gym and a heated swimming pool inside as well as outside. When that’s done, sit back and relax in their sauna or treat yourself to their spa treatments; there’s truly something for everybody offering body scrubs, facials, facial peels, detox treatments, body wraps, massages, male grooming, and luxury manicure and pedicures to name a few.
Two of their signature spa treatments include:
The Ultimate Ocean of Dreams – Dream of lavender fields kissed by the French sun; envelop your senses as you drift on waves of blue. Breathe deep. Inhale the calming and balancing benefits of wild lavender in this completely uplifting and rejuvenating spa experience, which includes a two-step invigorating full body scrub and a full body massage, including stones. 85 minutes ~ £90.00
The Grand Pure Organic Moor Mud Experience – Based on the European tradition of using mud, healing waters, and light massage therapy, this treatment detoxifies and relaxes. Three treatments in one, this ritual commences with the Alpine foot treatment, a Moor Mud body wrap, followed by an application of soothing mineral crème mixed with detoxifying essential oils. 85 minutes ~ £90.00
Spa opening times: 9.00 am to 5.30 pm Sunday through to Thursday; 9.00 am to 8.00 pm on Friday and Saturday.
Whether you are drawn in by the beautiful accommodation with the unparalleled sea views of the beautiful English coastline, their renowned fine dining, or the Sussex Spa, we cannot recommend The Grand Hotel highly enough for a truly unforgettable and luxurious break.