Business Details
Open 24/7
always available
Your Premier 5-Star Seaside Hotel Experience in Eastbourne
The Grand Hotel, affectionately known as The White Palace, has stood as a beacon of luxury and elegance on Eastbourne's seafront since 1875. With a rich history spanning over 150 years, we have welcomed distinguished guests including Winston Churchill and Debussy, who composed 'Le Mer' within our walls. Our 152 exquisitely appointed rooms, many offering sea views, blend timeless grandeur with modern comforts, ensuring a stay that is both opulent and contemporary. The hotel's award-winning Mirabelle Restaurant and Garden Room provide culinary excellence, while our dedicated team specialises in crafting bespoke weddings and events in venues ranging from the grand Compton Ballroom to intimate outdoor ceremonies on the Princes Lawn.Our Sussex Spa offers rejuvenating treatments, and our historic Great Hall continues to host cultural events, maintaining our legacy as a hub of sophistication. Recognised for our commitment to exceptional service, we combine centuries-old tradition with innovative hospitality, making us a trusted choice for discerning travellers seeking a palace by the sea.
Services
Luxury Accommodation
Fine Dining
Wedding Venues
Spa Treatments
Event Hosting
Highlights and features
- 150 years of heritage as Eastbourne's iconic luxury hotel
- Award-winning Mirabelle Restaurant and Garden Room dining
- Bespoke wedding and event planning with dedicated coordinators
- Luxury spa facilities with tailored treatment packages
- Personalised service from a team with decades of hospitality experience
What people say
Impeccable service
Breathtaking sea views
Bespoke wedding planning
Award-winning cuisine
Historic grandeur preserved
Services
Luxury Accommodation
Experience 152 elegantly appointed rooms with sea views, blending historic grandeur with modern comforts. Our accommodations feature period-inspired decor, contemporary amenities, and exclusive access to spa facilities. Guests enjoy seamless service and proximity to Eastbourne's attractions while immersed in the hotel's 150-year legacy of hospitality excellence.
Wedding Planning
Craft bespoke weddings across four licensed venues including the Compton Ballroom and Princes Lawn. Our dedicated coordinators offer tailored menus, dcor, and logistics support for ceremonies and receptions accommodating 14 to 300 guests. Packages include overnight stays and pre-wedding consultations with executive chefs.
Fine Dining
Savor award-winning cuisine at Mirabelle Restaurant and Garden Room, featuring locally sourced ingredients and seasonal menus. The hotel's culinary heritage includes hosting Debussy and BBC broadcasts, with modern offerings complemented by afternoon tea services and private dining options in the Great Hall's historic setting.
Spa Treatments
Relax in our Sussex Spa with treatments including massages, facials, and beauty therapies. Facilities feature indoor/outdoor pools, whirlpool spas, and fitness centers. Packages range from single treatments to multi-day retreats, combining traditional pampering with contemporary wellness approaches for hotel guests and members.
Corporate Events
Host conferences and business events in 17 fully equipped rooms accommodating up to 350 delegates. The venue combines grand Edwardian architecture with modern AV technology, offering exclusive use options and team-building activities. Packages include conference dining and preferential delegate rates for extended stays.
People
James Perry
General Manager
With over 25 years in luxury hospitality, James oversees operations at The Grand Hotel. His leadership maintains the property's 150-year legacy while implementing modern service standards. He previously managed five-star properties in London and the Cotswolds.
Leanne Cleaver
Corporate Sales
Specialising in business events for 15+ years, Leanne coordinates corporate bookings and conference packages. Her expertise ensures seamless execution of meetings, team-building activities, and exclusive venue hires for business clients across Sussex and beyond.
Questions
What makes The Grand Hotel unique?
As Eastbourne's only 5-star seaside hotel with 150 years of history, we combine Victorian grandeur with modern luxury, offering sea-view rooms, a heritage-listed Great Hall, and Debussy's former suite.
Can I host large events at The Grand?
Yes, we accommodate events from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations with 17 venues, including the 300-guest Compton Ballroom and exclusive-use options for corporate or private functions.
Are there special offers available?
We provide seasonal packages including our 150th-anniversary celebrations, winter wellness deals, and dining-inclusive stays. Members enjoy exclusive discounts through our Elite Diners Club.
What dining options exist?
Our Mirabelle Restaurant holds multiple awards, while the Garden Room offers seasonal British cuisine. Afternoon tea is served in the Great Hall, complemented by private dining and event-specific menus.
How accessible is The Grand Hotel?
We offer wheelchair access across public areas, accessible rooms, and staff trained in disability support. The seafront location provides level access to Eastbourne's promenade and transport links.
Reviews (7)
Danny Lawrence
Jun 07, 2022
Report
Amazing place to stay, great architecture and such a grand place to reside. The food was amazing and the service was very professional and five star. The room was upgraded and was clean, fresh and massive. The spa and pool facilities whilst slightly aged were clean and nice to.use. I love the fact you check out and have free run of all the hotels facilities. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff.
The concierges were professional, polite and the car parking service second to none. The parking is limited but if you need to park outside the hotel give you the parking ticket. Every little detail was thought about. This fine hotel is part of the Elite hotel group. This is the third one we have stayed in and they are all brilliant. Outstanding stay.
The concierges were professional, polite and the car parking service second to none. The parking is limited but if you need to park outside the hotel give you the parking ticket. Every little detail was thought about. This fine hotel is part of the Elite hotel group. This is the third one we have stayed in and they are all brilliant. Outstanding stay.
Marcia Masters
Jun 05, 2022
Report
My daughter and I attended the Platinum Jubilee Indoor Street Party yesterday and enjoyed every moment. The room was beautifully decorated and very festive. The Jazz band gave it a retro feeling as did the delicious food. The staff were all very pleasant and attentive. A truly memorable occasion!
Nja Eshaan
May 31, 2022
Report
An absolutely amazing stay at this really wonderful and classy hotel. The facilities were brilliant, the staff are so friendly and professional and nothing is too much for them. The concierges were so helpful and kind especially James (Jim), Chris, Cole and Reece. The Spa centre staff were awesome, Angela, Alice and Emily. We were in room 234 and the views and room layout for our family were just amazing.
Great Glazing Group
May 24, 2022
Report
Old 5 stars hotel. Nice, impressive.everything good.the food amassing. We stayed for 2 nights only in a massive master ensuite but you can see everything is old.very old still nice as vintage but not that 5 stars you expect. The bathroom toilet reservoir was very noisy after you flush the water.anyway overall was a nice and relax stay we enjoyed every moments.
Caroline Walsh
May 18, 2022
Report
Really fabulous hotel for some old-style quality. Extremely good customer service from reception to room service to waiting staff to pool attendants. So friendly and helpful and professional - they really looked after us and we were only visiting for one night. Just a delightful hotel on a grand scale which still has all its charm. Very comfortable rooms and beds and I slept so well. Peaceful and quiet as well. Spacious rooms.
The swimming pools really made our stay though as did the steam room. So quiet every time we used them. I loved the outdoor pool- felt like being abroad to swim outside in a perfectly heated pool but the weather was a bit drizzly! Felt like the height of luxury. Eastbourne is a good place to get away to if you want lots of peace and quiet and to walk to Beachy Head or walk the South Downs. Endless space and no-one around! If you want to get away from it all for a few days then it's ideal. Strongly recommend and would go again.
The swimming pools really made our stay though as did the steam room. So quiet every time we used them. I loved the outdoor pool- felt like being abroad to swim outside in a perfectly heated pool but the weather was a bit drizzly! Felt like the height of luxury. Eastbourne is a good place to get away to if you want lots of peace and quiet and to walk to Beachy Head or walk the South Downs. Endless space and no-one around! If you want to get away from it all for a few days then it's ideal. Strongly recommend and would go again.
Mark Line
May 13, 2022
Report
Overnight stay and visited the spa for some treatments. The hotel decor wasn't really to my taste. Seemed quite old fashioned but that's my opinion. It's really clean and all of staff were really nice. The spa was really good Had breakfast in the morning which average, coffee was not great I wish the shower was adjustable in the room as I couldn't fit under it (5'11)
Nicola Smith
Apr 05, 2022
Report
Great 5 star Hotel. Loved it. The best thing about this place is the staff. They are all so polite, helpful and friendly. Nothing was too much trouble. We had a lovely room with a sea view. It had everything you needed, including dressing gown and slippers. Food in the restaurant was lovely. And enjoyed sipping cocktails in the lounge after dinner. For the more energetic, there is a lovely indoor pool and Spa. We only stayed for 3 days but didn't want to leave. Would definitely go back again.
