The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne: What it’s really like to stay at the famous ‘White Palace’

Arriving in Eastbourne on a sunny afternoon feels like the start of a proper British seaside escape. The promenade is busy with walkers, the sea is sparkling, and stretching along the seafront is one of the most recognisable buildings in town: The Grand Hotel Eastbourne.

If you’re researching hotels in Eastbourne, you’ll almost certainly come across it. Locals call it the ‘White Palace’, and once you see the sweeping white façade facing the English Channel, the nickname makes a lot of sense.

The hotel has been a landmark here since 1875, when architect Robert Knott Blessley designed it as a grand Victorian seafront retreat. Nearly 150 years later, it’s still doing exactly that, and doing it well.

Step inside and you’re greeted by soaring ceilings, glittering chandeliers and wide hallways that feel straight out of a period drama. It’s elegant, yes, but it’s also surprisingly relaxed.

Image courtesy of Elite Hotels

Prestigious, not pretentious

I meet Duty Manager Ben Warren in the Great Hall, which is exactly as grand as the name suggests. Warren has worked at The Grand for 30 years, so if anyone understands this hotel, it’s him.

When I ask what the hotel prides itself on, his answer is refreshingly simple. “It’s a prestigious hotel but not in a snobby way,” he says, “we’re friendly.” Once you start paying attention, you notice the small details that prove his point: a dog trots confidently out of the lift, couples are chatting over afternoon tea in comfortable armchairs, and staff greet guests like old friends.

A hotel that’s hosted a few famous faces

The Grand’s history is long, impressive, and full of interesting names. Over the years, plenty of well-known figures have stayed here, turning the guest book into something of a cultural time capsule.

Composer Claude Debussy stayed in 1905 while working on the proofs for La Mer in what is now the Debussy Suite. Composer Frank Bridge completed The Sea here in 1911, and Edward Elgar visited in 1926.

During the roaring twenties and into the 1930s, the hotel’s orchestra even broadcast live performances on the BBC from the Great Hall, which must have been quite the event at the time.

The list of visitors continues with names like Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, and Arthur Conan Doyle. More recently, tennis legend Serena Williams stayed here during the Eastbourne Tennis Open and booked the entire fourth floor for herself, her family, and her coach.

“She was very friendly,” Warren tells me casually, which feels like a wonderfully understated way of describing a visit from one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

Inside the rooms at The Grand Hotel Eastbourne

The hotel has 152 bedrooms and 17 function rooms, each with its own personality. One of the most interesting spaces is the original Victorian ballroom. Although it’s now carpeted, the historic sprung floor is still underneath. Warren demonstrates by bouncing lightly on the spot and grinning when the floor responds.

For smaller celebrations there’s The Gallery, a beautiful room overlooking the Grand Hall that’s popular for birthdays, anniversaries and private dinners.

The guest rooms themselves are huge by modern hotel standards. Floor-to-ceiling sash windows let in plenty of light, and many rooms enjoy sea views across Eastbourne’s famous promenade. Classic Victorian details like decorative cornices and wood panelling have been preserved, while the décor has been updated with calm coastal colours.

Soft blues and whites run throughout the rooms, which is the perfect homage to the sea just outside the window.

 Image courtesy of Elite Hotels

Spa, pools and relaxation at the Health Club

As I head towards dinner, I pass a guest floating down the corridor in a fluffy white robe and slippers. That’s my reminder that for many visitors, the real highlight of staying at The Grand Hotel Eastbourne is the health club.

Guests have access to an indoor swimming pool, spa bath, steam room, modern gym and eight treatment rooms offering a range of spa treatments.

In summer, though, it’s the outdoor pool that steals the show. Heated to around 30°C, it sits on a terrace overlooking the seafront, surrounded by loungers where guests can relax in the sunshine. On Bank Holidays, the hotel hosts barbecue events out here as well. Provided, of course, the famously unpredictable British weather decides to cooperate.

Image courtesy of Elite Hotels

Fine dining at The Mirabelle Restaurant

Food is one area where The Grand takes things seriously. Executive chef Hrvoje Loncarevic began his career here 20 years ago before working at a variety of high-end restaurants, country house hotels and even Premier League stadiums. Eventually, he returned to The Grand to take on the role of executive chef.

“I am proud to be a part of the brigade at The Grand Hotel,” he says. “We have a fantastic team who all strive for excellence throughout their service and honour the traditions of our history.”

The Mirabelle Restaurant is one of the most atmospheric dining spaces in the hotel. With low lighting, a feature mirror and classic white-glove service, dinner here really feels like an occasion.

The evening begins with an artichoke hummus amuse-bouche, followed by warm mixed-nut focaccia served with creamy dill butter. Later comes roast duck with seasonal vegetables, paired with champagne that is so crisp I can actually hear it sparkling. To finish, there’s a plate of freshly made madeleines dusted with icing sugar and an Irish coffee that feels like the perfect way to round things off.

Image courtesy of Elite Hotels

A hotel where guests keep coming back

Later that evening in the Grand Hall I meet Mick and Sue, a couple visiting from Rye in East Sussex who have been staying at The Grand Hotel Eastbourne for 20 years. Their story started with a simple cream tea visit when their daughter was young.

“She said she felt like a queen,” Sue tells me, smiling at the memory. They’ve been coming back ever since. Mick recently received the all-clear after cancer treatment, and during their latest stay, the hotel staff surprised them with a congratulatory cake and a bottle of bubbles during dinner.

“That meant so much,” he says. “That’s good old fashioned service. All the staff make the effort.” It’s the kind of story that explains why people don’t just stay here once, they return again and again.

Why The Grand Hotel Eastbourne is worth a visit

When I ask Warren what the future looks like for the hotel, he puts it in typically practical terms. “We’ll always keep it classic, but add modern touches,” he says. “We wouldn’t have Wi-Fi otherwise,” he laughs.

Before leaving, I ask him what feedback they hear most often from guests. He pauses for a moment, then smiles. “‘We’ll be back.’”

After spending time here, it’s easy to see why The Grand Hotel Eastbourne remains one of the most memorable hotels in Eastbourne. It has history, character, good food, sea views and staff who clearly care about the place. I already can’t wait to book my next stay.

Plan your visit

How to get there: Take a Southern train to Eastbourne. It takes less than 90 minutes from London Victoria, around 40 minutes from Brighton, and around an hour from other parts of Surrey, Sussex, and the South East. The hotel is an easy 10-minute walk from the railway station.

Address: King Edward's Parade, Eastbourne BN21 4EQ

Phone: 01323 412345

Official website: www.grandeastbourne.com

Amenities: Free breakfast, Free Wi-Fi, Indoor and Outdoor Pool, Accessible, Air Conditioning