The amount of conference, meeting and dining space is endless at The Grand, while the numerous bedroom choices including suites, executive and sea view rooms offer plenty of variety.
Having never visited the seaside town of Eastbourne, I was more then eager to see what this location can offer. Myself and a group of PA Life Club members were lucky enough to join the latest Club FAM trip, where we got to enjoy a night’s stay in The Grand Hotel.
I was surprised at how simple the journey was to Eastbourne – I travelled down from London Victoria via train, which only took an hour and a half, while a quick five-minute cab journey ensured we arrived outside The Grand.
This is a hotel which certainly does live up to its name; the entrance hall alone is enough to make a lasting impression, while the high ceilings create the illusion of heaps of space in each room, from The Garden Restaurant, Eastbourne Room and Boardroom.
After we checked in, we were given the opportunity to freshen up after our travels, before heading into the Eastbourne for afternoon tea and Champagne. A delicious selection of savoury and sweet treats greeted us, plus we were informed that everything was made on-site in the kitchen, including the intricate lemon meringue pie and quiche.
Refreshed and with full tummies, we were given a tour of the hotel and its facilities in groups. I was in awe at just how huge The Grand is. The amount of conference, meeting and dining space is endless, while the numerous bedroom choices including suites, executive and sea view rooms offer plenty of variety. My favourite was some of the more modern bedrooms, and we were told that the hotel was undergoing a complete refurb of the rooms to give the hotel a more contemporary feel.
During the tour, we also got to see the Mirabelle – a restaurant that is considered one of the finest in the town, having received numerous accolades and awards. This room was a particular hit with me thanks to its stunning blue and grey colour tones and intimate tables, making it perfect for business lunches or private dining.
Retiring back to our rooms, we all prepared for the evening dinner which was to be hosted in the Princes room. A superb room with ample space, I couldn’t wait to sample the hotel’s food and experience its five-star service. We were treated to a starter course of seared scallops, followed by a main of teriyaki glazed beef fillet. This was polished off with the ‘Grand’ dessert trio consisting of pecan pie, a pear and salted caramel shot and honey and ginger ice cream. It was a banquet I won’t forget thanks to its fantastic flavours and the impeccable service we were given.
Once dinner was finished, we were guided into the hotel’s bar for a cocktail before we all headed up to our rooms for a well-earned rest. I opted for the Negroni – one of my favourite’s and the hotel didn’t disappoint.
The next morning, we were all provided with breakfast in The Garden Restaurant, which included a feast of continental options, fresh fruit and cooked dishes. After digesting and checking out it was time to take a tour of the seafront and the surrounding area including Beachy Head and the Birling Gap. It was great to see the town in the flesh and its opportunities for team-building and away days. For example, at Beachy Head visitors can take part in paragliding – a thrilling way to treat clients or team members to an adrenaline-filled activity.
This hotel is in a prime location for corporate clients, especially if you are seeking a spot that is outside of London but without the long distance to travel. Thank you to The Grand for showcasing all it can offer – I for one will certainly be considering it for our next away day.
