150 years of The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne

The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne is embarking on a year-long celebration for the hotel’s 150th anniversary.

Affectionately referred to by locals as “The White Palace”, The Grand Hotel proudly stands as the UK’s only five-star seafront hotel. Situated on Eastbourne’s Victorian seaside promenade and located just moments from the start of the South Downs Way, the hotel boasts 152 bedrooms and suites, all luxuriously furnished, many with sweeping sea views, balconies, or private patios. 

History of The Grand

Since its construction in 1875, The Grand Hotel has stood as a prominent symbol of luxury in Eastbourne. Today, the fascinating history of the building is present throughout, with original photographs dating back to the early years, and room names – such as the Devonshire and Debussy Suites – honouring the buildings rich past.

Throughout the years, The Grand has played host to countless memorable moments – the hotel’s old tennis court was once regularly used by tennis legends Fred Perry and Bunny Austin to prepare for Wimbledon, before being replaced with The Grand’s iconic outdoor pool in May 1963.

From 1924 to 1939, the Grand Hotel Orchestra performed live from the Grand Hall (pictured above) every Sunday night as part of the BBC’s popular “Grand Hotel” program.

And, interestingly during World War II, when Eastbourne faced air raids, The Grand was converted into a military headquarters. Aside from this period, the hotel has continuously welcomed guests since its opening. It was fully restored to its original purpose in 1965 and still dominates the shoreline, in all its grandeur, today.

 

Famous faces from the past…..

Over the last 150 years the hotel has also welcomed many famous faces. One of the earliest guests was French composer Claude Debussy in 1905. Debussy stated that the hotel was a ‘peaceful and charming spot’. In fact, he managed to complete what is arguably his greatest symphony, ‘Le Mer’, during his two-month tenure at the hotel overlooking the English Channel. In honour of this connection, The Grand have renamed his room, Room 200, The Debussy Suite, and it remains a popular room to this day.

Sir Ernest Shackleton was also a visitor to The Grand in 1914 just before his epic Antarctic expedition. He even drew some plans on the back of a hotel napkin in the bar. Charlie Chaplin was another regular guest in the 1960’s and would often visit the hotel with his wife and children.

Finally, many Royals have stayed at The Grand since 1875, most of whom visited The Duke of Devonshire who owned large parts of Eastbourne at the time. You can clearly see The Duke’s influence throughout the town including three beautiful seaside promenades. More recently Her Royal Highness, Queen Sofia of Spain made regular visits to The Grand to visit her children’s retired nanny.

Something for every season…..

Every 3 months, The Grand Hotel will be releasing 150 bedrooms at a very special rate, with some typically ‘Grand’ inclusions. Keep an eye on the website or The Grand’s social media accounts for release dates and more information.

150 years of Music, Monarchs & The Grand Hotel

Taking place from Friday 21st – Monday 24th November 2025, this three-day festival will bring to life many of the colourful personalities who have stayed, or performed, at the hotel throughout the years. Set against a backdrop of the hotel’s illustrious history, dating from the reign of Queen Victoria through to King Charles III, top-class performers will evoke stars such as Enrico Caruso, Dame Nellie Melba, John McCormack, Anna Pavlova, Paul Robeson, George Robey, Charlie Chaplin, and many others, not forgetting great composers such as Sir Edward Elgar and Claude Debussy. There will also be a delicious three-course dinner each evening, inspired by these great guests.

The programme – which will be narrated by TV personalities Kevin Whately and Madelaine Newton – has been created by Artistic Directors Stephannie Williams and Christopher Morley, who have been a part of successful musical events at The Grand Hotel and Ashdown Park in recent years.

The festival programme includes the following performances:

Friday 21st November – George VI, Elizabeth II, Charles III – live performances of Charlie Chaplin’s most famous film scores, Yehudi Menuhin’s violin and Peter Frankl’s piano, as well as music from The Grand Hotel’s Palm Court Trio.

Saturday 22nd November – George V, Edward VIII – a musical interpretation of Dame Clara Butt singing one of Elgar’s Sea Pictures, as well as live recitals of music from tenor John McCormack, Russian bass Feodor Chaliapin, Paul Robeson, and more…

Sunday 23rd November – Queen Victoria, Edward VII – performances inspired by Caruso and Tosti, as well as Nellie Melba in the extended Love Duet from Puccini’s La Boheme.

Prices start from £995 for a two-night stay, or £1,490 for a three-night stay (based on two people sharing), including overnight accommodation in a Classic Room, a three-course dinner each evening (with a glass of Canard Duchene), entertainment (including the performances outlined above and optional additional morning events), and access to the Health Club facilities.

For non-residential packages, including one night at the festival and a three-course dinner, with a glass of Canard Duchene, prices start from £180 per person.

Debussy By Candlelight Christmas Concert

On Friday 7^th December 2025, experience the timeless beauty of Debussy’s compositions, performed in an enchanting candlelit setting that perfectly captures the magic of the festive season. In the setting of the Compton Ballroom, this special evening will be a heartfelt tribute to the hotel’s illustrious 150^th year history, blending classical sophistication with holiday cheer presented in partnership with Eastbourne College.

Prices from £45.00 per person.

Other events planned for 2025…
Look out for other events taking place throughout the year, including She Dines: 150 Years of The Grand Ladies Lunch on 28^th April.

Finally, a special celebratory 150 Years Themed Afternoon Tea will be available between February and December. More details to follow.

Cherishing old memories and creating new ones…

Guests of The Grand will be invited to share memories and stories on a dedicated page on the website or in a special book at the hotel itself.

Plenty of possibilities to create new treasured memories during this special 150^th anniversary year.

To book, or for further information, contact The Grand Hotel on 01323 412345 or visit www.grandeastbourne.com

Notes to Editors
A small, independent UK-based hotel group, Elite Hotels has invested in some of the UK’s most beautiful historic houses since 1986. The first of these was Tylney Hall Hotel, Hampshire, followed by Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club, East Sussex, and The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne. Each of the three Elite Hotels is a member of Small Luxury Hotels, a prestigious consortium representing over 500 of the best independent hotels in 70 countries.

Press: For media enquiries, commissioned press trips or photography, please contact Jane Collyer or Gemma Minto at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 (main office number), or email j.collyer@travelpr.co.uk / g.minto@travelpr.co.uk