We stayed at the Grand for two nights as a short break that took in Jo Brand at the Princess Theatre. First the good points - friendly, helpful and smiling staff who really seemed to want to make your stay as good as possible, the food - dinner a bargain at £20 a head, and very nice breakfasts. This is a big hotel with lots of facilities and a great sea front location, with comfortable lounge areas and a sun trap terrace. The downside was that our room was so hot that we needed the window wide open all night, a fan on, and the blankets off! This is quite ironic given the hotel's keeness on enery saving and recycling. Unlike other reviews we were unconcerned about the ongoing refurbishment which didnt affect us, and our room was clean, comfortable and had recently been decorated. Parking is at a premium, but you can park just across the road at the rugby club for free.. We would stay again - Im sure they will sort out the heating by then. Down from four and a half stars to three and a half because of the hot room.

We booked an indulgent break. To say we were disappointed would be an understatement. The hotel is showing its age it’s gloomy and there was threadbare furniture in the lounge and bar areas, ceilings that were once white are very cream. The hotel was undergoing renovation, something they had not told us when we booked. Only 1 lift was working and there was plasterboard, open rsj’s, open ceilings and no lampshades on the landings. Our allocated room was very small and tatty with an ensuite that include a mouldy ceiling. Having asked to be moved our second room was a little better although the ensuite was v small, less than 6 foot by 6 foot. The food in the restaurant would best be described as fancy but bland. On the final night there was a wedding reception with a live band powering out rock tunes until 1am. I would never return to this or any of the Groups hotels.

The main entrance is a little hidden at the back of the hotel but is only 5 minutes walk from the railway station so very convenient for rail travellors. Reception was fairly efficient and helpful and the ground floor areas spacious, comfortable and clean. My room was on the first floor with a sea view which was reduced by the large flat roof of the bar area below. The room itself was clean, reasonably decorated with a large, comfortable double bed and a decent en-suite bathroom with good shower. I thought the TV was a bit small and £2 per night to use the room safe a bit pathetic. The room had no air-conditioning so the sash windows had to be opened frequently to let the room cool down from the daytime sunshine. Daily room maid service was excellent. I heard a few bangs and creaks during the day from surrounding rooms but it was always quiet at night. Breakfast was served in the Gainsborough restaurant and was a very good quality buffet to cover most tastes. The lounge bar area had great views over the bay and a good atmosphere. Lounge bar service was 'leisurely' but adequate. Some of the stair areas looked in need of repair/decoration. Overall a very pleasant stay but some areas could do with improvement. I would stay again.

Absolutely delightful to find the real quality and passion for food in the heart of English Riviera! We stayed 4 nights at the hotel and had 4 absolutely outstanding dinner! All dishes song, looked and tasted beautiful so we had a pleasure to try almost all of them! Compliments to the chef and keep going!! !well done! !and thank you very much!!! The hotel itself perfect located just outside rail station and walking distance to the town! The beach is just opposite!! Room was tidy and they doing second turn down service at the evening as well!!! Need just a little bit of redecoration to be really the GRAND!!