The best hotels in Eastbourne

What are the best hotels in Eastbourne?

Eastbourne is one of those seaside towns that still feels wonderfully traditional, with elegant Victorian buildings, a long shingle beach, a handsome old pier and the dramatic white cliffs of the Sussex coast just around the corner. There’s a lovely mix of accommodation, from intimate boutique hotels with sea views to grand seafront properties and charming country-house stays. The Grand Hotel is the standout spot, with its iconic white façade, lovely sea-facing rooms, impressive spa and old-school sense of occasion.

Eastbourne has a more laid-back feel than nearby Brighton, and is a lovely spot for a traditional seaside break. Spend the day strolling along the promenade, playing the arcade games on Eastbourne Pier or enjoying the views from Beachy Head and the South Downs. There's also the Towner Eastbourne contemporary art gallery, the historic Redoubt Fortress and various cafes, pubs and restaurants around town. For something a little different, take a trip to the beautiful surrounding countryside, explore the gardens at Great Dixter or visit Herstmonceux Castle.

Scroll down the page for our full selection of recommended hotels in Eastbourne or, for a look at different areas, read our guide to the best places to stay in East Sussex.

The Best Places to Stay in Eastbourne

For Ocean Views

• The Port Hotel is beautifully styled, with an air for minimalism which also allows for cosy touches, like Gubi Beetle chairs, linen drapes, dried flowers, and an elegant collection of lamps. And all in shades of warm wood. There are 19 rooms and suites, plus a relaxed bar and restaurant downstairs. We like the cork-tiled floors, and collection of local gins and Sussex wines. The restaurant specialises in local produce. If you can, book one of the six rooms at the front of the hotel, where there are wonderful sea views. Great value.
• The Grand Hotel is probably Eastbourne’s most famous, also often referred to as ‘Eastbourne’s White Palace’, for its large, traditional and striking white facade, which runs parallel to the beach. All of the rooms and suites at the front of the hotel have wonderful views. There are also some excellent options for families, and some very fancy rooms too. You would expect a hotel of this size, and reputation to have an impressive range of facilities, and you won’t be disappointed: there’s an impressive spa, indoor and outdoor pools, a piano bar, great afternoon tea salon, bar and restaurant, terraces, and a children’s room. The service is excellent, and includes the option of complimentary warm milk and cookies before bedtime.

For an Eastbourne Escape

• Ocklynge Manor is a picture perfect, 18th Century Georgian house, sitting in its own mature and gloriously fragrant walled garden. It has just three guest rooms, all of them individually decorated, but in a fitting style for the building’s period. The sash windows overlook the gardens, and there’s just the right amount of chintz. Breakfasts feature homemade bread and marmalade. You’re close to the beach, a tennis club, a golf club, sailing clubs, Glyndebourne, Sissinghurst and Great Dixter. As well as Eastbourne.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• London’s airports are the best for Eastbourne. Gatwick Airport is closest, just under an hour away by direct train. Heathrow is on the wrong side of London, and you have to go though the centre if you’re travelling by train, so the journey is around two and a half hours. If you’re coming through London, trains leave from Victoria Station around every half hour, for a journey that takes about an hour and a half.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• This is the UK, so expect changeable weather whatever the season. Eastbourne is popular in summer, of course, when the average maximum temperatures are around 20°C. But it’s also beautiful in spring and autumn — if you don’t mind a chill and a bit of a shower or two. Winter is wonderful if you like things to be ‘bracing’.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include all of the best places to stay in East Sussex,
• Consider the best places to stay in Brighton which is just along the coastline, the best places to stay in Hastings or Rye,
• Or, contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.