The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne celebrates 150th anniversary

Elite Hotels, the privately-owned collection of three hotels in the UK, has revealed The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne is set to celebrate its 150th anniversary throughout the year.

Affectionately referred to by locals as ‘The White Palace’, Elite Hotels said The Grand Hotel 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, many with sea views, balconies, or private patios.

Since its construction in 1875, The Grand Hotel has stood as a “prominent symbol of luxury” in Eastbourne. Today, the 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 building’s past.

Throughout the years, The Grand has played host to a number of 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 also performed live from the Grand Hall every Sunday night as part of the BBC’s popular ‘Grand Hotel’ program.

During World War II, when Eastbourne faced air raids, The Grand was also converted into a military headquarters. Aside from this period, the hotel has continuously welcomed guests since its opening and was fully restored to its original purpose in 1965.

Over the last 150 years, Elite said the hotel has also welcomed many famous faces including the French composer Claude Debussy in 1905. Debussy stated that the hotel was a “peaceful and charming” spot. He is also said to have managed to finish his symphony, ‘Le Mer’, during his two-month tenure at the hotel overlooking the English Channel.

In honour of this connection, The Grand renamed his room, Room 200, The Debussy Suite, and is stil lon offer 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 1960s and would often visit the hotel with his wife and children.

To celebrate, taking place from Friday 21st – Monday 24th November 2025, the hotel will host a three-day festival that will bring to life many of the 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, performers will evoke stars such as Enrico Caruso, Dame Nellie Melba, John McCormack, Anna Pavlova, Paul Robeson, George Robey, Charlie Chaplin, and many others.

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.