Overview

Before we visited the Grand Hotel on Eastbourne's seafront we had excellent assistance from the reservations team with regard to our accessibility needs. This meant that when we arrived, we knew what to expect. We didn't book an 'accessible' room but one that met our needs. Arrival: There are 2 disabled parking spaces near to the access ramp to the hotel. Parking spaces are reservable, free of charge, for blue badge holders. There is no low check-in desk, although Guest Services manager sat a lower desk so could check you in there. No PEEP was completed or information on emergency evacuation. Everywhere in the hotel is accessible by wheelchair, although there are some heavy doors to negotiate. Staff in the hotel, however, are extremely helpful and with make sensible suggestions to assist (eg seating us close to the breakfast buffet) Room: The room (5) was spacious with a walk in shower (2-3cm step) There were handrails. There was plenty of room to manoeuvre the wheelchair. As this was not designated a 'accessible room' there were no emergency pull cords. Spa: Access to the Spa is down in a lift and along a corridor with a heavy door at one end - The step-free route is not signed so we had to ask the way. There are no disabled changing rooms (that we could see). The pool has steps in with a handrail (rather than a ladder), but no hoist. Treatment rooms are through another set of doors, but the Spa therapist accompanies clients here so they can hold doors. Restaurants / Bars: Both restaurants and the Bar have step free access and waiter(ess) service. Throughout our stay, hotel staff were extremely helpful and attentive to our needs

Transport & Parking

The hotel is on the seafront in Eastbourne, close to a bus stop. There are 2 disabled parking spaces and any of the spaces in the car park can be reserved free of charge if you hold a blue badge

Access

The hotel is fully accessible, although there are some heavy doors to negotiate. Staff are always helpful

Toilets

Staff

Staff did everything they could to help