'I took my toddler to unique UK 5 star hotel - this is what it was really like'
I'm sure most people would wince at the thought of taking their toddler to a five-star hotel.
The image of trying to manage an unwieldy child in the hushed corridors of a plush hotel would put most parents off. However, I recently took my 15-month-old to the gorgeous Grand Hotel in Eastbourne and it was the rest we all needed as a family. We decamped for the weekend to the iconic Grand Hotel Eastbourne which is known as the 'White Palace' of the South Coast and has been serving up luxury since 1875. The hotel has welcomed many famous faces over the years, including French composer Claude Debussy and Charlie Chaplin, and it is one of a very small handful of five star hotels at the British seaside
There's hints of that old world glamour throughout with pictures of the hotel orchestra and illustrated images of the stylish Victorian set enjoying afternoon tea.
While the hotel is very much 'grand' with tall ceilings, luxurious furnishings and stunning sea views, it wasn't stuffy like some establishments can be. Our sea view suite was large and comfortable with plush furnishings and a gorgeous terrace overlooking the coastline.
The hotel facilities were equally luxurious with both and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Situated at the front of the hotel with its beaming white Victorian architecture, the outdoor pool is truly one of its unique selling points. Heated to a balmy 29C, the outdoor pool is ideal for children and parents alike and my daughter loved splashing around in the sun.
The indoor pool is heated to a similarly bath-like temperature and the leisure centre also boasts a steam room, a spa bath and gym for when parents want to take a break. For those hoping for some chill time, the spa has eight treatment rooms and offers a range of treatments and massages.
Feeding toddlers can often be a bit of a nightmare and I was a tad concerned about causing a ruckus in a fancy dining room, but I needn't have worried as the staff couldn't have been more helpful. Without even asking, a waitress appeared with plastic bowls and spoons for our little one at breakfast and another server brought her some warm milk at dinner.
And no one batted an eye when a substantial amount of Weetabix / mashed potato ended up on the floor. It's so easy to worry about disturbing other diners but most people were delighted to say hello to my toddler as she pottered about waving at everyone and hiding behind the heavy drapes.
While being a very grand hotel - please pardon the pun - the atmosphere was really inclusive and we really felt like we got a break. As many parents will know, not having to cook and clean for a few days is bliss and we didn't feel confined to our room whatsoever, enjoying the leisure centre, plush common areas and the Lounge Terrace.
We could tag team going to the leisure centre, enjoyed leisurely breakfasts in the stunning Garden Room restaurant and took afternoon naps in our sea view suite.
Not only was the hotel wonderful, but it's just metres away from the seafront with stunning views of the English Channel, making it the perfect location for exploring the beach, Beachy Head and the town of Eastbourne.
We walked the promenade, which was really accessible for a buggy and also a safe distance from the road if our daughter wanted to walk. We also spent a sunny afternoon pottering up and down the beach and enjoying some music as we sat outside a pub on the pier.
My takeaway? Don't be afraid to take your children to a hotel if it's something you're considering. I've often thought it might not be the most practical but the staff were so attentive, we didn't feel like we were in the way and there was lots to do. And what's even better is that we got a bit of a break as well.
You can get a breaking travel stories along with some of the most interesting, important and fun travel stories sent to your phone every day by subscribing to the Mirror Travel WhatsApp. It's completely free and takes minutes to do.
The Grand Hotel Eastbourne is celebrating 150 years with a special Afternoon Tea – from £36 per person.
Honouring The Grand's rich 150-year history, a limited-edition afternoon tea pays fitting tribute to timeless luxury. In addition to delicate sandwiches, and scones served with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve, an exquisite pastry menu - delicacies offering a journey through time – includes an 'Opera Gȃteau' to die for. Book here or via 01323 412345.
Stay overnight at The Grand Hotel from £220 per room per night (two sharing), including breakfast.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
'I went to Butlin's for the first time on my own and three words sum it up'
Walking into Butlin's Bognor Regis, two things were crystal clear. One, I was the only child-free person for miles. And two, it was going to be an epic weekend. As a resident of the United Kingdom, I was recently told that going to a Butlin's was a rite of passage. As a relatively new resident of the United Kingdom - I had absolutely no idea what Butlin's was. So naturally I decided to spend a weekend at the closest one I could find, stat. For some context - I moved from India to the UK in June last year and holiday parks were not a popular concept back at home. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to find one, especially of the same scale and renown. So off I went to Butlin's Bognor Regis to have myself a 'typically British' holiday break. To be fair, Butlin's isn't a holiday park. It's a holiday resort with all the frills and fancies to keep oneself entertained within its (expansive) boundary walls. Although a literal stone's throw away from the beach, that's not the Butlin's USP. The resort chain prides itself at having enough activities on offer within its premises that guests don't feel the need to turn to the beach for excitement. Walking into Butlin's with my partner during the May Bank Holiday weekend, almost immediately two things were crystal clear. One, my partner and I were perhaps the only child-free couple for miles. And two, it was going to be a wild weekend. The Rooms Butlin's Bognor Regis has three hotels within its premises - the Shoreline, Ocean, and Wave Hotels - along with the Comfort range of rooms and apartments. I was staying at the Wave Hotel which was fairly close to the action, and quite frankly, delightful. Entering the room, we were greeted by a neon blue glow (it was there in the name, really), yellow interiors, and the most adorable junior room for kids - outfitted with bunkbeds and a quirky porthole on the door. My 30-year-old self was so excited to have a lie-in on those bunk beds (complete with their own mini-TVs on each level), that I could only imagine how chuffed a child would be to have that space all to themselves. Entertainment Butlin's signature white tents hold a whole world within themselves. Complete with an arcade, a bowling alley, pool tables, a couple of bars, restaurants, and a few stages for entertainment shows in and around the space - it's hard to imagine being bored within its tented walls. You best believe I was a sucker for the arcade games, enjoying myself as much as the swarms of elated children around me. On closer inspection, I found I wasn't the only adult indulging. Seeing the parents in my vicinity become kids themselves was a joy to watch. A spirited game of bowling and a few rounds of pool later, I was in my 11-year-old self's childhood paradise. For those with kids, there were heaps of live shows on offer including The Masked Singer hosted by Mark Rhodes (of Crackerjack and CBBCs Junior Bake Off fame) featuring masked celebrity participants, Electric Wonderland, Iconic, Snow White and her Magnificent Friends, Animals and Mythical Beasts, and even a meet-and-greet with Gladiators stars Cyclone and Nitro. They were always jam-packed, and with the energy radiating out of them, it wasn't difficult to understand why. The PLAYXPERIENCE A brand-new addition to Butlin's Bognor Regis' already jam-packed holiday resort is the PLAYXPERIENCE. Having opened its doors to the public in October 2024, the PLAYXPERIENCE was definitely a highlight of my first-ever Butlin's weekend. Sprawled over two floors and nearly 50,000 square feet, it's undoubtedly a haven for gamers and fans of modern tech. A VR Cade featuring state-of-the-art VR games, laser tag, techputt (mini-golf), digi darts, escape rooms, glow pong, shuffleboard, a batting cage, and neo games - there's something for everyone is this gamer's paradise. Equipped with a bar and cafe within the premises, it was safe to say me and my passion fruit daiquiri had a great time while indulging in some neon mini golf. Another definite highlight was playing laser tag with mischievous kids and their equally (over) enthusiastic parents. Turns out, adrenaline-fuelled, cutthroat competitiveness is all one needs to get the morning going. As we squared off into four teams, it was once again apparent to me that the adults were enjoying themselves as much as the kids. That seemed to be the magic of Butlin's. Food and drink The Butlin's all inclusive drinks package felt like a no-brainer. With a good selection of cocktails, spirits, beers, ciders, wines, mocktails, Costa coffee, and soft drinks on offer - it's almost worth walking around with a pulsing neon-orange wristband for three days. It helps that most of the drinks are fairly delicious and get the job more than done. And with well-placed bars and restaurants throughout the resort site, we never had to go too long without refreshments. There were plenty of options no matter what your budget, whether we were after breakfast or a buffet dinner. We had the premium dining package booked which sorted our breakfast and dinner on each of the days. Breakfast timings were 8am to 10:30am on all days, and while the spread was extensive and catered to both kids and adults, the actual taste and quality of the food was average for me. But I guess you can't have everything. We were also surprised when we walked in at 10am the first day - I guess everyone wakes up really, really early as we definitely felt like the odd ones out, with people looking at us like we had two heads! The next day we made it at 9.45am but I still think everyone gets up really early and fuels up - which for me, being the person who likes to maximise sleep and get breakfast at the last minute, was not ideal. Fairground and Splash Waterworld A cute little fairground was the cherry on top of my Butlin's weekend. From go-karts and adventure golf, to mini-rides and a trampoline - the pre-booked All-Action Pass proved to be a success. My inner Lewis Hamilton came out to play in a spirited round of karting (in which I came first - and no, it doesn't matter that I was one of a handful of adults competing against mainly children). While I didn't take a swim, the faces of happy families walking around with wet hair and huge smiles plastered on their faces was enough to tell me it would've been a fun experience (when it wasn't raining and unbelievably windy). So, how did my first Butlin's visit rank as far as holidays go? Three days of fun, games, activities, and kids. Lots and lots and lots of kids. Perhaps the next time I'll return is when I have a little one of my own. Book the holiday Butlin's offers a three-night Showtime Weekend break featuring staying in a two bedroom Ocean Hotel room in Bognor Regis from £269 on 11 July 2025. Price is based on a two adults sharing and includes all live shows and activities with free flow access to the pool, unlimited fairground rides and access to PLAYXPERIENCE. Dining packages start from £24.95 per adult, per day, £14.95 per junior (6-14), per day and £6.80 per child (2-5). To find out more head to
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
'If you're moving to Spain don't make the same mistake I did'
EXCLUSIVE: Travel blogger Bea Meitiner, 39, has spent the past few months trying to get Spanish residence and has been left frustrated by the process A travel blogger has shared her struggles with the red tape involved in moving to Spain, despite speaking the language and having previously lived there. Bea Meitiner, 39, found the process of becoming a Spanish resident far from straightforward and has now sought professional help. She dreams of settling down in Navarra, an area known for its quaint villages, rugged landscapes, and relaxed lifestyle. Bea spent her childhood in this region with her parents, where she became fluent in both Spanish and Basque, and is now eager to return to the place filled with cherished memories. However, the slower pace of life that attracts many to Spain also seems to apply to its bureaucracy, which has hindered Bea's attempts to establish herself in the region. She admitted to facing numerous obstacles in the process and confessed to struggling with the task of securing legal permission to stay in the country on her own, reports the Express. In response, Bea turned to Lucía Lagunas, a Spanish immigration solicitor from MySpainVisa, who has helped thousands of individuals in their transition to the European nation. The team at MySpainVisa takes care of everything one needs to settle in Spain, from paperwork to appointments to renewals. Bea, reflecting on her efforts to live in Spain again and the hurdles faced with local bureaucracy, admitted: "Before reaching out to Lucia, I tried doing it on my own, by visiting the immigration office. I wasted three months and every single person I spoke to gave me different and contradicting information to the one before. Don't make the same mistake I did. Get help from the start!". "I'll be honest: Spanish bureaucracy is no joke. That's why talking to a professional like Lucía makes a huge difference. If you're craving a lifestyle with slower mornings, sunny afternoons, and maybe a glass of wine at lunch... then yes. Spain could be your next chapter. "It's not always perfect-yes, the paperwork can be annoying and things move slower than in the U.S. or U.K.-but the reward is totally worth it." She noted: "They're fantastic, but also more expensive and faster-paced. Ideal for younger people or those who still want a bit of that 'city hustle'." Additionally, Bea suggested that locations such as Mallorca, which offers a blend of city and island life, may suit those looking for balance, while warning of anti-tourist sentiment which includes British nationals. Valencia is a cherished destination among expats, providing a compelling option with its cycle-friendly avenues, lush parks, and inviting beaches. The city's dynamic culinary scene is a hit for aficionados of Spanish fare. "Many of our retired clients choose Valencia," Lucía remarked. "It's peaceful, beautiful, and has an amazing quality of life."
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
UK holidaymakers can now use eGates at 14 major destinations
The opening of a raft of eGates at airports across Europe means less queues for British tourists this holiday season Holidaymakers heading to popular destinations can breathe a sigh of relief with the news that a host of eGates have now officially opened in time for the summer season. It should mean less queueing for Brits abroad, who, until now, have had to line up for manned immigration booths and have their documents stamped. Portugal announced the opening of their eGates at Faro Airport at the start of the month after the Prime Minister Keir Starmer struck a deal with EU leaders. And now France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands and eleven other EU countries have officially reopened fast-track eGates for British tourists. According to Travel and Tour World, passengers will now be able to breeze through 14 airports using the electronic system which will scan UK passports and replace the need for stamping them. Exiting border control through these automated gates was something Brits could do before Brexit. After leaving, that access was restricted. British travellers were then reclassified as "visa-exempt third-country nationals" and initially lost their ability to use e-gates at many European airports. Until now, UK holidaymakers have only been able to use eGates at limited airports in Spain and Portugal. It's led to reports of 'nightmare' queues before peak summer season - July and August - has even arrived. At Faro Airport, prior to the opening of the eGates, we reported on passengers waiting for three hours at the hub to have their passports stamped. This week Sofia Airport in Bulgaria also opened for British fliers. And Tallinn Airport in Estonia has also relaxed the ban and will now allow Brits to use the gates. The amendment to the eGate regulations now mean 49 destinations will allow Brits through their security system, the Sun said, with popular countries such as Paris, Rome, Lisbon and Tenerife on the list. There had been fears that gates would not reopen for Brits before this summer with initial timescales set at October 2025 with the roll out taking place over six months from then. Where Brits Can Use eGates This Summer France: Paris Charles de Gaulle, Paris Orly, Bordeaux, Marseille, Lyon, Nice Italy: Rome Fiumicino, Ciampino, Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Venice, Naples, Florence, Bologna, Pisa, Cagliari, Catania, Palermo, Bari, Brindisi, Bergamo, Treviso, Verona, Turin, Olbia Spain: Alicante, Mallorca, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Ibiza Portugal: Lisbon, Faro Germany: EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg (shared with France) Belgium: Brussels Airport Netherlands: Amsterdam Schiphol (exit only) Cyprus: Larnaca, Paphos Ireland: Dublin Hungary: Budapest Czech Republic: Prague (Terminal 1) Finland: Helsinki Bulgaria: Sofia Estonia: Tallinn (starting next year) Eurotunnel/Eurostar: Folkestone Terminal, Calais Terminal, Port of Calais, Eurostar Paris Gare du Nord, London St Pancras
