I have worked at the Grand for 14 years, for the past 11 as Business Development Manager, spending my days promoting this wonderful hotel to big corporate companies and trying to convince them that the hotel is a perfect destination for a company conference or event. Since having my 2 children, juggling work and home life is challenging but one that I enjoy. I was however slightly perplexed when my eldest daughter Lorella announced that all she wanted to do for her 8th birthday was to stay at mummy's work!!! I must confess that both my husband and I tried to offer her various other options.....not for any other reason than not wanting the spend my day off at work!!!! The offer of tickets to see Matilda and a trip to Legoland couldn’t tear her away from the thought of 5 star service and grandeur!
I know only too well why the Grand retain so many of their guests but I have to admit that our experience firmly reminded me that what I tell my clients is so true.
We arrived mid afternoon, the concierge helped to park the car and my 2 excited daughters walked in to be greeted by our lovely reception manager Emma, steps ready and after signing their own registration cards and ordering cookies and milk for bedtime, they excitedly took their wonderful children’s packs and couldn’t wait to get to the room to explore! We had a beautiful room overlooking the sea and the outdoor swimming pool. The children were overwhelmed by the size and space of the room and the views were breathtaking. My girls enjoyed the fruit before donning their swimming costumes and pint sized fluffy towelling robes before we headed down to the very warm and inviting outdoor pool. As I sat and watch on whilst they were playing happily together, I honestly felt as though I was on holiday, the sun was hot and beaming down and everyone was very relaxed. We also took a dip in the indoor pool and popped into the Childrens playroom which the girls thought was great. I couldn’t help thinking how well equipped we are for the younger generation as my daughters were just as excited as they are on our annual stay at centreparcs where activities are a plenty!
After the girls enjoyed a bubbly bath in our room, we dressed for the evening. Sitting on the outdoor terrace, we ordered some gorgeous cocktails and nibbles which took me back 10 years when my husband and I were in Hawaii on our honeymoon, the vibe was very similar! We had booked a local restaurant for dinner which again is one of the reasons why The Grand is so perfect, not only does the hotel cater for all ages and events but being in a town gives so much choice and flexibility when it comes to choosing what to do next!!!
We returned to our room and as expected we had a knock at the door at 830pm with the cookies, milk and a surprise birthday cake for Lorella. This was the icing on the cake – literally!!!
I know I work at the hotel but there is truly something really special about this place, the staff really care and the facilities are wonderful, everyone goes out of their way to make sure that our guests have a memorable time. So as I sit at my desk now, I can honestly carry on trying to promote the hotel to all and sundry safe in the knowledge that everything I say to prospective guests is 100% true. Oh and Lorella, wants to come back next year and her sister Sofia wants to come for her birthday too!!!!!
Carina Booker - Business Development Manager, The Grand Eastbourne