The Cumberland Hotel
By the Top3Hotels editorial team. Based on Booking.com guest scores and reviews, location data and reference prices. We did not stay at this hotel. Updated 2026-10-24.
Book it if you want the cheapest of our three Eastbourne picks, a seafront address and friendly staff. If a modern bathroom matters to you, the extra €24 a night for our Best Value pick is probably money well spent.
Check prices on Booking.com ↗We may earn a commission if you book. It never changes our pick.
Sold out? See available alternatives →Who it suits and who should skip it
Our Budget pick in Eastbourne is a three-star seafront hotel with a guest score of 8.0 from 689 reviews. It suits couples, families and dog owners on a budget seaside break: family rooms are listed and the data tags it as pet-friendly. The property lists a beachfront position, a restaurant, a terrace and free Wi-Fi.
Skip it if you are fussy about bathrooms. Guests describe them as small and dated, with maintenance problems such as mould and cracked fixtures. That is the main tradeoff for the low price.
Location and getting around
The address is 34-36 Grand Parade, in the town centre area. Guests rate the location 9.5 and say it sits on the seafront directly opposite the bandstand, a short walk from town.
For day trips, distances grow fast. Beachy Head Lighthouse is about 4.8 km in a straight line, roughly 60 minutes on foot. Pevensey Castle and Anderitum are each about 6.8 km, around 85 minutes. Those are far, so plan on public transport or a taxi.
What guests say
Staff earn the most praise. Guests call the team friendly, helpful and welcoming, with efficient service. The seafront spot opposite the bandstand is the other big plus.
The bathrooms are the clear weak point. Reviews mention small, dated spaces with mould and cracked fixtures. Our data does not say whether every room is affected, so check recent photos and reviews.
Its 8.0 score placed it 7th of the 7 eligible properties we compared, the lowest in a fairly strong field.
Price and how it compares with our other Eastbourne picks
The reference price was €89.18 a night, 33% below the sample median of €133.76. These are reference prices seen for a 2-night stay in November 2026 for 2 adults, not live quotes. Check today's price for your dates.
Our Best Value pick, The View Hotel, also on Grand Parade, was €112.94 a night with a score of 8.7 and four stars. Our Luxury pick, The Grand Hotel, was €238.97 with an 8.4 and five stars. Over a 2-night stay, picking this hotel over The View saves roughly €48. You give up a higher score and, judging by reviews, a better bathroom.
A Full English/Irish breakfast and a buffet are listed. Whether your rate includes breakfast is not confirmed.
Why it made our top 3
We compared 7 eligible properties in Eastbourne. For the Budget slot we take the lowest eligible reference price after setting aside the upscale choice. This hotel was the cheapest, and its seafront location score of 9.5 and well-liked staff made it a fair budget option despite the lower overall score.
Before you book
Look at recent bathroom photos and reviews before you pay. If you bring a dog, confirm the pet rules and any fee. Check whether breakfast is included and read the cancellation terms. Noise and room size have not been assessed.
Check prices on Booking.com ↗We may earn a commission if you book. It never changes our pick.
Sold out? See available alternatives →Questions travellers ask
Is The Cumberland Hotel on Eastbourne seafront?
Yes. It is at 34-36 Grand Parade, and guests say it sits directly opposite the bandstand.
What do guests complain about at The Cumberland Hotel?
Mainly the bathrooms, which some describe as small and dated with mould and cracked fixtures.
Are dogs allowed?
Our data tags the hotel as pet-friendly. Confirm the rules and any charges with the hotel.
Is breakfast available?
A Full English/Irish breakfast and a buffet are listed. Check whether your rate includes it.
How much does it cost per night?
The reference price was €89.18 a night, seen for a 2-night stay in November 2026 for 2 adults. Check today's price for your dates.