The sun is shining on another delightful morning here on Hartington Place, Eastbourne.

Our guests from the Netherlands have just headed out for a trek towards Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters (true pragmatic Dutch stylee, with sandals, packed lunch and ever-so-slightly wary children) whilst others prepare for the opera at Glyndebourne.

Our London journalists have just left with one last rueful look at the sea before heading back to the station. At least it’s an easy journey for their family – just an hour an half back to Clapham Junction and Victoria.

Whilst the children are at nursery and the wife is out at Zumba (is EVERY woman at it these days?!) it’s a rare opportunity to indulge in a pain au chocolat, mug of builders tea and a little rumination in front of the pc and appreciation of all that is good in life.

Maybe, just maybe, there will be an opportunity for a kayak fishing session this afternoon and the possibility of a bass or a few mackeral for supper, post five-a-side football.

Before I lose myself completely in a fog of smugness I’d best crack on with tidying up the dining room and carry up innumerable bags of laundry just delivered. This bed and breakfast malarkey is non-stop.

We’re a boutique guesthouse in Eastbourne. Bang on location, lovely rooms, separate kitchens. You might know that already and, hopefully, appreciate it enough to have stayed here in the last year we’ve been at the helm.

Many of you have also made the effort to review us on TripAdvisor. Thank very much indeed if you have.

What you probably don’t realise is that if you recommend us to family, friends, the bloke at the bus stop you really shouldn’t be talking to, whoever, and they stay with us you get a £10 M&S voucher. Which for me equates to a decent  bottle of red and a bag of cookies. For you maybe a nice bunch of flowers or the right arm of a Per Una cashmere sweater. Just get them to tell me when they book that you were the reason they came and, hey presto, the voucher arrives on your doormat. Brilliant, eh?

If you have stayed here already you might well have forgotton that you get a 10% discount on future bookings. Nice. So banish thoughts of Autumn and see the sunny shores of Eastbourne again!

Just give me a call on 01323 722774 or take another look at our website to see what all the fuss is about.

Refreshing is one word for it. Let’s just say I needed the wetsuit for the inaugural swim of the year. And a bowl of steaming soup on my return. But the blood is certainly flowing again and we’re back in fine fettle after a hectic few weeks here at The Guesthouse East B&B in Eastbourne.

Swiss, French, Thai. Management consultants, teachers, designers. Young families, romancing couples and businessmen.  You can’t say it’s a bland crowd here. We’re completely taken over this Saturday night by an ecletic mix of walkers after the rigours of the South Downs Way. Better put some porridge on.

We still have some suites available for this Friday – self catering or bed and breakfast – and the chance to take advantage of my ‘Name your price!’ promotion. I’ve just had a lovely lady book on the phone who was obviously a bit embarrssed to  make an offer but delighted with the result. I suggest you give it a go too – on 01323 722774

Apparently UK tourism is set to be one of the few sectors to benefit from the recession, with 70% of people ready to book a holiday in the UK this year.

We’ve all been there – fractious children and frustrated parents stranded in airport lounges, disillusioned with the ‘glamour’ of air travel and, when coupled with a weak pound, it perhaps shouldn’t be surprising to hear that 39% are now considering to spend their main 2010 holiday here in the UK, up 10% on last year.  

The Guesthouse East, the boutique but family friendly hotel in Eastbourne, should be well placed since it is families who are likely to be at the heart of the ‘staycation’ boom. It is those with children who are more likely to target self catering accommodation and coastal resorts. Just as well, then, that The Guesthouse East is just 50m from the sea front in Eastbourne and that each suite has a separate kitchen with self-catering facilities and large bedroom, often with an extra futon or sofa bed for children. And when mum doesn’t fancy spending any more time in the kitchen bed and breakfast is always available.

Check availability and book or give us a ring 01323 722774 to find out more.

If you know you Latin from your Ballroom, your Cha Cha from your Tango, you’ll be keen to hear that two of Strictly Come Dancing’s top stars Anton Du Beke and Erin Boag are putting on a performance at the Congress Theatre in Eastbourne this February.

If you missed the sell-out tour last year be quick to book now – and while you’re at it, book some handily-placed accommodation in Eastbourne, such as the suitably chic hotel Guesthouse East on Hartington Place. Double suites are only £70 per night mid-week in February so dust off the DJ and polish the patent leather. Check availability.

I’ve dusted down the barrels and even found 3 matching flights. Ok, my board looks like it came free with 2 litres of Esso oil back in 1987 (it did) but suddenly I feel I could be the new Phil The Power. The Ginger Magician perhaps? Frankly, Eric Bristow, aka The Crafty Cockney, was always a boyhood hero and somehow seemed to live the dream a bit more. Ahh, those epic battles with Jockey Wilson….

The closing date for entries for this year’s Eastbourne Darts Open is Monday 11th January so be quick if you fancy pulling a tight polyester top over the beer belly and taking on the big boys.

Though be warned: ‘No jeans, trainers, track suits to be worn on stage’. Poetic.

Somehow I feel I’ll be forced to fall back on vicarious enjoyment yet again (I never did get spotted by acting agents during Brighton Rock), and maybe I’ll get some high-rolling players staying here – the Winter Gardens, the home of darts for the weekend – is just 2 minutes down the road so who knows?

If you fancy staying here at The Guesthouse East, to either rack up a few legs with me or use as a base for your assault on the title click here for availability or ring on 01323 722774.