We’ve been extremely busy all summer here at The Guesthouse East – I’ve been putting it down to my porridge – but it seems we’re part of a much bigger trend according to a new study highlighted on BBC 1 (The One Show) and the Eastbourne Herald amongst others.

EASTBOURNE is the second fastest growing seaside resort – and the sixth most popular in the UK.

The number of staycations – Brits holidaying at home – is going through the roof, and the Sunshine Coast is one of the main beneficiaries.

Eastbourne is second in terms of growth in tourism-related businesses, the number of people employed in the holiday economy and the number of visitors to local attractions compared to the year before, rising by 11% year-on-year, much higher than other Sussex resorts like Brighton, Hastings and Worthing.

Almost five million people flock to Eastbourne every year, swelling the town’s coffers by an estimated £250 million every 12 months.

Many of those visitors are foreign families and students, but, according to new figures, an increasing number are English natives shunning the Spanish sun in favour of a short spell in the sunniest part of UK.

This upturn is indicative of a national trend toward seaside chic breaks – with many bed and breakfasts transformed into trendy boutique hotels and attracting more affluent tourists to the coast. Figures show those holidaying in the UK spending 23 per cent more during their stay than last year and that in total resorts has seen 21 per cent more UK visitors staying overnight rather than just enjoying a day trip.

However, there are some traditions that show no signs of abating. Six in ten holidaymakers quizzed as part of the survey said they planned to eat fish and chips during their break and four in 10 said they were looking forward to a stroll on the pier.

In fact, one in three holidaymakers say the traditional attractions at seaside towns was one of the a reason for deciding against travelling overseas.

Just in case you need another reason to visit (or just perhaps to run off those chips) we’ve teamed up with The Running Inn to offer another Running Weekend Course.

As well as boutique accommodation here at The Guesthouse East (check out our suites!) you’ll receive a fitness test, nutrition discussion, pilates for runners as well as personal trainer-supported runs on the South Downs.

There always a lovely, supportive atmosphere and it’s amazing what you can achieve after a bowlful of my legendary porridge!   Call 01323 722774 for more details.

Carl

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.

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.

lastminute.com top 10 travel blogs - The Guesthouse East is apparently helping to modernise Eastbourne – the face of new Eastbourne accommodation maybe?

I’m not sure I could get away with Robin Askwith-type antics (the wife wouldn’t put up with the tight jeans for a start) but within the space of a month of starting this game I’ve encoutered a fascinating mix of people and antics. I’ll put it down to the joys of running a boutique Eastbourne B&B…..

Rather like journalists never revealing their sources I couldn’t possible name names but The Guesthouse East has recently played host to an eclectic mix of writers, politicians, actors, businessmen, romancing couples (who all insist on suite 4 – it must be the sensuous red colour scheme), families and photographers.

The evidence left behind should be buried in a time vault in the back garden as an intriguing insight to life in the 21st century; empty bottles of fizz, odd shoes, innumerable chargers, kiddies toys and, er, interesting underwear. The postage required to return it all must practically wipe out any potential tax liabilities come the end of the year. And I tactfully avoid reminding guests of that exotic underwear left here – if they’re that keen to recover it they can let me know….