As members of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, each award-winning property offers exceptional leisure facilities, indulgent wellness treatments, acclaimed restaurants, private dining and meeting spaces, and elegantly appointed suites and rooms. Whether nestled within 66 acres of historic gardens at Tylney Hall, set in 186 acres of ancient woodland at Ashdown Park, or overlooking the serene Eastbourne seafront at The Grand Hotel, these hotels provide a perfect retreat for couples and families alike.

1984 - Having been acquired from Brent Council, Tylney Hall was converted into a 39-bedroom hotel with an accompanying restaurant.

October 1985 – Tylney Hall Hotel opened its doors while restoration of the historic gardens and estate buildings continued over the following decade, enabling the hotel to expand to its current 112 bedrooms and include a health club.

February 1993 – Elite Hotels was founded following the acquisition of Ashdown Park from Barclays Bank.

November 1993 – a gala dinner to mark the official opening of Ashdown Park with 44 Bedrooms.

July 1994 - The opening of the East Wing and Country Club increased the hotel’s capacity to 95 bedrooms. Within just 18 months of welcoming its first guests, the hotel was awarded Red Star status by the AA—the first property to achieve this distinction in such a timeframe.

April 1995 - Tylney Hall celebrated its 10th Anniversary with a stunning garden party.

April 1996 – Graeme C. Bateman was promoted to Managing Director of Elite Hotels, a position he undertook alongside his continuing responsibilities as General Manager of Ashdown Park.

March 1998 – Elite Hotels acquire The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne from DeVere Hotels, now offering ‘the best of country and coast’ to discerning guests. An extensive two year restoration programme followed.

March 1999 – Elite Hotels acquire Luton Hoo, Bedfordshire converting into a 5 Star resort which opened in October 2007 and was subsequently sold in 2021.

January 2000 - Michael Purtill was appointed as General Manager of Ashdown Park allowing  Graeme Bateman to focus on his group remit.

June 2000 – The Fairway Suites were opened at Ashdown Park, further enhancing the Country Club’s offering.

July 2000- Restoration of The Grand Hotel was completed, reducing the number of bedrooms from 174 to 152. The Compton Suite, now a renowned setting for weddings and private events, along with the Health Club, were remodelled.

January 2010 - After many years of distinguished service as General Manager of Tylney Hall, Rita Mooney retired, with her deputy, Mark Ashton, appointed as her successor.

May 2016 – Tylney Hall welcomes Sam Aziz as General Manager.

October 2018 - To celebrate its 25th Anniversary, Ashdown Park hosted a Gala Dinner in the magnificent Richard Towneley Suite, with local dignitaries, valued partners and loyal guests in attendance.  

August 2020 – Ashdown Park opens its Forest Brasserie, serving the best of local produce in the relaxed and welcoming environment of the Country Club.  

July 2024 – The Grand Hotel welcomes James Perry as general manager following the retirement of the long serving Jonathan Webley.

January 2025 – Elite Hotels marked the 150th anniversary of The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne, a rare achievement attained by only a select number of hotels across the world.

July 2025 – Ashdown Park Hotel welcomes Jonathan Brown as its 5th General Manager in 32 years, following the departure of the long-serving Ben Booker.