Birmingham is among the top 10 cities in the world for large conferences as recognised in the latest research from Northstar Meetings Group’s Convention Cities Index (CCi) in January this year. So it is only fitting that the city sees the return of one of its landmark hotels following a huge restoration project and a 20 year slumber, The Grand Hotel in Colmore Row. With glowing reviews in the Business Travel Magazine and The Times recently it is certainly the hotel to visit this year.
Constructed between 1877-1879, it was originally designed by Thomson Plevins for Issac Horton, of the Horton dynasty, as a sanctuary for weary traders arriving at Snow Hill station. It was extended by architects Martin & Chamberlain in 1890 bringing with it some of the best interiors in the whole hotel, including the Grosvenor Suite. The suite played host over the years to the rich and famous of society, from rock stars and politicians to royalty. The stunning french style plasterwork and art deco light fittings providing a fitting backdrop for many dinners, dances and concerts.
Sadly in the 1960’s and early 1970’s it was leased to a number of hotel chains and underwent some unsympathetic modernisation and then hit financial difficulties, returning to the Horton Estate in August 2002. It was in poor repair and was kept mothballed but protected for many years. But with financial support from English Heritage it has now been stripped back to reveal its original Victorian splendour.
It reopened in May 2021 and now combines comfort and glamour in equal measure, as reimagined by Robert Angell International. It offers 185 luxurious guestrooms and 2 penthouse apartments, the ornate Louis XIV style Grand Ballroom, seating 350 guests, the Lobby Lounge Cocktail Bar, and Neighbourhood Restaurant on Barwick Street, together with 9 additional event rooms accommodating between 6-60 guests. Located in the heart of Birmingham, close to the Bullring and Grand Central, St Paul’s Cathedral and many other attractions it is very well positioned and easily accessible.
Wishing the the team every success and may there be many more memorable events held within the historic beauty of the past.
