If you live in Birmingham, you probably don’t need a hotel; you’re probably here just to learn about this magnificent building. But if you are looking for a room for a night or two in the heart of the UK’s Second City, you won’t find anywhere more glamorous than The Grand Hotel. Now that’s out of the way, let’s crack on, shall we?
The Grand Hotel
This Grade II* listed building was built to rival London’s finest hotels in 1879. It was successful too. The Grand Hotel attracted the likes of King George VI and Charlie Chaplin in its heyday. Sadly, the crumbling Victorian hotel closed in 2002 and was hidden under scaffolding and protective covers for ten years.
It wasn’t until 2012 that a £50 million refurbishment to return this city centre eyesore to its former glory began. Taking almost another 10 years to complete, The Grand Hotel finally reopened in 2021—boasting 185 bedrooms, two new bars and a restaurant, alongside a gymnasium, meeting rooms, and event spaces.
Within a year, The Grand Hotel was already winning acclaim for its “seductive architecture.” But you don’t need to be staying in one of its jaw-dropping, duplex suites (or any of its other impressive bedrooms) to enjoy a visit to The Grand Hotel, as it also offers several elegant hospitality options for Birmingham.
Downstairs at The Grand
Madeleine is easily among Birmingham’s most beautiful cocktail bars—it also has afternoon tea in the daytime—as it adds “a slice of Parisian chic on Colmore Row”; while Isaac’s restaurant is a beautiful British-style brasserie serving everything from steaks to small plates and traditional roast dinners.
But the star of The Grand’s nightlife can be found downstairs… Downstairs at The Grand is the city centre’s only late-night live music jazz bar. Hosting musical residencies every week, this sophisticated speakeasy has everything from boogie-woogie jazz nights to West End stars performing musical theatre showcases
To book your night at The Grand Hotel, or learn more about Madeleine, Isaac’s and Downstairs at The Grand, head here.
