The Grand hotel in Birmingham to open in summer 2020

The Grand hotel in Birmingham is set to reopen in the summer as “one of the most prestigious hotels in the UK” following an extensive restoration of the Grade-II*-listed Victorian building.

In 2017 it was announced that the 185-bedroom hotel would open under the Principal brand following the signing of a partnership between US-private investment company Starwood Capital Group with family-owned property company Hortons’ Estate, owner of the hotel.

However, following the sale of the Principal portfolio of hotels by Starwood to French company Covivio in 2018, the hotel will operate as an independent entity.

The Grand was originally developed by the Horton family between 1879 and 1895 and was run by them as a hotel until 1969. It was then managed by a number of operators until it closed in 2002.

Original features of the mix of French Renaissance, Victorian and Art Deco architecture has been retained during the refurbishment with the historic ceilings, mosaic tiled floors and grand staircase all preserved.

The hotel will feature a destination restaurant, two bars, Grosvenor ballroom, sunken rooftop terrace, gym, and meeting rooms, with the interior design undertaken by Robert Angell Design International.

Cody Bradshaw, managing director, head of international hotels at Starwood Capital Group, said: “We’re proud to be working with Hortons’ Estate on a shared vision to create one of the most prestigious hotels in the UK.

“The restoration of this stunning grande dame building is another milestone in what is an exciting period of transformation for this vibrant city. We look forward to providing visitors to Birmingham – and locals alike with a truly one-of-a-kind destination that celebrates the splendour of this landmark building but with a 21st-century luxury experience.”