logo
The grand city hotel that feels like going back in time after £50million makeover

The grand city hotel that feels like going back in time after £50million makeover

The Irish Sun17-07-2025
THE Grand Hotel in Birmingham has undergone a multi-million revamp in recent years, as well as welcomed some famous guests.
We've explained everything you need to know from what to do at the hotel to the best thing to eat at the restaurant.
Advertisement
3
Spacious bedrooms offering large bathrooms with walk-in showers
Where is the hotel?
Located on one of Birmingham's most esteemed business addresses on Colmore Row, this hotel is right on the doorstep of Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, and a great mix of nightlife.
It has the perfect location of a 5-minute walk from New Street railway station and the city centre.
There is no hotel car park, but guests can get a discount at Snow Hill car park, which is extremely close.
What is the hotel like?
The Grade II-listed property is a grand place inside out.
Advertisement
Read more hotel reviews
Having welcomed a number of rock stars in the past, guests can pretend to live like royalty in one of its 185 rooms.
With £50million in refurbishments in recent years, this hotel takes a luxurious step back in time.
The showpiece is the grand marble reception and ballroom with capacity for 300 people.
What is there to do at there?
Fancy some yoga? In-room yoga classes are available with mats for an early morning stretch or pop into the gym which has great equipment.
Advertisement
Most read in News Travel
Between Wednesday and Sunday, you can enjoy their traditional
What is there to eat and drink there?
To start, the full English breakfast is superb with all ingredients locally sourced.
3
The grand marble staircase
The artistic Parisian-chic style strongly follows through with the Madeleine bar and its drinks menu.
Advertisement
And a cocktail at the hotel's plush bar is a must.
I tried the Strawberry Bon Bon made with vodka, toffee and strawberry (£13.50) which was delightful.
Around the corner is Isaac's, the hotel's New York-style brasserie, which has a great atmosphere with cracking burgers and an array of fresh seafood.
What are the rooms like?
The rooms have dark wood panelling, stylish lamps and tall windows overlooking the city feature, with an array of seven categories to pick from.
Advertisement
If you want to make it a night to remember, the Penthouse suite offers infinite qualities from in-room Yoga sessions to a walk-in wardrobe like no other.
But with a double room, I still enjoyed the old-style rotary phone, fitting with the quirky look, as well as a spacious bathroom offering a huge bath and walk-in shower.
Double rooms start at £159, including breakfast.
Is the hotel family-friendly?
There is a family package special offer which includes bathrobes and cuddly toys for your little or older ones, to family-friendly bars and activities for kids to create their own milkshakes.
Advertisement
Your pooch can also be brought along if it weighs less than 36kg. Don't forget to book their arrival in advance too.
Is there access for guests with disabilities?
Lifts are accessible at the main entrance and from meeting rooms to ensure ease of movement, alongside disabled toilets.
There are 7 bedrooms equipped for guests with disabilities.
Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here.
Advertisement
3
On Colmore Row this hotel provides a capsule of luxury heritage
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Auction of artist Richard O'Neill's work to include portraits of Samuel Beckett and 1916 leader Tom Clarke
Auction of artist Richard O'Neill's work to include portraits of Samuel Beckett and 1916 leader Tom Clarke

Irish Times

time4 hours ago

  • Irish Times

Auction of artist Richard O'Neill's work to include portraits of Samuel Beckett and 1916 leader Tom Clarke

Artists and sculptors often joke that their work will only become valuable when they are dead. And although a morbid thought, it is often true because only then will the fullness of their life's work be assessable. Commenting on this phenomenon in the Financial Times earlier this year, New York-based art-dealer Emmanuel Di Donna said artists who have died have a distinct advantage over their living peers. 'Collectors can see a whole body of work, you can see the progression. A contemporary artist could do something cool, fun and expensive now, but you have no idea what they could do in 20 years time,' said Di Donna, who worked previously for Sotheby's in London and New York. READ MORE But also, the fickleness of human nature being what it is, means that we are often only willing to pay high prices for works when they have achieved sufficient critical acclaim, often following retrospective exhibitions. (Although this isn't entirely the case because some works in the so-called 'wet-paint market' sold for exorbitant prices at international auctions within three years of being made by younger artists.) Some art market researchers now claim that geopolitical tensions are prompting buyers to source locally, so perhaps now is a good time to rediscover Irish artists whose work didn't get the same focus as some of their contemporaries in the 20th century. Auction rooms are always willing to create a market for works by artists who didn't achieve the success they might have deserved during their lifetimes. These include many woman artists – sometimes overlooked because their male partners stole the limelight – but also other artists who didn't move in the right circles or didn't promote their work or have agents to do so. [ Lost for words: Dublin-born artist Jenny Brady explores the world of interpretation Opens in new window ] O'Neill's painting, May 1916 (Thomas Clarke) a large work which depicts Tom Clarke, blindfolded before a stone wall awaiting his execution (€3,000-€5,000). Photograph: Adam's Auctioneers Later this month, Adams will host viewings of paintings and drawings by Waterford-born artist Richard O'Neill (1923-2009) in advance of its auction on August 14th. In the catalogue essay, Adam Pearson writes that as an artist O'Neill was said to have been self-reliant, curious and somewhat quiet by nature. 'He was not one to pander to the politics or critics of the art scene and he was reluctant to speak about his work and the meaning within them,' writes Pearson. O'Neill's early works were mainly figurative and had a neo-romantic quality to them. They were shown at the Irish Exhibition of Living Art in the 1950s and 1960s. His first solo exhibition of 21 oil paintings was held at the Dublin Painter's Gallery at 7 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, in 1956. His second solo show was at the Dawson Gallery in 1964. His later works were more abstract and arguably more powerful. Some of these most striking works by O'Neill for sale at Adam's include The Outsider (€700-€1,000), Harbour Sun (€800-€1,200), Red Landscape (€800-€1,200), The Waiting Room (€1,000-€2,000), The Reader (€500-€700) and Samuel Beckett (€1,000-€1,500). O'Neill's painting, May 1916 (Thomas Clarke) a large work depicting Tom Clarke blindfolded before a stone wall awaiting his execution, was part of the 1966 commemorative exhibition of the 1916 Rising at the Municipal Gallery of Modern Art [now the Hugh Lane Gallery] on Parnell Square, Dublin 1. This painting has the highest estimate in the current sale at €3,000-€5,000 and was deemed by Pearson as a turning point indicative of the more figurative, psychologically-charged style in his later years. [ In pictures: Breaking barriers through art Opens in new window ] The Outsider (€700-€1,000) by Richard O'Neill at Adam's online auction. Photograph: Adam's Auctioneers Living for most of his adult life in Rathmines, Dublin 6, O'Neill lectured in graphic design, window display and interior design at the School of Retail Distribution on Marlborough Street in the capital. A scholarship student to the National College of Art in the 1940s, he was a member of the board of the National College of Art and Design in the 1970s and 1980s. Adam's online auction entitled Richard O'Neill: A Painter Rediscovered – which will close on Thursday, August 14th – will be on view at Adam's showrooms, 26 St Stephen's Green, on Friday, August 8th from 10am-5pm, Saturday and Sunday, August 9th and 10th from 2pm-5pm and Monday to Wednesday, August 11th to 13th from 10am-5pm. Art and soul Meanwhile, art collectors seeking summer glamour and pizazz will be interested to explore the paintings, prints and sculpture by Irish and international artists that Oliver Gormley of Gormleys amasses for his Art & Soul exhibitions. The Culloden Estate in Hollywood, Co Down – just outside Belfast – is the outdoor and indoor venue for more than 350 works by artists including Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Banksy, Julian Opie and Salvador Dalí. Bob Quinn, Ian Pollock, Eamonn Ceannt and Sandra Bell are among the Irish sculptors whose work will be on display in the 12-acre gardens and throughout the hotel. Art & Soul is free to attend and open to the public from 11am-7pm daily until August 31st. The exhibition will move to the Sheen Falls Lodge in Kenmare, Co Kerry, from September 14th-October 12th. , What did it sell for? White marble inlaid chimney piece White marble inlaid chimney piece Estimate €2,500-€3,000 Hammer price €2,500 Auction house Mullens Laurel Park Architect's plan cabinet Vintage oak three-tier nine-drawer architect's plan cabinet on moulded legs Estimate €300-€500 Hammer price €620 Auction house Mullens Laurel Park Brass bound trunk Vintage camphor wood brass bound trunk with brass carrying handles Estimate €100-€200 Hammer price €350 Auction house Mullens Laurel Park Rennie Mackintosh-style black lacquered side chair Rennie Mackintosh-style black lacquered side chair with Medusa pattern upholstered seat on moulded legs Estimate €60-€80 Hammer price €70 Auction house Mullens Laurel Park

The best events across the country this August Bank Holiday weekend
The best events across the country this August Bank Holiday weekend

Irish Daily Mirror

time5 hours ago

  • Irish Daily Mirror

The best events across the country this August Bank Holiday weekend

Over 30,000 festival-goers descended on Waterford's Curraghmore Estate for All Together Now on Friday, as traditional music fans will head to Wexford on Sunday for the start of the Fleadh. It's set to be a busy August Bank Holiday weekend, with hundreds of events taking place across the country. All Together Now The biggest is All Together Now, with homegrown talent Fontaines DC storming the stage on Friday and CMAT headlining on Saturday. English punk rap duo Bob Vylan are due to play the Something Kind of Wonderful stage the same night. The musicians were recently embroiled in controversy after chanting 'death to the IDF' during their set at Glastonbury earlier this year. Other acts playing across the weekend include Nelly Furtado, London Grammar, Wet Leg and Primal Scream. The arts and music festival began in 2018 and its capacity has grown three times bigger since then. Over the three days, revellers can also catch comedians and podcasters, including Tommy Tiernan and Blindboy. CMAT headlines All Together Now on Saturday Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025 The most anticipated week of the traditional Irish music calendar kicks off on Sunday. From August 3-10, half a million visitors are expected in Wexford Town for The Fleadh. Competing singers, musicians and dancers will gather in the town for the second year in a row, alongside amazing street performers and bustling pubs. Bray Air Display In Wicklow, the skies are set to roar to life as the Bray Air Display 2025 takes place on Saturday. It's the perfect event for any aviation enthusiast as a breathtaking array of aircraft and awe-inspiring aerobatics will be on display in the sky. The Irish Defence Forces will also have a static display by the pier as the seafront funfair will keep all members of the family entertained. While it's set to be a mild weekend with highs of 23C, Storm Floris will bring heavy rainfall and unseasonably windy weather on Sunday night into the bank holiday Monday. Met Éireann issued an advisory on Friday and is set to issue warnings on Saturday ahead of the storm's arrival. The gusty winds could cause power outages, wave overtopping and localised flooding. Northern Ireland has already been issued with a yellow wind warning by the UK's Met Office, which is in force from 6am on Monday for 24 hours. On top of heavy rainfall that could lead to dangerous driving conditions, An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority have appealed to road users to take extra precautions this bank holiday weekend. Gardaí say there will be extra checkpoints and 'considerably more enforcement' on speeding, mobile phone use and seatbelts over the long weekend. Chief Superintendent Ray McMahon said: "This is one of the busiest weekends on the roads. Not just for motorists, but at this time of year, it's one of the busiest weekends for cyclists and pedestrians. We ask everybody to be very conscious of our vulnerable road users, our cyclists and our pedestrians. "We're asking people to slow down, we're asking people to just plan their journey ahead. Some will have long journeys this weekend, so take your time and take your breaks. Don't be using mobile phones or anything that might distract you while driving. We really do not want to be visiting another family with terrible news this weekend. "We're going to be out in force from today straight through to next Wednesday. So please drive carefully and drive responsibly.' Gardaí will be out in force on Irish roads this weekend (Image: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin) The RSA is urging those attending various events across the country to never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It has set up a FlineBox at All Together Now festival, which is a self-service breathalyser powered by Dräger sensor technology – the same one used by Gardaí. RSA's Sarah O'Connor said: 'We're reminding motorists and families that safety doesn't stop at the festival gates. We want everyone to enjoy the music and the atmosphere, but support and help people make smart choices about how they travel home and how they continue to use the roads on an ongoing basis.' Chief of the HSE, Bernard Gloster, said he anticipates that emergency departments across the country will be busy this August Bank Holiday. He is appealing to those travelling, enjoying outdoor activities and festivals to take extra precautions, adding: 'Patients presenting (to A&E) with non-urgent injuries may face longer waiting times, depending on the number of people attending and the severity of patient illnesses. 'Our staff work hard to do all they can to reduce the length of time patients wait in EDs and we apologise for any long delays people might experience.' Other events across the country this weekend include the Carlow Fringe Arts Festival and the Cahersiveen Music and Arts Festival in Kerry. In Clare, families can enjoy a treasure hunt and street parade at Kilmilhil Festival in Clare. While fun-seekers don't have to travel far this bank holiday weekend to find something to do, thousands will also leave the country. Over 120,000 passengers are expected to pass through Dublin Airport daily over the next three days. Daa spokesperson Graeme McQueen said: 'The August bank holiday is always one of the busiest weekends for us and this year will be no different. 'The departure gates are set to be busy too and it's not just sun-seekers heading off to the usual hotspots like Portugal and Spain, but this weekend will once again see Oasis t-shirts galore heading to the UK for the biggest concerts of the summer, while the start of the new UK football season will bring plenty of colour to the terminals over the coming weekends.' Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week

Beginner's pluck: Cork-born author Barbara Leahy
Beginner's pluck: Cork-born author Barbara Leahy

Irish Examiner

time9 hours ago

  • Irish Examiner

Beginner's pluck: Cork-born author Barbara Leahy

As a child, Barbara read anything and everything. 'I read my own books, my brothers' books, and everything in the bookcase at home,' she says. 'I loved English but becoming a writer wasn't on the horizon. It was a distant dream.' Since leaving university, Barbara has worked full-time in admin — fitting writing in during evenings and at weekends. 'That gave me the luxury of a regular income,' she says. Fifteen years ago, Barbara joined a creative writing class in the College of Commerce in Cork, and, receiving encouragement, moved on to the Munster Literature Centre. 'I met other writers there, including Danielle McLaughlin.' We set up our own writing group and have been meeting every two weeks for the past 14 years. She started with short stories, with some success at competitions. 'A couple of stories were broadcast through the Francis McManus Award,' she says, 'but I always wanted to write a novel. During covid, I thought, 'It's now or never.'' Barbara met her agent, Ger Nichol, and publisher, Deirdre Nolan, at the final of the Irish Writers Centre Novel Fair in 2023. Who is Barbara Leahy? Place of Birth: Cork Education: Regina Mundi College in Douglas; University College Cork, BA in English and Mathematical Studies, and MA in English. Home: Cork — 'I live 10 minutes from my childhood home.' Family: Mother, three brothers. 'Dad died in 2018.' The day job: Insurance admin In another life: 'I'd be a museum curator. I love the power of everyday objects to connect us with the past.' Favourite writers: Danielle McLaughlin; Jean Rhys; Hilary Mantel; Maggie O'Farrell; Daphne Du Maurier. Second book: 'It's with my agent.' Top tip: 'Do it now. The conditions are always impossible. You have to start and keep going.' Instagram: @barbaraleahywriter The debut Rembrandt's Promise Eriu: €16.99 An impoverished widow, Geertje is a nursemaid in Rembrandt's house; and when his wife dies, she becomes his mistress. Will he keep his promise to her? 'I always loved Rembrandt's story,' says Barbara. 'It was in the bookcase at home. 'And later, when I discovered he lived with another woman for seven years, I really wanted to tell her story. 'She was illiterate and had no way of speaking up.' The verdict: Wonderfully researched and beautifully written.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store