The Grand Hotel Leicester

The Grand Hotel Leicester to Reopen after Transformation

The historic Grand Hotel Leicester is set to reopen in January 2026 after a bold reimagining, as it officially joins The Unlimited Collection. The Grand Hotel Leicester by The Unlimited Collection will be managed by The Ascott Limited, following a strategic collaboration between The Ascott Limited and S Hotels & Resorts Public Company Limited (SET: SHR), the international hospitality company under Singha Estate Public Company Limited (SET: S), announced in June 2024 to oversee a portfolio of landmark properties in the United Kingdom.

The hotel will become the 8th property to open globally under The Unlimited Collection, joining a growing portfolio of culturally rich, one-of-a-kind hotels in Dublin, Edinburgh, Vietnam, and Singapore. Each hotel in the collection is carefully selected for its unique story and strong connection to its local surroundings. Under the rebrand, the hotel will deliver a high-quality experience, blending theatrical guest moments with the city's unique character, marking an exciting new era for one of the city's most iconic properties.

Located on Granby Street, the hotel offers a convenient and professional base for business travellers and visitors alike. The hotel is just a short walk from Leicester Railway Station, with excellent access to local transport links, cultural landmarks such as the Phoenix Arts Centre and Turkey Café, and a growing mix of independent shops, restaurants and coworking spaces.

As the only 1900s-built hotel in the city, The Grand Hotel has long been a symbol of Leicester's architectural and cultural heritage, hosting guests such as His Royal Highness The King and Queen Mother, as well as Winston Churchill. Inspired by art Deco glamour and Leicester's theatrical legacy, the hotel's transformation will blend historic character with contemporary hospitality, offering guests a deeply immersive experience that honours the past while meeting the expectations of today's traveller. The building's Art Deco features and cultural significance in Leicester make it a standout landmark that reflects the city's rich history.

The reopening of The Grand Hotel Leicester will play an active role in the city's ongoing regeneration, supporting the vibrancy of the city centre while creating new local employment opportunities across hospitality, events and food and beverage. The hotel is committed to working closely with local suppliers, producers and creatives.

The hotel will feature 104 individually designed rooms, blending period character with modern luxury, including two grand and 19 premier rooms, with each space showcasing distinctive design touches that reflect both the building's heritage and the vibrancy of modern Leicester. The hotel will also offer extensive characterful spaces for meetings and largescale events, including The Kings Hall, notably the city's largest historic ballroom, which can accommodate up to 300 guests and is renowned for its art deco grandeur. These flexible event spaces and bespoke wedding services make the hotel a key destination for both business events and private celebrations.

Combining vintage glamour with contemporary comforts, each guest room features unique stylistic touches, as the restaurant is set to receive a new look and feel.

Food and beverage will be a core pillar of The Grand Hotel Leicester, positioned to drive both guest engagement and local footfall. O.W at The Grand, the hotel's new restaurant and bar, will operate from morning through evening, supporting a range of occasions from Afternoon Tea and informal meetings to pre-theatre dining and evening drinks. From handmade British pies crafted with award-winning local partners to a refined Afternoon Tea offering O.W at The Grand delivers a sophisticated yet accessible dining experience rooted in local heritage.

Named after the hotel's original visionary, Orson Wright, the concept blends classic dishes, subtle Art Deco influences and rotating showcases of local gins, anchored in strong local partnerships, ritual and storytelling. Designed to appeal equally to hotel guests and the Leicester market, O.W at The Grand reinforces the hotel's role as an active, all-day social hub at the heart of the city centre.

A unique feature of all The Unlimited Collection properties, the hotel's new U-Shop will showcase a treasure trove of local charm.

Guests can benefit from Ascott Star Rewards (ASR), the group's loyalty programme offering exclusive privileges and curated experiences designed to enhance every aspect of their stay.

Following recent additions to The Unlimited Collection portfolio in Dublin and Edinburgh, The Grand Hotel Leicester's transformation reflects The Ascott Limited ongoing commitment to expanding the brand with culturally rich, locally inspired properties. This evolution ensures the hotel remains a cherished landmark while becoming an essential destination that celebrates Leicester's unique heritage and vibrant community.

Visit https://www.discoverasr.com/en/the-unlimited-collection/united-kingdom/the-grand-hotel-leicester-by-the-unlimited-collection website for more information.

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The Ascott Limited (Ascott) is a Singapore company that has grown to be one of the leading international lodging owner-operators. Ascott's portfolio spans more than 190 cities across over 30 countries in Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the USA.