The Grand, Birmingham

After last week’s excellent response to our destination blog, we are back with the second in the trilogy focused on The Grand Hotel, Birmingham. This hotel originally opened its doors for the first time 142 years ago, during its heyday it played host to everyone from royalty to rock stars.  However, the hotel closed in 2002, and the Birmingham landmark has remained shut for the past 18 years.

Following a £45 million investment and refurbishment, we spoke with Peter Kienast who is General Manager of the hotel now, and he gave us the inside scoop on what to expect when the hotel is finally allowed to open its doors again in 2021.

The £45 million restoration and refurbishment of The Grand – in partnership with Hortons, Greater Birmingham & Solihull LEP, Birmingham City Council, and Finance Birmingham – has returned this landmark building on Colmore Row to its original grandeur.

The Grand consists of 185 bedrooms and suites including a two-bedroom penthouse apartment, Madeleine cocktail bar, and Isaac’s restaurant as well as the Grand Ballroom and 10 additional meeting and event spaces. The hotel is an extraordinary combination of original features and modern luxury. Within the confines of the venue, there are many stories to be told: The Grand has been home to many celebrities over the years including The Beatles and The Rolling Stones who even signed the guest book.

Peter Kienast says, ‘We cannot wait to re-open The Grand Hotel Birmingham just as soon as Government guidelines make this feasible. My team is really excited to get back to the business of opening the hotel. For us, giving fantastic service is ultimately what the hospitality business is about: people looking after people’.

Last autumn one of our Event Managers Gemma was lucky enough to accompany a client to the property for a site visit.  She was blown away by the beauty of the building and felt like she was transported away from the busy Birmingham city centre to the heart of Parisian culture – especially whilst in Madeline cocktail bar! Gemma was pleased to see how the hotel has retained its original character, whilst incorporating all of the necessary modern features we all now demand into the property.

Get in touch with us at Autograph Events so we can plan something incredible for your 2021 events at amazing venues like The Grand in Birmingham. You can call us on 01905 676 444 or email us your enquiries to events@autograph-events.co.uk