A New Era for Leicester’s Iconic Hotel as New Management Unveils Bold Rebrand
The historic Grand Hotel Leicester reopens 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 with 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 becomes 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 plays 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 localsuppliers, producers and creatives.
The hotel features 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 Unlimited Collection properties, the hotel’s new U-Shop will showcase a treasure trove of local charm.
Billy Hughes, Area General Manager UK&IRE at The Ascott Limited commented on the transition: “Welcoming The Grand Hotel Leicester into The Unlimited Collection underscores our dedication to delivering distinctive, culturally rooted hospitality experiences around the world. This landmark hotel perfectly captures the energy and character of Leicester, and its addition enhances our footprint in key cultural destinations across the UK and Ireland. Guests can expect immersive, locally inspired stays complemented by the exceptional service and global standards synonymous with the Ascott brand.
Being part of The Unlimited Collection ensures The Grand Hotel Leicester will continue to celebrate its locality, offering guests seamless service and curated experiences that resonate with the city’s distinctive character.”
Andrew Sanders, General Manager at The Grand Hotel added – “The Grand Hotel Leicester has always been an important part of the city’s story, and our vision is to create a hotel that feels unmistakably Leicester – bold, welcoming, and rich in character. Becoming part of The Unlimited Collection allows us to celebrate the hotel’s heritage and individuality, while benefiting from a global brand that champions culturally rich, one-of-a-kind experiences. It gives us the freedom to honour the past, embrace the city’s creativity, and deliver the standards and service today’s travellers expect.”
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 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