The legendary Grand Hotel Leicester is on its way to a grand reopening early January 2026 after an exciting reimagination project. The heritage hotel is set to join The Unlimited Collection, a selection of culturally rich, one-of-a-kind properties for travelers. This rebranding effort is part of a new and exciting partnership between The Ascott Limited and S Hotels & Resorts, focusing on managing landmark properties across the UK territory.
This will be the 8th hotel within The Unlimited Collection worldwide, joining their growing portfolio of hotels in Dublin, Edinburgh, Vietnam, and Singapore, to name a few. Each hotel within The Unlimited Collection is individually selected based on its unique story to tell, cultural importance, and its connection to its surroundings. This new edition of The Grand Hotel Leicester will serve to provide an unparalleled hotel experience, combining theater with a rich history, marking a new era in this popular Leicester landmark.
A Perfect Blend of Historic Charm and Modern Luxury
Located on Granby Street, The Grand Hotel Leicester offers a prime location for business travelers and visitors to the city. Just a short walk from Leicester Railway Station, the hotel is well-connected to local transport links, cultural hotspots like the Phoenix Arts Centre, and the growing mix of independent shops, restaurants, and coworking spaces in the city.
As the only 1900s-built hotel in Leicester, The Grand Hotel has long been a symbol of the city’s architectural and cultural heritage, once hosting prominent figures such as His Royal Highness The King and Queen Mother and Winston Churchill. The hotel’s redesign will honor its Art Deco glamour while incorporating modern hospitality features, offering guests an immersive experience that respects the past while catering to today’s travel expectations.
Revitalizing Leicester’s City Centre and Driving Hospitality Growth
The reopening of The Grand Hotel Leicester is expected to have a significant impact on the ongoing regeneration of Leicester’s city centre. By breathing new life into this historic property, the hotel will support the vibrancy of the local area, creating new employment opportunities across the hospitality sector, including jobs in events, food and beverage, and tourism. Furthermore, the hotel is committed to partnering with local suppliers, producers, and creatives, ensuring that the property plays a key role in promoting Leicester’s cultural identity.
This transformation also serves as a catalyst for future hospitality growth in Leicester and beyond. As the city continues to attract more visitors and investment, The Grand Hotel Leicester will serve as a model for how historic properties can be reimagined to meet the evolving demands of today’s travelers, blending heritage with modern luxury.
Unique Guest Rooms and Versatile Event Spaces
The newly transformed Grand Hotel Leicester will feature 104 individually designed rooms, blending period character with modern luxury. Among these, two grand rooms and 19 premier rooms will showcase distinctive design elements that highlight both the hotel’s rich heritage and the dynamic energy of modern Leicester. Guests can expect a stay marked by sophisticated interiors, comfort, and a deep connection to the local culture.
The hotel will also offer expansive event spaces, including The Kings Hall, the city’s largest historic ballroom. This Art Deco grandeur can accommodate up to 300 guests, making it an ideal location for large-scale events, meetings, and weddings. These flexible event spaces are designed to meet the needs of both business events and private celebrations, enhancing the hotel’s role as a premier destination for gatherings in Leicester.
Dining and Beverage Experience at O.W at The Grand
A major highlight of the hotel will be O.W at The Grand, the hotel’s new restaurant and bar. Positioned as a central hub, the venue will operate from morning until evening, supporting a variety of occasions, from Afternoon Tea to informal meetings, pre-theatre dining, and evening drinks. The menu will offer dishes inspired by local flavors, including handmade British pies crafted with ingredients from award-winning local partners, as well as a refined Afternoon Tea experience.
The restaurant is named after the hotel’s original visionary, Orson Wright, and will incorporate subtle Art Deco influences, local gin showcases, and storytelling elements that reflect Leicester’s rich cultural heritage. O.W at The Grand will be a place for both hotel guests and the local community to gather, offering a sophisticated yet accessible dining experience.
A Treasure Trove of Local Charm: U-Shop and Ascott Star Rewards
Another unique feature of The Grand Hotel Leicester will be its U-Shop, a curated space showcasing local crafts and treasures, allowing guests to take home a piece of the city’s charm. This offering is part of The Unlimited Collection’s commitment to integrating local culture into each property’s guest experience.
Additionally, guests will benefit from Ascott Star Rewards (ASR), the loyalty program that provides exclusive privileges and curated experiences, designed to enhance every aspect of a guest’s stay. This program underscores the hotel’s commitment to delivering personalized service and exceptional experiences for all visitors.
The Unlimited Collection: A Growing Portfolio with a Focus on Cultural Heritage
Following recent additions to The Unlimited Collection portfolio in Dublin and Edinburgh, the reopening of The Grand Hotel Leicester reflects The Ascott Limited’s ongoing commitment to expanding the brand with culturally rich, locally inspired properties. Each property in the collection is carefully chosen to ensure it reflects the unique character and culture of its destination, ensuring that guests enjoy a deeply immersive experience that connects them to the heart of the community.
The Grand Hotel Leicester’s transformation represents an important evolution for the property and positions it as a key destination for travelers seeking both heritage and luxury. As the hotel welcomes guests in 2026, it will become an essential part of Leicester’s tourism landscape, celebrating both the city’s past and its exciting future.
Future Hospitality Growth in Leicester and Beyond
The reinvention of The Grand Hotel Leicester as a property in The Unlimited Collection is poised to revolutionize Leicester’s hospitality landscape. In revamping the property, the hotel is not only elevating Leicester City in terms of tourism development, it is also pioneering a new way of reinventing old properties to create an innovative experience while contributing to the hospitality market in the area.
As the city of Leicester continues to rise as a focal point for tourism, the restarting of The Grand Hotel Leicester is sure to bring more visitors into the city, thus promoting local as well as international tourism. Its method of fusing luxury and history is the future of many other establishments not only within the UK, but throughout the world, emphasizing the need to preserve historical landmarks to fulfill the needs of the modern tourist. In this way, the newly reborn Grand Hotel Leicester plays a significant role in the future growth of not only the hospitality sector, but of the tourism sector as a whole.
Image Source: Ascott
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