Grand Hotel Leicester reopens under The Unlimited Collection, set to boost Leicester tourism with restored Art Deco charm, 104 rooms and expanded event facilities.
Summary: Grand Hotel Leicester reopens in January 2026 as part of The Unlimited Collection, restoring its Art Deco heritage with 104 rooms, event spaces including the Kings Hall (capacity 300), dining venues and investment in Granby Street regeneration.
The Grand Hotel Leicester has been revived and will reopen in January 2026 under The Unlimited Collection banner. The relaunch, managed by The Ascott Limited in partnership with S Hotels & Resorts, aims to draw business and leisure visitors back to Leicester’s city centre by combining the building’s historic character with contemporary hospitality standards.
Historic transformation under new management
The property becomes the eighth hotel in The Unlimited Collection globally, joining locations in Dublin, Edinburgh, Vietnam and Singapore. Originally erected at the turn of the 20th century and designed by Cecil Ogden in 1898, the Grade II-listed Grand Hotel has undergone a full refurbishment. The project restores the building’s Art Deco features while updating guest rooms, event spaces and dining outlets to modern expectations — preserving a landmark that once hosted royalty and statesmen.
Prime location improves accessibility
Situated on Granby Street close to Leicester Railway Station, the hotel offers straightforward access to the city’s cultural venues and transport links. Visitors can reach attractions such as the Phoenix Arts Centre and Leicester Cathedral, home to Richard III’s tomb, within a short walk. The central location is positioned to serve both day-trippers and overnight guests, supporting the area’s pedestrian-friendly improvements.
Rooms that honour heritage with modern comforts
All one hundred four rooms are individually styled to reflect the hotel’s theatrical and Victorian roots while providing contemporary amenities. The inventory includes two grand suites and nineteen premier rooms, each equipped with air conditioning, smart TVs and WiFi. Design touches pay tribute to Leicester’s cultural past while delivering the conveniences expected by today’s travellers.
Event spaces positioned to drive business tourism
The hotel’s Kings Hall is described as Leicester’s largest historic ballroom and can host up to three hundred guests for meetings, weddings and galas. In addition to the Kings Hall, seven flexible rooms are available for corporate events and social functions, supported by bespoke event services aimed at meeting the needs of planners and delegates.
- 104 individually designed rooms
- 2 grand suites and 19 premier rooms
- Kings Hall ballroom: up to 300 guests
- Seven additional flexible meeting spaces
O.W Dining and local flavours
O.W at The Grand — named after original visionary Orson Wright — serves all-day fare with a focus on British classics such as pies, traditional Afternoon Tea and a selection of local gins. The dining venue blends Art Deco design with storytelling and highlights ingredients sourced from local producers, appealing to both hotel guests and residents seeking pre-theatre meals or evening dining.
Local retail and loyalty perks to extend stays
The hotel’s U-Shop offers curated local products to connect visitors with Leicester’s artisanal scene. Guests can also access Ascott Star Rewards benefits, which provide exclusive privileges and incentives to encourage repeat visits and longer stays, strengthening visitor loyalty and supporting local suppliers.
Regeneration, sustainability and cultural links
The refurbishment is supported by Leicester City Council and Historic England, with ground-floor improvements that include sustainable timberwork and restored shopfronts as part of Granby Street’s pedestrianisation. Backers describe the work as a €900,000 initiative that complements nearby attractions such as New Walk Museum and local theatres, creating employment and supplier opportunities across the hospitality sector.
By reconnecting with Leicester’s theatrical and cultural heritage and offering one-hour links to London, the reopened Grand Hotel broadens the city’s appeal to cultural tourists, business delegates and visitors seeking heritage-led stays. As part of The Unlimited Collection’s UK expansion, the property raises the city’s international profile.
Why this matters: The Grand Hotel Leicester’s reopening strengthens Leicester’s tourism offer—boosting event capacity, encouraging longer stays and supporting local supply chains while promoting heritage-led urban renewal.
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