Birmingham’s Heritage Hotels
The Royal Hotel Birmingham, later known as The Grand Hotel, and the Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham reflect the city’s journey from Victorian grandeur to contemporary hospitality. The Grand Hotel offers a connection to Birmingham’s industrial-era history, while the Leonardo Royal Hotel provides modern facilities for business and leisure travellers.
History
The Royal Hotel and The Grand Hotel
Conceived during Birmingham’s rapid industrial expansion, the Royal Hotel was developed by entrepreneur Isaac Horton and architect Thomson Plevins. Construction began in 1875, and the hotel opened in 1879 on Colmore Row with 100 lavishly furnished rooms. Its location in the business district and opulent interiors, including a Louis XIV-style Grand Ballroom, set new standards for Midlands hospitality (Visit Birmingham).
The hotel closed in 2002 because of structural and maintenance challenges (Visit Birmingham). A £45 million restoration began in 2012, combining historic preservation with modern amenities. The building reopened in 2021 as the five-star Grand Hotel.
Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham
Formerly Jurys Inn Birmingham, the Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham underwent a major rebranding and refurbishment in the early 2020s. It is located at 245 Broad Street, close to the International Convention Centre (ICC), Arena Birmingham and Broad Street’s nightlife (Booking.com; PlanetWare).
What to See and Cultural Significance
Architecture and notable guests
The Grand Hotel’s architecture combines French Renaissance and classical elements, including ornate stonework, arched windows and stately cornices. Its Grand Ballroom, with intricate plasterwork and gilded detailing, is an example of Victorian interior design. Built to rival London’s finest hotels, the building is now Grade II* listed (Visit Birmingham).
The hotel hosted King George VI, Winston Churchill, Malcolm X, Charlie Chaplin and James Cagney. The Grand Ballroom was used for banquets, balls and significant public gatherings, and witnessed important moments in Birmingham’s civic and cultural life (Visit Birmingham).
Events and legacy
The Royal Hotel played a prominent part in Birmingham’s social scene, hosting Subscription Dancing Assemblies, the Birmingham Triennial Music Festival and major political events. Its legacy continues in the city’s cultural events and hospitality tradition. Local festivals include the Birmingham Jazz and Blues Festival and Colmore Food Festival.
Together, the hotels reflect Birmingham’s changing hospitality landscape: the Grand Hotel’s restoration preserves heritage, while the Leonardo Royal Hotel’s modern facilities serve contemporary visitors.
Practical Visiting Information
The Grand Hotel
- Visiting hours Public spaces, including the Grand Ballroom and restaurant, are typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Hours may change for private events.
- Admission Entry to public areas is free. Guided tours may carry a nominal fee.
- Guided tours Tours take place on weekends and during Birmingham Heritage Week and other heritage events. Advance booking is strongly recommended.
- Accessibility The hotel has ramps, elevators and accessible restrooms.
- Location Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 2BS. The hotel is a brief walk from New Street Station and accessible by public transit.
- Rooms and rates Rates vary by season; booking directly is recommended for the best rates.
- Events The hotel hosts afternoon teas, heritage talks and seasonal celebrations.
Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham
- Location 245 Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2HQ.
- Opening and reception Open 24/7, with round-the-clock reception and concierge.
- Check-in From 3:00 PM.
- Check-out By 11:00 AM.
- Booking Rooms can be reserved online or by phone at any time. Early check-in and late check-out are available upon request, subject to availability.
- Rooms The hotel has 445 spacious rooms with plush beds, flat-screen TVs, workspaces, air conditioning and high-speed Wi-Fi. Bathrooms have massage showers and wellness products (Booking.com).
- Facilities Features include a 24-hour reception and concierge, an on-site restaurant and bar serving buffet breakfast and à la carte options, a café-bar for informal meetings or snacks, and meeting rooms and event spaces.
- Parking Public parking costs £18.50 per day.
- Accessibility Facilities include lifts and adapted rooms.
- Rates Standard rooms generally cost £90–£180 per night. Discounts are available for early bookings and loyalty program members (Booking.com).
Shared practical information and guest experience
Both hotels are within walking distance of Birmingham New Street Station and are served by local buses and trams. Both offer on-site restaurants, buffet breakfast, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, laundry and dry-cleaning services, and child- and family-friendly options. Both have loyalty programs with exclusive perks; the Leonardo Royal Hotel also participates in sustainability initiatives (Booking.com).
The Grand Hotel is praised for its elegant restoration, historical charm and service, and is a popular choice for weddings, conferences and luxury stays. As of June 2025, the Leonardo Royal Hotel had a Booking.com review score of 8.7/10. Guests praised room comfort, friendly staff, breakfast and the convenient location. Some mentioned occasional noise from neighbouring rooms and parking costs.
Tips for a Memorable Visit
- Book Grand Hotel guided tours in advance.
- Consider public transport to avoid parking fees.
- Explore nearby historic sites, including the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Victoria Square and the Jewellery Quarter.
- Look out for heritage teas, talks and local festivals.
- Join the hotels’ loyalty programs for exclusive offers.
- The Audiala app offers real-time updates, immersive audio tours and content on Birmingham’s heritage.
Nearby Places
Near the Grand Hotel are Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Victoria Square and Birmingham Symphony Hall.
The Leonardo Royal Hotel is close to Brindleyplace, the National SEA LIFE Centre, the historic Gas Street Basin, the ICC, Arena Birmingham and Broad Street’s nightlife (PlanetWare).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the visiting hours for The Royal Hotel Birmingham?
Public areas are generally open daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with possible changes during private events.
Are guided tours available?
Yes. Tours take place on weekends and during heritage events. Advance booking is recommended.
Is the hotel accessible?
Both hotels are described as fully accessible, with ramps, elevators and adapted rooms. The Grand Hotel also has accessible restrooms; the Leonardo Royal Hotel has lifts and adapted rooms.
Are there admission fees?
Access to the Grand Hotel’s public areas is free. Guided tours may carry a small fee.
What are the check-in and check-out times at the Leonardo Royal Hotel?
Check-in is from 3:00 PM and check-out is by 11:00 AM.
Can I visit the original Royal Hotel?
The original Royal Hotel on Temple Row no longer exists. Its legacy lives on at the Grand Hotel and in the surrounding area.
