An opening date has been announced for one of Birmingham's most long-awaited restoration projects.
Grand Hotel, in Colmore Row, will start welcoming customers to the 185-bedroom venue on November 4 following a £45 million renovation project.
It is carrying out a phased launch which will initially see the bedrooms available for booking and the opening of its new cocktail bar ‘Madeleine', named after the quintessentially French fancy treat.
From November 12, a festive afternoon tea will be also served in the bar and guided tours will be available for small groups every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The complex is due to be fully open next year when it will also have an outdoor garden terrace, two bars, restaurant, gym and space for meetings and events which are due to open over the coming months.
The grade II*-listed building was constructed for local property developer Isaac Horton in the 1870s and is still owned by family-run Birmingham property group Hortons' Estate.
Grand Hotel closed its doors in 2002 and the project to restore it and reopen has been ongoing for over a decade.
The renovation has retained the building's French Renaissance exterior, Victorian and arts and crafts features and includes new penthouse suites overlooking nearby Birmingham Cathedral.
There have been several openings in other parts of the overall complex in recent years including basement restaurant Tattu, cocktail bar The Alchemist and retailer Up & Running among others.
US private investment group Starwood Capital has been Hortons' development partner on the project and will also operate the hotel while London-based Robert Angell Design International carried out the interior design work.
Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership, Birmingham City Council and Finance Birmingham were also partners on the scheme.
Grand Hotel's general manager Peter Kienast said "We're very excited about opening our doors to the public.
"We can't wait to reveal the stunning restoration that has seen one of the city's most iconic buildings returned to glory.
"We've carefully considered how to create a 21st-centrury luxury experience alongside measures to ensure the safest experience for our guests and colleagues.
"We're looking forward to providing visitors to Birmingham and locals alike with a truly one-of-a-kind destination that combines the splendour and heritage of this landmark building with the energy and vibrancy of 21st-century Birmingham."
