The Grand’s rich history
1906-2010
North Eastern Railway headquarters
The building opened in 1906 as the headquarters of the North Eastern Railway (NER), one of Britain’s most prominent railway companies at the time. Designed by architect William Bell and with detailing by Horace Field, the structure was intended to reflect the power and prestige of the company. It became known as a “Palace of Business”, combining grand architecture with modern office facilities.
At the time, the NER was one of the largest employers in the North, managing over 1,750 miles of track and operating major rail hubs across Yorkshire and the North East. From this building, thousands of staff oversaw operations that shaped transport and industry for decades.
2010-Present
The making of the hotel
After decades as a railway office, the building was sold and stood vacant for several years before being purchased. Plans were put in place to transform the former railway headquarters into a luxury hotel, while carefully preserving its historic features.
Following an extensive restoration, it reopened in 2010, as York’s first, and still only, five-star hotel, bringing new life to one of the city’s most iconic buildings.
THE MEETING ROOMS
The west-wing of the first floor is home to the decadent event spaces. When opening as a hotel, the meeting rooms were named after the directors and distinguished officers that had previously occupied these rooms, to pay homage to the rich history of the building. In all of the meeting rooms is a framed document explaining about the person the room is named after.
