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History

Discover The Grand, York, which debuted in 1906 as the “Palace of Business” for the North Eastern Railway Company.

The Grand, York was constructed in the years leading up to World War I, which was an era defined by its economic prosperity, artistic expression, and political intrigue. The Grand, York was built in 1906 as a “Palace of Business” for the North Eastern Railway Company, which was one of the most powerful businesses in Great Britain at the time. The North Eastern Railway Company was one of four great railway companies that found its footing during the Industrial Revolution. Founded in 1854, the railway route was 720 miles long, running from York up to Berwick. The growth of the company was substantial enough that by the late 1800s, the North Eastern Railway’s board decided the headquarters needed to reflect its grand prestige. Several plots opposite of the original headquarters were purchased with construction beginning in 1900.

The building’s structure itself was designed by William Bell with the interior details being worked on by Horace Field. Only the best materials available were used in construction. The original space was outfitted with double-glazing to keep out the noise of the nearby trams. It also has high ceilings made of Belgian marble and Huddlestone stone for a light, airy feel. The architects also installed oak-paneled boardrooms, wrought-iron balustrades, and an octagonal central hall on the first-floor landing. The presence of these features perfectly reflects the unique architectural style of Bell and Field to this day.

This stunning space was renovated to its original splendor in May of 2010, when it debuted as a luxurious hotel. Its impressively intricate architecture has withstood the test of time, and remains a cherished landmark for the city. The Grand, York has won multiple awards as well, including 'Hotel of the Year' in 2012 at the White Rose Awards; “Best Luxury Hotel in England” for the Simply the Guest awards; and recognition on Expedia’s 2013 “Insiders’ Select List", Conde Nast Johansens 2022 Best Afternoon Tea, The Cateys 2022 Hotel of the Year award, and Visit York Tourism Awards for "large Hotel of the Year "in 2022 and "Experience of the year" in 2023.

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Hotel Timeline

The Northeastern Railway Company was founded in 1854 and developed into one of Britain’s most influential railway enterprises. Its growth eventually created the need for a prestigious new headquarters in York.

Construction began after the railway company acquired several plots opposite its earlier York headquarters.

By April 1902, the basement shell of the Northeastern Railway offices had been completed.

A February 1903 view from York’s city walls documented construction progressing on the first floor.

By June 1904, two tiers of dormers were in place, and work was proceeding on the third floor. The building’s design is also believed to have received a silver medal at a Paris exhibition that year.

The completed building opened as the Northeastern Railway headquarters and became known as a “Palace of Business.” Northeastern Railway architect William Bell developed the structural design, while Horace Field created much of the exterior and interior detailing. Features included double-glazed windows, Belgian marble, Huddlestone stone, oak-paneled boardrooms, wrought-iron balustrades, decorative plasterwork, and an octagonal central hall.

Under Britain’s railway grouping, the Northeastern Railway became part of the London and Northeastern Railway, changing the corporate identity of the offices while the building continued in railway use.

Britain’s railways were nationalized under British Railways, and the former Northeastern Railway headquarters continued serving railway-related administrative functions.

The former Northeastern Railway offices and attached railings were designated as a Grade II* listed property in June 1983, recognizing the building’s exceptional architectural and historic importance.

Cedar Court Group purchased the former railway offices and began adapting to the vacant building for luxury hospitality use.

The former offices were extensively restored, with significant architectural features preserved, including original office numbers, wood paneling, stonework, staircases, and decorative plasterwork. The property opened in May 2010 as the Cedar Court Grand Hotel & Spa, becoming York’s first five-star hotel. It debuted with 107 rooms, including 13 suites, as well as a spa, restaurants, and meeting facilities.

The hotel received the Hotel of the Year honor at the 2012 White Rose Awards.

The hotel appeared on Expedia’s 2013 Insiders’ Select List.

Splendid Hospitality Group purchased the property in 2014.

A substantial refurbishment and expansion project added a modern wing, more guestrooms, new dining facilities, increased the hotel’s capacity from 107 to 207 rooms and added the White Rose Lounge while preserving the original railway headquarters. The hotel’s preserved boardroom received the Best Boardroom/Small Meeting Room award at the Conference Hospitality Awards.

The Grand, York was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide. Historic Hotels Worldwide is a prestigious collection of historic treasures, including more than 300 legendary historic hotels including many former castles, chateaus, palaces, academies, haciendas, villas, monasteries, and other historic lodging spanning ten centuries.

The Grand received The Cateys’ Hotel of the Year, Visit York’s Large Hotel of the Year, and Condé Nast Johansens’ recognition for Best Afternoon Tea.

The hotel received Visit York Tourism Awards’ Experience of the Year recognition.

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