Grand Hotel, Birmingham
The Grand Hotel in Birmingham is a stunning architectural and historical landmark that dates back to 1879. Commissioned by Isaac Horton, a prominent entrepreneur, the hotel was designed by architect Thomson Plevins in the French Renaissance style. It quickly became one of Birmingham’s most iconic buildings, hosting royalty, politicians, and celebrities over the decades. Located on Colmore Row, the hotel played a pivotal role in elevating Birmingham’s status as a city of cultural and economic significance. After a long period of closure the hotel underwent an ambitious £50 million restoration project, reopening in 2021. We were appointed to create a brand that was fit for a grand dame returning to centre stage.
HOTEL BRAND POSITIONING
HOTEL BRAND IDENTITY
TONE OF VOICE
WEBSITE DESIGN
EMAIL TEMPLATE DESIGN
BRAND GUIDELINES
DESIGN FOR PRINT
ADVERTISING
The Grand Hotel has a wealth of stories but the newly revamped Grand is all about the present, embracing a bold future while respecting its heritage. It’s historic but not bound by nostalgia. While the brand identity draws on timeless visual cues, an overarching theme of refined irreverence set the tone for the entire creative direction. This isn’t a place simply reliving its past; it’s a hotel with character, sophistication, and a dash of attitude. The brand embodies “good manners with edge,” blending traditional elegance with a contemporary, slightly rebellious streak that speaks to modern guests. The narrative we crafted isn’t about looking back—it’s about celebrating a fresh, forward-thinking identity, while paying homage to the hotel’s legendary legacy.
A modern wordmark is paired with a bespoke monogram that pays tribute to the city of Birmingham. The use of an anchor—Birmingham’s historic silversmith mark—connects the brand to both history and place, establishing a deeper connection to the city’s craftsmanship and legacy. Graphic assets are thoughtfully designed to reflect recurring architectural motifs within the hotel itself, creating a seamless visual link to the environment. The brand’s colour palette, cool and minimal with use of baby blue, creates a sense of modern luxury while the addition of illustrations further enhance the brand’s personality, adding a charm that helps create brand identity that resonates with both the hotel’s rich past and its exciting future.
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