The Great Victoria Hotel is showcasing its £1 million refurbishment with an ‘Escape to Yorkshire’ city break deal.

The historic establishment, owned by private family chain the Gainford Group, is the only hotel in Bradford credited with a AA4* rating by AA Hotel & Hospitality Services.

Asma Bibi, Hotel Reservations Manager at the Great Victoria, said the refurbishment, costing just over £1 million, has involved all new bedroom fixtures and bathrooms, as well as furniture, carpets and windows and decorating.

The 73-bed hotel on Bridge Street has five function rooms, a main bar and restaurant, as well as a luxury top-storey penthouse suite; a chic open-plan loft area with twin baths on a raised floor.

The refurbishment, carried out by the Gainford Group, blends the hotel’s original Victorian features, including ornate coving and grand pillars, with a stylish contemporary design. The renovation was completed by August 2019. 

Originally the Victoria Hotel, it was rebranded The Great Victoria in 2005. The hotel opened in 1867 - when Bradford was the textile capital of the world - as a landmark destination for industry leaders and those seeking a luxurious break.

Today The Great Victoria attracts a range of guests, including tourists exploring the region and weekend city/theatre break visitors. Afternoon teas, weddings and in house events are some of the attractions on offer.

An ‘Escape to Yorkshire’ deal offers guests a two-night stay with a meal. “There are so many cultural attractions in Bradford - the Alhambra, National Science and Media Museum and, further out, the Bronte Parsonage and Salts Mill. We’re a central location for people visiting the city and beyond, to places like Harrogate and the Dales” said Asma. “Bradford has changed so much; we get a lot of guests from across the world and they’re pleasantly surprised by what’s here.

“We offer a pre-theatre dining package, which includes secure parking so people don’t have to walk across town when they come out of St George’s Hall. We also have an overflow of guests when big names come to Leeds,” said Asma.

The hotel works closely with Bradford City of Film and is often used by cast and crew of TV and films shooting in the district. Dame Helen Mirren stayed there last month, while filming The Duke in Bradford, and stars at local theatres are regulars, with recent guests including comic Jack Dee. Coronation Street and Emmerdale casts have also stayed there while filming at City Hall.

“Bradford is a major film destination, which boosts the local economy,” said Asma. “It all adds to a growing sense of confidence in the city.”