Step back in time with PH Hotels and Four Pillars Hotels
Take a peek into days gone by with luxurious stays in some of the country's most historic cities with PH Hotels and Four Pillars Hotels. Together, the brands' property portfolio boasts properties dating back to the 16th century and in idyllic locations across the country including York, Glasgow, Edinburgh and London.
Hotel Russell, London
Hotel Russell in the heart of the English capital is a venue steeped in period charm.
This 19th century property epitomises Victorian architecture and offers guests an oasis in the centre of London surrounded by period features including chandeliers, high celling dining rooms and plush entrance halls. The hotel can trace its heritage back to one the world's most famous architects Charles Fitzroy Doll. The architect modelled the grand dining halls of the Titanic based on his designs of the Hotel Russell's dining room. Guests can enjoy opulent surroundings with terracotta and marble features throughout the hotel. Hotel Russell is also home to 'Lucky George'; one of two bronze dragons commissioned by Charles Fitzroy Doll – the second of which is said to be still on board the Titanic at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. History buffs will love the convenient location next to the British Museum with its latest exhibition Eight Mummies, Eight Lives, Eight Stories, where visitors can delve into the past of eight ancient Egyptian and Sundanese people.
Prices start from £139, based on two adults sharing a standard double. For more information or to book visit hotelrusselllondon.co.uk.
The Royal York Hotel, York
The Royal York Hotel is situated in the centre of the city of York, a city brimming with history. Dating back to 1878, the Grade II listed building was originally constructed as a hotel to host the aristocracy of the north. The 19th century five storey property pays homage to its Victorian heritage with its ironwork staircase and original electric doorbell system still in use today. Although the 14 shillings a night price tag no longer applies the elegant banqueting halls, high ceilings maintain their original grand design. Guests staying at the hotel can also enjoy views to the impressive York Minster while dining in the hotel's Tempus restaurant – formerly the coffee-room whose grounds stretched all the way down to the River Ouse. History buffs can continue their journey in to the past with a visit to close by attractions including the York Dungeon or dig for their own piece of history at the Jorvik Viking Centre.
Prices start from £129, based on two adults sharing a standard double. For more information or to book visit hotelroyalyork.co.uk.
The George Hotel, Edinburgh
The 1775 building was originally created by world renowned architect Robert Adam as five separate town houses. The building was opened as a hotel in 1881 this makes it one of the oldest hotels in Edinburgh. The hotel's past has seen it play host to notoriety including Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott. Today the property has undergone a £20 million renovation offering guests the chance to relax in lavish luxury in a prime position in the heart of Edinburgh. The EH2 Tempus bar and restaurant provides a history of an altogether different kind serving over 30 different whiskies up to 21 years old. Edinburgh Castle, medieval alleys and whiskeydistilleries are all within walking distance of the hotel giving guests plenty of opportunity to further immerse themselves in the impressive city.
Prices start from £129, based on two adults sharing a standard double. For more information or to book visit thegeorgehoteledinburgh.co.uk.
The Grand Central, Glasgow
Stay at one of Glasgow's most iconic hotels adjacent to the Grand Central station for a glimpse into Scotland's eclectic past. The Victorian hotel has original 1883 features reminiscent of the Queen Anne style with picturesque details, intricate gables and multi-paned windows. In 1927 John Logie Baird transmitted the first long distance television pictures from London to The Grand Central Hotel. The hotel has also welcomed some of the world's most wealthy and powerful including Laurel and Hardy, JFK and Winston Churchill. Guests need not stray far from the hotel to experience some of Glasgow's best sights including St Andrew's Cathedral, a 19th century building that lies on the banks of the River Clyde or take a peek into Scottish maritime history with a trip to The Tall Ship Museum.
Prices start from £109, based on two adults sharing a standard double. For more information or to book visit thegrandcentralhotel.co.uk.
Palace Hotel, Manchester
An icon of the latter half of the 19th century, the Palace Hotel, in the centre of Manchester, is a Grade II listed Victorian property dating back to 1890. Formerly the Refuge Assurance Building the property was designed by famous UK architect Alfred Waterhouse and built in stages from 1891. The property's development was a family affair as Waterhouse's son Paul Waterhouse extended the property 1910 and 1912; adding the 217 foot iconic clock tower that the hotel is still known for today. The property's story as a hotel has been more recent, as it was not converted until 1996. Whilst the building now has all the modern convinces of a luxury hotel its sympathetic restoration means that it retains many of its original Victorian features including the building's former caretaker who is reported to haunt the staircase till this day. Guests of The Palace Hotel will have the chance to relax in lavish surroundings close to some of Manchester's greatest history spots including the Lowry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North and the People's History Museum
Prices start from £79, based on two adults sharing a standard double. For more information or to book visit palacehotelmanchestercity.co.uk.
Tortworth Court Four Pillars Hotel, South Gloucestershire
This 19th century property is located on a picturesque estate dating back to the reign of Edward I. Built in 1849 the property at the time was cutting edge as it had gas lighting and hot air central heating. In 1899 the property's impressive conservatory was built; now known as The Orangery it was designed by Ewan Christian to house exotic plants and palms. Christian drew inspiration from the Crystal Palace, which was destroyed by a huge fire in 1936. Over the years the property has had several guises including a private retreat, a family home and hospital for injured American soldiers from WW2. In 1991 Tortworth Court was destroyed by fire and was unused for eight years before being converted into a hotel. Guests can acknowledge the hotel's grand past while making the most of the hotel's modern facilities including a spa, heated indoor swimming pool and gym. Guests can also continue their journey into the past with a visit to the nearby Berkeley Castle – a former fortress and England's oldest inhabited castle or Dyrham Park – a late 17th century mansion and deer park.
Prices start from £64 per night, based on two adults sharing a standard double and include breakfast. For more information or to book visit four-pillars.co.uk/tortworth.
