When it was opened in 1867, it was labelled as the “largest and handsomest hotel in Europe”. In its heyday, it could count on guests of the stature of Winston Churchill and Ramsay Macdonald.
Now the Grand – a focal point for visitors because of its distinctive design and prominent location – is a shadow of its former glory. Local people even feel sorry for the Afghan refugees residing there.
As such, Scarborough Borough Council is right to press budget chain Britannia Hotels, which currently owns the Grand, about its future intentions – and whether it is prepared to invest in the building and begin to revive its tarnished reputation.
For, if not, Scarborough’s future prospects will continue to be sullied by a landmark hotel that is grand in name only.
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