The original Midland Hotel built in 1885 housed 115 bedrooms and is of particular architectural interest on the edge of the historical Little Germany area of Bradford. The quality ornate plasterwork in the Princes and French Ballrooms is rivaled only by similar examples in London. The high ceilings, glittering chandeliers and the architecture of the building is both breathtaking and inspiring, blending to make you appreciate the opulence of an era unfortunately long past. There is a significant amount of history attached to the Midland Hotel, Bradford due principally to the fact that it played host to the rich and famous during its heyday, including Laurel and Hardy, Paul Robeson, The Beatles and the Rolling Stones. In 1905, the famous Shakespearean stage actor, Sir Henry Irving died on the main staircase after his appearance at the nearby Theatre Royal. He was attended by his manager Bram Stoker, better known as the originator of Dracula. A small plaque erected in Reception records the stay of another great entertainer, George Formby who performed at the Alhambra Theatre from 23rd to 28th September 1940. Almost every Prime Minister up to Harold Wilson stayed in the hotel. We are proud to host many Famous people from Film, Television and Stage that have attended events at the Bradford Film Festivals and the magnificent Alhambra Theatre. The Midland Hotel has been transformed in recent years by its present owners Peel Hotels with continuous upgrading of the building and its facilities. Most recently the Princes Ballroom refurbishment which with Air Conditioning, Multi stage Lighting and Sound systems, and superior redecoration has made it the Premier Conference and Banqueting venue in Yorkshire. The Midland Hotel also has FREE Wireless Broadband access with no time restrictions.
