Opened in 1903, the Midland Hotel was built by the Midland Railway company to serve the adjacent Manchester Central railway station, which now homes the Manchester Central Convention Complex (formerly and still sometimes referred to as the G-MEX Centre).
As such, the hotel has played host to a number of high profile guests over the years including Prime Ministers. It was deliberately spared during the Blitz of 1940, as Adolf Hitler admired the architecture so much that he reportedly earmarked the hotel as a future Nazi headquarters.
Like most hotels, however, the behind-the-scenes areas are a far cry from the often grandiose appearance known to guests - here's some pics:
Exposed brickwork
Spiral staircase
Top left: iconic Burmantoft terracotta
White-glazed brick tiles
My favourite feature is this laundry chute (circa 1930). The aptly named A. Towle is infact Arthur Edward Towle, a former Controller of Midland Hotels.
Ta for looking
As such, the hotel has played host to a number of high profile guests over the years including Prime Ministers. It was deliberately spared during the Blitz of 1940, as Adolf Hitler admired the architecture so much that he reportedly earmarked the hotel as a future Nazi headquarters.
Like most hotels, however, the behind-the-scenes areas are a far cry from the often grandiose appearance known to guests - here's some pics:
Exposed brickwork
Spiral staircase
Top left: iconic Burmantoft terracotta
White-glazed brick tiles
My favourite feature is this laundry chute (circa 1930). The aptly named A. Towle is infact Arthur Edward Towle, a former Controller of Midland Hotels.
Ta for looking
