Cedar Court Hotels, Yorkshire’s largest independent hotel group, is investing £20m in a five-star project in York to create the Cedar Court Grand Hotel & Spa.

Opening in Spring 2010, The Grand will occupy York’s iconic grade II listed former railway headquarters, and will set new standards of luxury and service in one of the UK’s most beautiful cities.

With 107 architecturally individual bedrooms, including loft-style suites and a penthouse with stunning views across York to the famous Minster, The Grand will become the address of choice for discerning visitors to the city.

An exclusive spa, set across a suite of treatment rooms, will offer an enticing range of bespoke treatments. This luxurious getaway in the heart of York will include a double room for friends and couples.

A restaurant will serve locally sourced cuisine, prepared with verve and imagination by an award-winning chef. Private dining, a cocktail bar and a vast selection of whiskies will ensure that guests can personalise their culinary experiences.

The Grand will redefine service in York, pushing the boundaries of guest provision and exceeding expectation with quirky and innovative signature concepts.

If guests arrive by train, The Grand’s car will collect them. If arriving by road, a doorman will park the car and arrange for it to be washed and valeted.

A 24-hour butler service will ensure that guests’ needs are attended to around the clock. Mornings can begin with the butler drawing back the curtains, serving breakfast in bed, laying out clothes and preparing the a bath.

And for guests who forget to bring their bedtime read, a quick call will be all that’s needed for a book to be chosen and delivered to them from the local book store.

Andrew Coney, General Manager of Cedar Court Grand Hotel & Spa, said:

“The Grand isn’t being built – it’s being imagined. A five-star hotel is a playground, an escape and a fantasy world. Our vision is to reach back to the golden age of travel – the era when The Grand was built – and revive for the modern world the glamour, panache and luxury of that time.”