The Arden Hotel Story
The Arden Hotel’s ethos of a warm welcome is steeped in history dating back over half a century of the same family ownership…
Family owned since 1968
From its humble beginnings in 1968, “The Arden Grill” has risen to be one of the largest privately owned and operated hotels in the Midlands.
A warm welcome, naturally
The story began in October 1968, when Peter Bretherton and John and Rita Gardner purchased The Arden Grill.
At the time, the Arden was an outpost in the countryside located on the main road between Birmingham and Coventry. It was surrounded by open fields and forest. There was no NEC, motorway, nor railway station. The airport, known as Elmdon then, was basically an airstrip with a small terminal and very few flights. On the face of it, the partners had acquired a roadside cafe with six bedrooms which sold bacon butties for 2 shillings (10p), with little prospect of significant growth.
But somehow, they had a ‘gut feeling’ about the location and set about renovating the tired cafe and building the business. By 1969 the business had grown enough to consider expansion, and they had the first of many planning skirmishes with the local council when an application for 24 bedrooms was rejected. However, the landscape was about to change forever.
In 1970, it was rumoured for the first time that Birmingham was being considered to home the National Exhibition Centre. By 1976, the NEC opened its doors for the first time, and the area directly surrounding the Arden exploded into life. In the meantime, the Arden had expanded to 24 rooms in 1973, having been granted approval on appeal, and had also opened a night club, called ‘Stage One’, located in the basement.
The now renamed Arden Motel was therefore ideally positioned to benefit from the large influx of people.
The following two decades saw continued growth with extensions of: 22 bedrooms, plus the Arden Hotel Restaurant and Bar (1980); 30 bedrooms and leisure complex (1986); 70 bedrooms, conservatory, and courtyard (1993).
In September 2000 the company opened the new atrium reception area together with the sunken bar area and ‘Meeting Place’, and a further 70 bedrooms taking our total to 216.
Sadly, Pete passed away in 2022, but he continued to enjoy half a brew while standing at the bar until the very end. To this day, the hotel is entirely owned by the Gardner family and hopes to continue to be for the next 50 years!
Discover our rooms
All 216 rooms combine contemporary styling and comfort with practicality to provide that home-from-home feeling.
Park, sleep & fly package
Start your trip from Birmingham Airport in style – without the usual hassle, alongside unbelievable value! We are only 10 minutes away by foot or road.
Arden Hotel gift vouchers
Struggling to think of the perfect gift? From Afternoon Tea to a hotel weekend break, explore our unique gift ideas for any occasion.
Seasonal occasions and special events
Naturally, we take great pride in delivering the best special events and seasonal events near Solihull and Birmingham.
New Year’s Eve
Welcome in 2027 by celebrating with friends and family at Arden Hotel, partying the night away!
Christmas Parties, Christmas Day & Boxing Day
Christmas at the Arden Hotel in Solihull has something to offer for everyone.
Valentine’s Day
Why not treat your loved one this Valentine's…?
Murder Mystery
Monthly murder-mystery events, adding a touch of intrigue throughout the year!