Description:Amongst the applications for the lease of the Trentham Hotel is a letter written by a Mr. Halliwell who managed the Grand Hotel, Hanley. Halliwell's letter tells us about his professional career and also provides details about the Grand Hotel, a contemporary of the Trentham Hotel.
Halliwell had managed the Grand for eight years, and had previously worked in York and Scarborough. With over twenty five years experience, Halliwell responded to the Trentham Hotel advertisement he had seen in the Sentinel, enquiring for further details.
The headed notepaper on which Halliwell's letter is typed tells us about the Grand Hotel in Hanley. Situated in the centre of Hanley, opposite the railway station and close to 'the Banks, Theatres, Victoria Hall, etc.' the hotel was in an excellent central location.
In addition to a concert hall and ball room, the Grand boasted four billiard tables and an electric lift. The hotel was heated and ventilated and is advertised as 'Lighted throughout by Electricity'.