The Leas

Folkestone

The above 1920 photograph shows the "Grand Hotel" on the right and the "Hotel Metropole" on the left.

Built just after the "Metropole" by local builder Daniel Baker, who being disappointed at not gaining the contract for the hotel, decided on building another, right next door to the "Metropole."

The building made use of innovative new features, such as cavity wall ties, suspended ceilings, and a waterproof cavity wall insulation. Built of a steel frame construction in-filled with reinforced concrete which gives clear spans to the main reception room, this was one of the first buildings to be built this way in the country.

Edward VII was a frequent visitor and opened the new ballroom in 1909. The ballroom used the first sprung dance floor in Europe.

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