So did Christopher Lee, Hughie Green, Billy Fury and Alistair Sim.
But 50 years ago this month, the once iconic 50-bedroom venue in Bridge Street was demolished.
Workers wasted no time in bulldozing the structure in August 1974 and the Sunderland Echo caught the final moments on camera. Here they are once more.
1. The final days of the Grand Hotel
It once hosted the stars but the Grand Hotel's finals days came 50 years ago this month. | se
3. Hotel memories
Workers waste no time in setting up the scaffolding at the hotel which once hosted the stars. | se
4. End of a grand period
The derelict hotel was at the centre of attention once more in August 1974. | se
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