A grand old bank, sweeping staircases, and tartan details — The Edinburgh Grand has flung its iconic doors open once again, proudly claiming the title of Scotland’s first Luxury Collection Hotel. For a city steeped in history, this move feels like a fitting new chapter.
Yesterday’s relaunch on St Andrew Square sees the landmark residence join Marriott International’s prestigious Luxury Collection, slotting in alongside more than 130 unique properties worldwide. Locals say it’s about time Edinburgh got in on the action — and maybe it’s just the push the city’s hotel scene needed.
From Bank Vaults to Velvet Sofas
Not many hotels can say they used to house vaults brimming with Scotland’s riches, but The Edinburgh Grand’s bones have always been special. Built in neoclassical style, the building served as the Royal Bank of Scotland’s HQ for decades.
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Now, the space has had a subtle yet smart facelift. Chris Stewart Group, which owns and operates the property, kept the soul of the building intact — those high ceilings, grand windows, and dramatic staircases all remain. But step inside and you’ll find 50 stylish suites, each kitted out for the modern luxury traveller.
Designed With a Nod to the 1940s
You can thank Karen Brown for that. As head of interior design at Chris Stewart Group, she leaned into the building’s 1940s heritage — think rich colours, plush textures, and details that whisper ‘Scottish heritage’ without shouting.
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Each one-, two-, or three-bedroom suite comes with a fully equipped kitchen, dining area and a living space that feels more like a high-end city apartment than a cookie-cutter hotel room.
Luxury Extended Stay? Yes, Please
While you can book in for a quick city break, The Edinburgh Grand is targeting the luxury extended-stay crowd too. It makes sense — Edinburgh’s festival season, corporate bookings, and romantic weekenders mean plenty of guests want to settle in for more than just a night.
In fact, the phased refurbishment programme was all about repositioning the hotel for that sweet spot. The first phase — now wrapped up — delivered refreshed interiors across 33 rooms, a revamped front foyer, upgrades to The Register Club lounge, and improvements to the fitness centre and retail spaces.
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Phase two is up next and promises the final room upgrades plus a reimagined spa experience to boot.
What’s Inside: Whisky Nightcaps and Tartan Pyjamas
So what’s the big deal about being part of The Luxury Collection? It’s more than a name on the door — it means the place is dialling up local charm in every detail.
Guests can expect:
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In-room omelette breakfast service.
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Whisky nightcaps, because Scotland.
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Bedtime poems and tartan pyjamas for little ones.
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A special pet pack for four-legged visitors — blanket, treats, and even a custom dog tag.
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If you’re staying with your pooch, they’re going to feel like royalty too.
Social Spaces: The Secret Sauce
Of course, nobody comes to Edinburgh just to sit in a fancy room. The Grand’s social and dining spaces are where the magic happens.
Here’s a quick look:
| Venue | Highlights |
|---|---|
| The Register Club | Breakfast, afternoon tea, heritage cocktails |
| Lady Libertine | Two-level café-bar, live music, morning espresso to late-night cocktails |
| Hawksmoor Edinburgh | The city’s go-to for prime steak and local seafood |
| The Vault | Private events, whisky tastings in a reimagined vault |
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Locals love that these spaces feel more like a city social club than a hotel lobby. You might bump into a visiting couple, a business traveller and a local artist all sharing the same bar stools.
Why It Matters for Edinburgh’s Hotel Scene
Until now, Edinburgh didn’t have a single Luxury Collection property — despite its festival buzz and all-year appeal for tourists. London, Buckinghamshire and Manchester had their spots secured. But Scotland? Left waiting.
With The Edinburgh Grand’s relaunch, the city finally gets its place in Marriott’s luxury fold. General Manager Emre Pasli says it’s about honouring the building’s legacy while giving modern travellers those little touches that make a stay memorable.
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From whisky nightcaps to local art on the walls, it’s the kind of blend that makes a stay feel like more than just a bed for the night.
A Little Bit of History, A Lot of Heart
Locals still remember when the Royal Bank of Scotland HQ was the beating heart of St Andrew Square. Some older residents recall queuing at the tellers, while others remember deals being sealed over serious cups of tea.
So yes, the soul of the building matters.
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The fact that it’s being preserved and polished — rather than gutted for generic glass and steel — is a point of pride for many.
So, Who’s Checking In?
Couples on romantic weekends? Absolutely. But also families looking for a luxury base, long-stay corporate guests, festival goers wanting their own kitchen and space to crash after a long night.
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The hotel’s spot — just minutes from Waverley Station, Princes Street and the Royal Mile — means you’re never far from the city’s heartbeat.
Edinburgh’s Future in the Luxury Lane
Scotland’s capital already knows how to put on a show. Now, with The Edinburgh Grand under the Luxury Collection banner, it’s got an extra feather in its cap for those visitors who want their Highland charm with a side of modern comfort.
The move might even spur other heritage buildings to rethink their future too. After all, the trend isn’t just about five-star labels — it’s about telling local stories in spaces that people actually want to hang out in.
