Edinburgh’s hospitality scene just got a serious glow-up. The city’s iconic Edinburgh Grand has swung open its doors again, reborn as Scotland’s very first Luxury Collection Hotel — a move that’s turning heads from the Royal Mile to the boardrooms of global travel brands.
Housed in that grand neo-classical building on St Andrew Square, the hotel mixes old-world elegance with all the perks modern travelers expect — and maybe a few they didn’t see coming.
A Landmark’s Storied Past Meets Today’s Luxury Standards
You can’t stand in front of The Edinburgh Grand and not feel a bit small — those columns, the grand arches, the sheer scale of it. Originally built as a bank, the place was once the nerve center for some of the city’s biggest financial dealings. Back then, deals were sealed with a firm handshake under those soaring ceilings.
Now? Well, you’re more likely to sip champagne in the same rooms, surrounded by plush furnishings and contemporary art. The Chris Stewart Group, the owners behind the revamp, have made sure the building’s legacy still shines through. They didn’t gut the soul out of it.
One spokesperson summed it up best: “We’re not just selling rooms. We’re giving guests a piece of Edinburgh’s history — wrapped in a blanket of modern comfort.”
It’s not just a pretty face either.
What’s Actually New Behind Those Heavy Doors
A fancy facelift is one thing, but the team behind The Edinburgh Grand wanted to push further. It’s the details that tell the real story.
First, the suites. Each one feels more like an upscale city apartment than a cookie-cutter hotel room. There are fully kitted-out kitchens, separate living areas, and big windows that flood the spaces with natural light.
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Secondly, the service. Staff have been trained to deliver what they call “invisible luxury” — that sweet spot where you barely notice them, but your needs are met before you even think to ask. It’s a big deal for the brand, which is building its name on a delicate balance of heritage and next-gen hospitality.
Here’s a quick look at what’s now on offer:
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50 individually designed suites with contemporary Scottish touches.
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A new restaurant championing local produce and artisanal drinks.
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Flexible spaces for long stays, business meetups, or family weekends.
The transformation didn’t happen overnight, mind you. Years of careful restoration went into preserving every cornice and carving. And it shows.
The Luxury Collection Stakes Its Claim in Scotland
For The Luxury Collection, snapping up a place like this was about more than sticking another pin on the map. This marks the brand’s first foray into Scotland — and it couldn’t have chosen a better stage.
If you look at its current UK portfolio, it’s clear they’re aiming high:
| Location | Property Type | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| London | Heritage townhouse | Exclusive suites |
| Buckinghamshire | Country estate | Award-winning golf course |
| Manchester | Urban landmark | Rooftop dining |
| Edinburgh | Neo-classical icon | Blend of heritage and modern suites |
Interesting, huh?
With the Edinburgh Grand, the brand’s sending a signal — it wants to tap into the city’s growing luxury market, which, according to VisitScotland, has seen a 12% uptick in high-end stays over the past three years.
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They’re banking (pardon the pun) on visitors who want more than just a room. They want an experience rooted in place — a story to tell when they get home.
Locals Weigh In: Pride, Cautious Optimism, and a Bit of Nostalgia
Walk into any café on George Street this week and you’ll overhear the chatter — folks are genuinely curious, maybe even a bit protective. This building isn’t just bricks and stone. It’s a piece of the city’s soul.
Some longtime residents remember popping in when it was still a bank. Others have tales of fancy parties hosted here in the ‘60s. There’s a kind of collective memory attached to these grand old facades that new owners can’t fake.
One local historian told me, “You can’t erase what this place meant to Edinburgh. But if you treat it right, you can help it live on in a new way.”
And that’s what people seem to hope for. That the city’s grand old bones will still stand tall — just with better cocktails on offer.
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What It All Means for Edinburgh’s Hotel Scene
Edinburgh’s hotel game has been hotting up for years. Big players, boutique brands, Airbnbs tucked away behind Georgian doors — the city’s spoiled for choice. But there’s something about this that feels different.
It’s the confidence. A luxury collection debuting here says a lot about where the city sees itself — not just a festival hotspot or royal attraction, but a destination worthy of world-class hospitality all year round.
And there’s a ripple effect too:
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More jobs for local talent in hospitality and tourism.
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A boost for nearby businesses on St Andrew Square.
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A fresh draw for big-ticket events and high-spend visitors.
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If the Edinburgh Grand gets it right, it could set a benchmark for what luxury means in Scotland — respectful of history, but never stuck in it. And in a city as proud and story-rich as Edinburgh, that’s no small feat.
