Last July, The Edinburgh Grand opened as Scotland’s first Luxury Collection Hotel and the fourth in the UK, part of Marriott International. Set in a restored neo-classical former bank on St Andrew Square, the property blends spacious, residential-style living with five-star service, offering a fresh take on luxury in the heart of Edinburgh.
Originally built in 1942 as the headquarters of the Royal Bank of Scotland, the building retains sweeping staircases, towering sash windows and period flourishes, refreshed and complemented by warm, contemporary interiors inspired by Scottish textures and materials. Each of the upgraded 50 one-, two- and three-bedroom rooms and suites feature a fully equipped kitchen, separate living and dining spaces, and thoughtful in-room details designed for longer stays and special occasions
Guests can expect The Edinburgh Grand’s signature welcome as part of The Luxury Collection, beginning with uniformed doormen and a series of thoughtful local touchpoints. These include artisan welcome treats, a bespoke city guide, whisky nightcaps, and bedtime storybooks with tartan pyjamas for younger guests.
Four-legged travellers are also catered for, with a dedicated pet welcome pack featuring a blanket, towel, water bowl, treats, and a personalised Edinburgh Grand dog tag to take home.
The hotel’s dining offering is equally distinctive. The Register Club, the hotel’s signature lounge, offers breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails in a stylish, heritage-inspired setting. Lady Libertine spans two floors, serving coffee, pastries, cocktails and live music into the evening, while Hawksmoor Edinburgh offers award-winning steak and seafood in a relaxed but elegant space. Hidden below the building, The Vault offers whisky tastings and seasonal pop-ups in the former bank vaults.
Located just moments from Waverley Station and a short stroll from Princes Street, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, The Edinburgh Grand is ideally placed for a stay in the capital this summer, whether you are visiting from Glasgow, attending The Fringe or the The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Find out why I couldn’t recommend this Edinburgh hotel enough and why you should stay here.
5. The Edinburgh Grand
Between 5pm and 6pm, a barman pushes a roaming bar cart directly to your hotel suite or to tables in The Register Club, crafting premium drinks—right at your door. The exclusive in-room and table-side cocktail experience is called The Wandering Barman. | Declan McConville
6. Hawksmoor
After checking into our stunning room, we headed downstairs for dinner at the magnificent Hawksmoor. I really liked the fact that there was a direct entrance into the restaurant from the hotel. | Declan McConville
7. Hawksmoor
To get things kicked off, I had to try the natural oysters which were served with tabasco, fresh lemon and mignonette. | Declan McConville
8. Hawksmoor
As someone who regularly drinks Guinness, I was very impressed with the pints that Hawksmoor were serving which went exceptionally well with the meal. | Declan McConville