Courtyard by Marriott announces expansion of brand in Scotland with new Edinburgh Hotel

150 150 Daniel Fountain
  • 0

Following the launch of Courtyard by Marriott’s new European design concept at Courtyard Aberdeen Airport Hotel last year, Marriott International, Inc. has announced plans to open a second Courtyard branded hotel in Scotland in early 2016. Located in the centre of Edinburgh, Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh Hotel will offer business and leisure travellers a refreshing hotel experience with contemporary and efficient design to ensure convenience and productivity throughout the entire guest stay. The hotel will occupy a listed building comprised of three adjoining Georgian townhouses, one of which was home to Robert Stevenson, a famous Scottish civil engineer and the grandfather of Robert Louis Stevenson, the author of the 1881 novel “Treasure Island”. This historic building and its impressive façade will finally be restored after many years of standing empty. Behind this will sit a new building to accommodate the rest of the hotel.

The hotel’s 240 comfortable and stylish guest rooms will feature an energising Mediterranean colour palette, locally inspired furnishings and multiple, accessible power outlets making plugging in easy. Guests will be able to enjoy facilities including an all-day Bistro Restaurant, fitness centre and a 49 square foot multi-functional meeting room with the latest technology. Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel will ensure that guests can stay connected whilst working and relaxing in any of the hotel’s flexible open-plan public spaces.

Commenting on the announcement, Amy McPherson, President and Managing Director for Marriott International in Europe, said: “We are excited to announce the launch of Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh and continue to expand the presence of the brand in Scotland. We’re proud to have developed an innovative hotel design that meets the needs of today’s traveller and to bring this offering to this vibrant and thriving city.”

Developed in association with property developer and investment company The Chris Stewart Group (CSG), Courtyard Edinburgh Hotel will be an ideal base from where to explore Edinburgh’s landmarks and attractions. From its position on Baxter’s Place in an Edinburgh New Town Conservation Area and World Heritage Site, the Edinburgh Playhouse theatre, Calton Hill, Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street, the Royal Mile and numerous museums, theatres and art galleries are just a short walk away.

Chris Stewart, CEO of CSG, which specializes in complex transformational city centre projects said: “Baxter’s Place is a magnificent terrace and the perfect location for a high calibre hotel. We have worked hard to ensure that this development not only safeguards the future of these historic buildings, but also provides a contemporary and innovative hotel that adds to the current provision.

“As a business, our focus is very much on giving heritage buildings a viable and dynamic future and I am delighted that Marriott International shares that vision and we are now ready to start this project.”

Daniel Fountain / 03.01.2015

Editor, Hotel Designs

Share

  • 0

Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

Workhighlights: Successfully coordinating events from planning through to delivery and seeing everything come together on the day.

Fun fact: I’m a keen cyclist and will happily bore people with copious amounts of cycling chat. My top cycling experience (so far) would have to be riding in the spectacular mountains of Crete.

Work highlights: Charles joined Forum Events in 2022. With a background in publishing, editorial media and events, Charles brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Production Manager. Having being involved with SPACE from the outset, he is excited to see the brand grow and develop.

Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher at SPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.

Together these platforms offer a comprehensive 360-degree service encompassing digital media, print publishing, and live events – providing unparalleled value to advertisers, partners, and readers alike.