Edinburgh’s historic RBS bank building gets ‘breath taking’ renovation into the Edinburgh Grand hotel

560 351 Adam Bloodworth
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The historic RBS bank building in central Edinburgh will become the new Edinburgh Grand Hotel, the luxuriant stay of choice for this year’s Edinburgh Fringe attendees.

The suites are in a prime location for city adventuring. Primed, right on the edge of St Andrew Square, a natural meeting point in the city’s New Town, the 50 bespoke suites will feature a design that will make the most of the historic building, while offering contemporary luxury all the same.

For instance, the original coffered wood panelling that used to form the infrastructure of the RBS global banking headquarters has been kept in place in the apartments. More fittings, including fireplaces and decorative features from the bank have also been left, along with the original brass door handles.

Versatile new design features, in vibrant colours, contrast with original fixtures and fittings

Splashes of vibrant colour, new materials and clean surfaces have made the atmosphere more modern and light. Versatile new design points include flexible lamps and convertible furnishings, which state their case against the historical pieces.

Suites cater for groups up to six, and each apartment has purposefully been designed to feel distinct from the rest. The most impressive, at the top of the building, is the Penthouse suite which has 360 views of Edinburgh.

Suites make the most of the historic building’s features, while offering contemporary luxury

A 170-cover bar and restaurant will assume the space that once was the former banking hall.

The hotel is owned by Chris Stewart Group and operated by Lateral City Apartments, whose general manager Gavin MacLennan commented: “We are re-writing the blueprint on luxury accommodation with the Edinburgh Grand. It is a property which has been expertly tailored to the needs of the modern traveller – from the cutting-edge in-room technology through to the bespoke interior decoration that references the building’s illustrious heritage.”

“Whether guests are visiting for pleasure or for business, we have ensured that all expectations will be surpassed. It is set to become the new landmark in tourism for the capital.”

The Edinburgh Grand hotel will open to the public in June 

Adam Bloodworth / 13.02.2018

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