Paragon Hotels, owners of 10 hotels throughout the UK, eight of which are operated under the Classic Lodges brand, is taking back the direct management of the iconic Edinburgh hotel, The Roxburghe. It will rebrand as Crowne Plaza Edinburgh – The Roxburghe following a new franchise agreement with IHG.Set in the heart of the city in Charlotte Square, the hotel has undergone significant investment since 2008, with £7 million being invested in updating all 199 bedrooms, the reception and lounge. The hotel, currently managed by Macdonalds, has been owned by Paragon for 15 years.
The franchise agreement will see further investment in the bar and restaurant’s food and beverage offering, and the refurbishment of both the meeting areas and club bedrooms. A new lounge will be created, and the website completely revamped and rebranded.
Marcello Ventisei, General Manager at the Roxburghe, believes the Crowne Plaza brand will give the hotel a new standing in the market: “The Roxburghe is perfectly placed in the centre of the city for visiting businessman and international leisure guests,” he says. “With the added stature of now being a four-star Crowne Plaza property, I believe this will elevate the hotel further.”
Richard Grime, Managing Director of Paragon Hotels, agrees and is pleased to see the historic hotel continue its evolution: “As part of the hotel’s future development we are particularly pleased to have agreed with IHG that the Roxburghe will become a Crowne Plaza which allows it greater access to an international client base travelling to the capital of Scotland.”
IHG’s Chief Development Officer for Europe, Robert Shepherd, said: “We are pleased to bring the Crowne Plaza brand to the heart ofEdinburgh. Crowne Plaza is one of the fastest growing upscale brands in the world and has the most hotels in the development pipeline of any upscale brand globally – we are opening 120 hotels over the next few years. Business and leisure travellers alike know that they can expect simplified elegance, comfort and a 24-hour business service from a Crowne Plaza hotel. Significant investment is being made to ensure that Crowne Plaza Edinburgh can help guests be at their best.”
