In the heart of Edinburgh’s elegant New Town, where Georgian architecture meets cosmopolitan energy, stands The Edinburgh Grand: a hotel that feels less like a place to stay and more like a statement of Scottish sophistication. With its grand neoclassical façade overlooking St Andrew Square, the building radiates history and quiet confidence, perfectly positioned for travelers who love both the countryside’s serenity and the city’s grandeur.
A Setting of Architectural Poetry
The hotel’s columned façade greets you with a sense of old-world gravitas: tall, symmetrical, and proud, its stone exterior gleaming in the soft northern light. Right across from George Street and only a short walk from Princes Street Gardens, the location couldn’t be more enviable. You’re within easy reach of Edinburgh’s best shopping, cultural landmarks, and the wide open landscapes that make Scotland irresistible to country lovers.
Step through the revolving doors and into another era. The Art Deco-inspired lobby, with its rotunda ceiling, black-and-white chequered marble floor, and mahogany columns, instantly transports you to a time when craftsmanship was an art form. Every surface whispers of history: the marble gleams, the brass fixtures glint, and the hush feels almost reverential.
From the upper floors, especially the sixth-level balcony, the view over the central atrium is breathtaking, a cascade of architectural rhythm and light. Just be careful not to lean too far over in awe.
From Bank Vaults to Boutique Luxury
The story of The Edinburgh Grand is woven deeply into the city’s financial heritage. Originally built during World War II, the structure once served as the headquarters of the National Bank of Scotland, later the Royal Bank of Scotland. When it was converted into a hotel in 2018, the developers made a bold and brilliant decision: to retain much of the building’s historic soul.
As a result, the hotel balances the gravitas of its banking past with the comfort and artistry of modern hospitality. Original features: hand-etched windows, dark wood panelling, and even steel bank vaults, are preserved and beautifully integrated into the design. It’s not nostalgia; it’s reverence for a golden age.
For travelers who appreciate heritage, craftsmanship, and character, The Edinburgh Grand is a love letter to Scottish history, but with all the contemporary polish one could wish for.
The Apartments: Modern Comfort in a Heritage Shell
Unlike traditional hotels, The Edinburgh Grand offers luxurious serviced apartments, designed to make you feel at home, or, rather, at home in a very elegant city residence. Each space feels new and immaculate, blending plush textures with practical design.
Velvet sofas, faux-marble kitchen counters, and sleek dining tables create a warm yet contemporary atmosphere. The kitchens are compact but cleverly equipped with everything from Nespresso machines to fresh milk and artisan teas. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy the freedom to cook: perhaps after a visit to the local farmers’ market or a day trip into the Scottish countryside.
The Malin + Goetz products in the bathrooms add a subtle touch of indulgence, while Bose speakers and huge flat-screen TVs ensure the experience feels thoroughly 21st century.
But the greatest luxury here may be the views. Depending on your room, you may look out over the lively bustle of St Andrew Square, the elegant curve of George Street, or the dramatic skyline toward Calton Hill, Edinburgh Castle, and even the distant Firth of Forth. In the early morning or at dusk, the city glows: and watching it from your window with a cup of coffee or a glass of whisky feels like pure poetry.
The Register Club: Old-World Elegance Reimagined
On the fourth floor lies The Register Club, a cocktail bar and lounge that captures the essence of discreet luxury. Once the boardroom of the bank, it now exudes timeless sophistication: with original fireplaces, soft lighting, and an atmosphere that feels both exclusive and welcoming.
This is the kind of place where you might settle in for an afternoon tea, lose track of time over a dram of single malt, or enjoy a nightcap crafted by bartenders who treat mixology as an art form. The breakfast menu here is simple but refined, think Scottish porridge, fresh pastries, or pancakes with maple and bacon. Still, many guests can’t resist stepping across St Andrew Square for a breakfast naan at Dishoom, Edinburgh’s cult-favorite Bombay café, just opposite the hotel.
Dining: A Culinary Destination in Its Own Right
Downstairs, Hawksmoor brings London’s celebrated steakhouse excellence north. Set within the former bank’s grand ground floor, it has quickly become one of Edinburgh’s most sought-after restaurants. Exposed stone, glowing chandeliers, and impeccable service set the stage for some of the best meat you’ll find in Scotland. The grass-fed steaks are legendary, but so too are the cocktails and desserts: particularly the sticky toffee pudding that feels like an embrace after a long Highland walk.
The surrounding square also hums with flavor: The Ivy, Dishoom, and Harvey Nichols’ rooftop brasserie are all just a short stroll away, giving guests endless choices for indulgent evenings out.
For Country Lovers: City Sophistication, Rural Spirit
What makes The Edinburgh Grand particularly special for countryside lovers is its perfect balance: an urban base with easy access to nature. Edinburgh is one of those rare capitals where wilderness begins at the edge of the city.
Just a short walk from the hotel, you can climb Calton Hill for sweeping views of the Forth and the Pentlands. A little farther afield, Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano rising majestically above Holyrood Park, offers a brisk hike with panoramic views that stretch across the city and into the countryside beyond.
If you’re craving a taste of the rural Highlands, day trips are effortless. The concierge can arrange bespoke excursions to Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond, or the East Lothian coast, where rugged cliffs and golf courses await. Returning in the evening to your apartment at The Edinburgh Grand, the blend of city light and Highland spirit feels seamless.
Shopping, Culture, and the Best of New Town
Right outside the hotel’s doors lies the refined world of Edinburgh’s New Town: elegant, orderly, and designed in the 18th century as a vision of enlightenment. Here you’ll find Harvey Nichols, Louis Vuitton, and Jenners, alongside charming boutiques and antique stores.
For those with a taste for the arts, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and the Scottish National Gallery are within walking distance, housing masterpieces from Raeburn to Rembrandt. And of course, the Royal Mile and Old Town are only a ten-minute walk away, where narrow closes and cobbled lanes lead to hidden whisky bars and artisan shops.
Who It’s For
The Edinburgh Grand attracts travelers who value independence without sacrificing style: couples seeking a romantic escape, families on cultural adventures, or country dwellers wanting the perfect city break. It’s for those who prefer the charm of a private apartment but still appreciate the grace and polish of a five-star stay.
Country lovers will feel particularly at home here: the scent of polished wood, the craftsmanship in every detail, the quiet dignity of the building, it all echoes the rhythm of the Scottish landscape, where beauty meets restraint.
The Verdict
The Edinburgh Grand is an experience that connects the threads of Scottish history, modern design, and timeless hospitality. It’s where a city break feels restorative, where luxury feels grounded, and where old stone walls tell stories that continue to unfold.
Whether you’re sipping a hot drink by the fire, exploring the streets of the New Town, or escaping to the countryside beyond, The Edinburgh Grand stands as the perfect bridge between past and present, city and country, comfort and adventure.
For travelers who believe that elegance lies in heritage, and that every stay should have a soul, this is Edinburgh at its most refined.
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