Virgin Hotels announced that reservations are now live for its first European hotel, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, on June 1, 2022.
Located in the landmark India Buildings in Edinburgh’s Old Town, near Edinburgh Castle, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh features 222 guestrooms (Chambers) and Grand Chamber Suites, plus multiple dining and drinking outlets. This includes Commons Club, Virgin Hotels’ flagship restaurant and bar that acts as a modern day social club; and Eve, an all-day dining space, offering a progressive approach to late night entertainment in Edinburgh. The hotel site is also home to a 19th century church, which is now known as Greyfriars Hall that has been restored and repurposed as a special event venue. In addition, the hotel offers a rooftop sanctuary with unobstructed views of Edinburgh Castle.
Bright and airy with warm textiles and locally sourced furnishings, the Chambers are a welcoming space to relax after a day exploring the city, featuring Virgin Hotels’ signature layout with two distinct spaces. The Dressing Room includes a full vanity, closet space big enough for two, makeup desk with a well-lit mirror, an extra-large shower with a built-in bench and toiletries by Arran of Scotland. A sliding door or drapery separates it from The Lounge, which features Virgin Hotels’ patented ergonomically designed bed with a tufted headboard, a red SMEG mini-fridge stocked with a selection of local products, a television and ample outlets for smartphones, laptops, or other devices.
With views of Edinburgh Castle and located across to the Royal Mile, the Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s Chambers have been infused with local city influences and modern touches. The Chambers and Suites’ rugs have been made in partnership with Lālla London who specialize in ethically produced Moroccan rugs, supporting women’s weaving cooperatives throughout the Atlas Mountains. The project supports over 180 female weavers in hard-to-reach villages, providing a necessary lifeline for the women and their families.
Spanning across 10 floors, guests have plenty of choices when selecting a Chamber or suite, with 15 unique categories including the signature suite, Richard’s Flat featuring restored architectural details and furnished with contemporary pieces and the Eve Branson suite, found under the bell tower of the restored mediaeval church features a muted pallet in rich texture—the suite is a nod to the Virgin founder’s late mother. For guests looking for something a little different, there is the Moroccan-inspired Kasbah Tamadot Suite, a nod to the prestigious Virgin Limited Edition property in the Atlas Mountains, with a secret second floor lounge tented in traditional fabrics and adorned with festive lanterns and furnishings.
A collaboration between Virgin Hotels and Scottish design and architecture studios ICA Studio, Four-by-Two, and Joelle Reid Interiors the hotel’s design preserves the original building’s notable elements. The hotel worked with Visto Artwork to curate the art throughout the hotel, which includes numerous artworks created by local artists alongside works inspired by the unique character of Scotland and the Scots. The history of the location played a key role in developing the pieces, intertwining the heritage of the building with the contemporary character of the hotel design. Illuminating the walls and ceilings throughout Eve, guests will find “Mary in Space” by Studio Giftig, inspired by Mary, Queen of Scots, a cultural icon who also lived for some time in Edinburgh Castle.
Other significant pieces of note are the “Chandelier” by Arthur Mamou-Mani. One of the world’s first bioplastic 3D printed sculptures of this scale. In addition, a large-scale painting was commissioned by artist Alan Macdonald for the mantle in the Commons Club bar. This work is rich in symbolism not only of the Virgin brand and what it represents, but of the site and the history of the area.
“Edinburgh is such an iconic city and we’re thrilled it will be the home of the first Virgin Hotels in the UK and across Europe,” said James Bermingham, chief executive officer of Virgin Hotels, in a press statement. “Through dynamic contextual design and neighborhood-centric influences the new hotel will be a cultural city hub, with a design that sustains the building’s heritage while adding a vibrant, new style to the area.”
The brand-wide guest preferences and loyalty program The Know, grants a personalized hotel experience that allows for access to room upgrades, member rates, special events and a complimentary cocktail hour in Commons Club—all when booking directly with Virgin Hotels. All Chambers and Suites have integrated tech capabilities, which can control lighting, thermostats, TVs, and order room service directly via the mobile app, Lucy, which is exclusively available to “Know” members. Lucy also gives guests the ability to check in prior to arrival and can be used as an access key to their Chambers. Chambers are also pet friendly, with complimentary pet amenities available, including dog beds, food and water dishes.
Reservations are now being accepted for stays starting June 1, 2022.
For more information, visit virginhotels.com/edinburgh.
