One of the two Principal Hotels in Edinburgh, The Principal Edinburgh Charlotte Square has announced new appointments today.
Johan Scheepers will become General Manager, and he will be supported by Gillian Mylles as Hotel Manager, following the multi-million pound top-to-toe refurbishment at the former Roxburghe Hotel.
Bringing with them more than 32 years of hospitality experience internationally and across Scotland, these appointments further establish the recent re-brand of the hotel.
The works included refurbishment of the 199 bedrooms and 18 suites as well as a striking, welcoming new reception and a new decor in the lobby area punctuated with colour and character.
Johan Scheepers said: “Attracting 35m visitors each year, Edinburgh remains one of the most sought-after hotel locations in the UK. It’s extremely exciting to be working in the city and to take over a hotel property that brings a new level of understated luxury and edge to the market. Not only is the hotel situated in a great location, but the new rooms and facilities have been completed to an exceptionally high standard. With the new spa set to open in spring 2018, the hotel is bringing a fresh offering to the Edinburgh hotel market – something which I’m proud to be a part of.”
Originally from South Africa and educated at The International Hotel School and Oxford University, Johan Scheepers has over 22 years’ experience in the hospitality industry with previous roles at The Maslow Hotel, Sun City Resort in South Africa, the Radisson Edwardian Group, Guoman and Thistle, and a regional role with Macdonald Hotels and Resorts in Manchester.
Gillian Mylles said: “I’ve always wanted to work in Edinburgh; it’s such a vibrant, inspiring city. As soon as I saw the new hotel concept, I knew it was set to be a truly exciting chapter. With a stunning property and brilliant team, I’m looking forward to showcasing the essence of what makes The Principal Edinburgh Charlotte Square, and indeed the city, so unique and special.”
Aberdeen-born Gillian is Hotel Manager at the property and will oversee the day to day running of The Principal Edinburgh Charlotte Square. With over ten years of experience, Gillian brings a wealth of experience garnered from previous roles at Hotel Du Vin, De Vere Slayley Hall and Malmaison in Aberdeen.
Johan and Gillian will oversee all aspects of operations including the new bedrooms and suites, six meeting and event spaces, 208 members of staff and the newly refurbished spa & leisure facilities set to open in late spring. The duo will be responsible for taking guests on a journey of discovery, as well as nurturing talent and establishing a new era of luxury in the Edinburgh hotel market.
The bedrooms and suites at The Principal Edinburgh Charlotte Square celebrate the golden age of travel. With no two rooms the same, a curated collection of art adorns the bedroom walls; and accessories mix books and miscellanea with PRINCIPAL touch points such as red bedside phones and a tuck box of treats.
The hotel has also revealed a stunning new reception and lobby area. The centrepiece of the hotel is a beautiful internal courtyard, The Garden — an oasis of calm with a glass roof. The hotel is home to Edinburgh culinary hotspot BABA, offering a menu of bold Levantine cooking, bringing a fresh offering to Edinburgh’s flourishing restaurant and bar scene.
Following the refurbishment, The Principal Edinburgh Charlotte Square picked up four awards at the Regional Scottish Hotel Awards last week including; Brand Hotel Edinburgh, the Classic Style Award, Maintenance Manager of the year and Concierge of the Year.
