We have been watching it take shape and now The Edinburgh Grand opens its (very big) doors to the very first guests today.
This is one of Edinburgh’s landmark buildings and the renovation has been carefully choreographed by Chris Stewart.
Today will be the very first time the doors have been opened to the former bank building since the Royal Bank Of Scotland closed in 2007
The doors mark the entrance to the lobby and soaring atrium above with its gleaming black and white checkered floor.
The new five star venue will redefine luxury accommodation, with its 50 individually designed, fully-equipped apartments as well as a selection of restaurants and bars.
This weekend it is fully booked.
General Manager of Lateral City Apartments, which will operate The Edinburgh Grand, Gavin MacLennan, said: “The finishing touches are all in place and we can’t wait to welcome the first guests to The Edinburgh Grand. It is a hugely exciting day for the whole team – we’ve worked hard to create an incredible hotel tailored to the evolving wishes of our guests.
“Every detail has been carefully considered – from the beautiful art deco inspired interiors celebrating the building’s amazing heritage, to the cutting-edge technology in each of the apartments. The Edinburgh Grand is the ultimate home from home, and we know it will surpass every expectation.”
The Edinburgh Grand is part of Chris Stewart Group’s Registers development, a regeneration and redevelopment project which will transform one corner of the prestigious St Andrew Square.
The building was formerly the global headquarters of RBS and the renovation has taken two years. The venue brings 120 new jobs to the city and expands Lateral City’s workforce by 60 per cent, strengthening its position within Scotland’s luxury hospitality sector.
Old meets new as guests’ needs have been put at the forefront of the distinctive design with original features artfully woven together with contemporary interior design to create Scotland’s must-visit luxurious new residence. Authentic features, including original dark wood panelling, fireplaces, brass door handles and decorative cornicing, seamlessly incorporate with sleek design.
From the uniquely configured Grand Studios to the city’s most exclusive suite – a three-bedroom, rooftop Penthouse with astonishing 360° panoramic views – the apartments come in a range of shapes and sizes.
Each residence has smart televisions, Bose sound systems and intelligent heating controls and a fully fitted top of the range kitchen. Bathrooms feature drench showers and oversized baths in addition to luxury products courtesy of New York beauty brand Malin + Goetz.
A truly unique place in the City to eat, drink and relax
The Edinburgh Grand is also home to The Register Club, which occupies the west wing of the fourth floor, and also opens its doors today. The reservation-only champagne and cocktail club run by The Bon Vivant promises to be one of the city’s most elegant and sought-after venues.
In July the award-winning steak restaurant and cocktail bar, Hawksmoor, will open its first Edinburgh offering with 170 covers in the former banking hall on the ground floor. The Bon Vivant team will also launch a continental café and aperitif cocktail bar with a late-night basement hangout tucked into the former banking vaults below.
Sitting in St Andrew Square, and showcasing the best of interior design, impeccable service and local food and drink, The Edinburgh Grand claims to be the first of its kind in Scotland. It aims to become the most sought-after hotel booking and table reservation in the city.
Bookings can be made via https://www.lateralcity.com/property/the-edinburgh-grand. Room rates vary from £165 per night for a studio apartment, to £2,000 for the three-bedroom penthouse.
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
