Virgin Hotels has announced that Virgin Hotels Edinburgh will debut on June 1. The brand’s first European hotel is open for bookings, which can be made on the hotel’s website.
The hotel will have 222 "Chambers" and "Grand Chamber Suites," alongside multiple food and beverage outlets—this includes Commons Club, Virgin Hotels’ flagship restaurant and bar; and Eve, an all-day dining space, offering a progressive approach to late-night entertainment in Edinburgh. Situated in the landmark India Buildings in Edinburgh’s Old Town, the property is a stone’s throw from Edinburgh Castle. The hotel site is also home to a 19th-century church, now known as Greyfriars Hall, which has been restored and repurposed as an event space. Additionally, the hotel offers a rooftop space with Edinburgh Castle views.
The Chambers sport Virgin Hotels’ signature layout with two distinct spaces. The Dressing Room includes a full vanity, closet space for two, a make-up desk with a mirror, a large shower with a built-in bench and toiletries by ARRAN Sense of Scotland. A sliding door or drapery separates it from The Lounge, which has the brand’s patented bed with a tufted headboard, a red SMEG minifridge stocked with a selection of local products, a television and ample outlets for smartphones, laptops and other gadgets.
With views of Edinburgh Castle and across to the Royal Mile, the hotel’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, which specializes in ethically produced Moroccan rugs, supporting women’s weaving cooperatives throughout the Atlas Mountains. The project supports over 180 female weavers in remote villages.
There are 15 room categories, including the signature suite Richard’s Flat and the Eve Branson suite located under the bell tower of the restored medieval church, spread across 10 floors. The Moroccan-inspired Kasbah Tamadot Suite is a nod to the Virgin Limited Edition property in the Atlas Mountains, with a secret second-floor lounge tented in traditional fabrics and adorned with festive lanterns.
The hotel hired Visto Artwork to curate the art throughout the hotel. 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 3-D-printed sculptures of this scale, measuring 3 meters wide, it hangs in the nave of the former church known as Greyfriars Hall. A large-scale painting was also 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. The hotel was developed by Flemyn and is managed by Virgin Hotels.
Guests can sign up for the loyalty program, “The Know,” which 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 Chambers and Suites have integrated tech capabilities, which can control lighting, thermostats, TVs, and order room service via the mobile app Lucy, which is exclusive to members of “The Know.” Guests can also avail of pre-arrival check-in facilities via Lucy. The app can also be used as a contactless key that can open their Chambers. The Chambers are also pet friendly, with complimentary “pet-menities” available, including dog beds and food and water dishes.
For more information, visit www.virginhotels.com.
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