The Edinburgh Grand is a new addition to the city’s fast-growing hotspot, St Andrew Square. Here you will find The Edinburgh Grand amongst good company – Harvey Nichols, The Ivy, Dishoom to name a few. All being only a 5 minute walk from Waverley train station and George St, The Edinburgh Grand is perfectly situated in the heart of Edinburgh City Centre.
The secret is in the name, every detail of this building is grand. The exteriors of The Edinburgh Grand don’t impose on you what to expect once you enter this wonderland of modern design. The classical sandstone exterior reveals a grand interior with vast atrium and original marble columns. Authentic features also include original fireplaces, brass door handles and decorative cornicing. It has been reinvented as a modern hotel residence with guest apartments, cocktail bar and restaurant.
Formerly the global head office for the Royal Bank of Scotland, The Edinburgh Grand retains many outstanding period features including the original plate steel bank vaults, hand-etched windows and dark wood panelled walls.
Offering 50 luxury served apartments for the modern traveller, The Edinburgh Grand is more than just somewhere to lay your head for the night. Opening the public spaces to a youthful, cocktail-canny crowd with partnerships with Bon Vivant Group (who own some of my favourite Edinburgh haunts) and Hawksmoor and plans for an exclusive evening venue in the basement that will include an eclectic blend of fabulous food, drink and live music.
My Stay
I was invited to stay at The Edinburgh Grand as part of The Grand Taster Tour. An opportunity to experience everything this luxury destination has to offer. The only thing I could have wanted more, was to stay for longer.
Each individually designed apartment ranges from 26m2 for a studio to 200m2 for the stunning penthouse with its astonishing 360° panoramic view. I stayed just under the penthouse in a sixth floor Grand Apartment with unrivalled views over the city. The apartments are equipped with everything you could wish for so if you don’t want to leave – you don’t have to (well, maybe to check out, as hard as I tried not to).
The Views
If the interiors aren’t enough to make you book a stay at The Edinburgh Grand, here are some of my other favourite reasons. The views from the sixth floor of The Edinburgh Grand could take your breath away. I woke up for sunrise and had my morning coffee watching the sun come up over the iconic Arthurs Seat.
The Bathrooms
All apartments have en-suite bathrooms with walk-in drench showers and many have Victorian roll top baths. Fluffy towels, crisp linen and are stocked with Malin + Goetz products as standard. (Oh and the tiles, the tiles are to die for.)
The Tech
Every apartment is fully-equipped with all the mod cons you could wish for. Bose sound system, Intelligent heating control, GHD hair dryer (straighteners available on request from reception – no bad hair days here), Smart TVs, dishwasher and washer dryer.
Dining
Each apartment comes with its own fully equipped kitchen if you don’t feel like letting your inner Masterchef loose. If not, the former banking hall on the first floor houses award-winning steak restaurant and cocktail bar, Hawksmoor, serving seasonal, quality food in a timeless space.
The Apartments
THE REGISTER CLUB
The Register Club occupies the west wing of The Edinburgh Grand and combines beautiful historic detailing with smart, innovative design and contemporary comfort. Found on the fourth floor, the arrangement of cocktail bar, lounge, games room and snug flows seamlessly, creating a vibe akin to an exclusive members’ club with an evolving atmosphere that effortlessly shifts from day to night. Operated by The Bon Vivant Group, it serves simple dishes and bespoke cocktails. Think glamourous speak-easy vibes that make it a club you want to be a part of.
The Penthouse & Private Dining
This truly incredible space built on top of the old building offers a panoramic view of the city rivalled only by the top of Arthur’s Seat. There’s a certain magic in the air viewing Edinburgh from this private view point.
The Penthouse is available for private dining events with catering from the Bon Vivant team, looking after your very need from champagne reception, dinner to cocktail masterclass. The Penthouse offers three super-kingsize bedrooms with ensuite and an amazing floor to ceiling glass wall so nothing blocks your view. If the weather permits there is a lounge area on the private wrap-around terrace for alfresco entertaining.
