Virgin Hotels Chooses Edinburgh for First European Location

Luxury lifestyle brand Virgin Hotels plans its first European property, with a location in Edinburgh expected to open in 2020. The hotel is planned for the India Buildings in Edinburgh’s Old Town, with 225 Chambers and Grand Chamber suites, multiple restaurants and bars and meeting space. The location is a short walking distance from Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.

“Edinburgh is such an iconic city and we’re thrilled to be able to say it will be the home of the first Virgin Hotel in the United Kingdom and across Europe,” said Sir Richard Branson, founder, Virgin Group. “My grandparents were from Edinburgh and my wife Joan is also Scottish, so the country has always held a special place in my heart. The people of Edinburgh have been so great in welcoming us to their great city; we can’t wait to open our doors to people across the country and, indeed, the world.”

“Edinburgh has so much to offer, as a top travel destination in the United Kingdom and internationally, it’s an ideal location for our next hotel,” said Raul Leal, CEO, Virgin Hotels. “This project, from an award-winning hotel brand such as Virgin Hotels, will further highlight the city’s eclectic style while remaining true to its historic heritage, all while offering guests and locals alike an experience like no other.”

“This is an exciting announcement and a huge coup for Edinburgh; it really is testament to the city’s resilience during these uncertain times that Virgin Hotels has chosen Edinburgh as the first city outside the United States in which to open a new hotel,” said Cllr Gavin Barrie, housing and economy convener, the City of Edinburgh Council, which helped take forward the proposals as part of its Edinburgh 12 portfolio of investment sites.

“It’s estimated that the hotel will provide a £5 million boost to the local community every year, helping one of the city’s key shopping areas in Victoria Street and the Grassmarket,” Barrie explained. “The development of the site will help support hundreds of jobs during construction.”