Three new properties. Three bold brands. One seriously strategic play in Scotland’s capital. Marriott International is giving Edinburgh’s hotel scene a major glow-up, with three fresh additions joining its global family under the Luxury Collection, Autograph Collection, and Tribute Portfolio brands. Whether you’re craving a whisky-soaked stay in a neo-classical icon or a design-forward boutique vibe on Princes Street, this one’s for the loyalists and the lifestyle junkies alike. Read our Marriott Bonvoy guide here.
Let’s break it down.
In This Post
The Edinburgh Grand Joins the Luxury Collection
You know you’ve made it when your hotel’s so plush it lands in Marriott’s Luxury Collection. The Edinburgh Grand, a former bank turned landmark stay on St Andrew Square, is stepping up as Scotland’s very first Luxury Collection property, effective 1 July.
- Expect 50 spacious apartments, heritage architecture, and on-site bragging rights via Hawksmoor and Lady Libertine.
- Was: Part of Cheval Collection since 2020, originally launched under Lateral City.
Old Town Chambers Levels Up with Autograph Collection
Right across from St Giles’ Cathedral, Old Town Chambers has a long blended history and contemporary cool. In 2021, it added more apartments (now 75 in total), and from 1 July, it’ll fly the Autograph Collection flag.
- Think: Statement interiors, top location, and a “not your average Marriott” vibe.
- Vibe Check: Independent spirit meets global brand muscle.
The Colourist Set to Paint the Town in 2027
Coming in hot (well, in 2027) is The Colourist, joining Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio. Slated for Princes Street, this new build promises an “energetic, design-forward boutique experience,” and we’re betting it’ll be the hipster cousin to the more traditional old guard.
- Opening: 2027
- Positioning: Artsy, bold, and very Instagram-ready
Who’s Behind the Curtain?
All this expansion is thanks to a partnership with The Chris Stewart Group, a property developer with local clout and a reputation for mixing heritage with high-end hospitality. If their past work on these buildings is anything to go by, expect thoughtful renovations rather than cookie-cutter conversions.
Context: Marriott’s Scottish Strategy
This move follows two major plays in the last year alone:
- The debut of W Edinburgh (2023), giving luxury a Gen Z remix
- The rebranding of the old Holyrood Hotel to the Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood
It’s clear Marriott isn’t just flirting with Edinburgh. They’re going steady.
What Marriott’s Saying
Paul Thomas, VP of International Hotel Development at Marriott, summed it up:
“The addition of The Edinburgh Grand to The Luxury Collection is particularly significant, bringing the brand’s celebrated blend of heritage and high-end hospitality to Scotland for the first time.”
Translation: Edinburgh’s getting the glitz, and Marriott’s got its eyes firmly on the prize.
Keep the Miles Rolling
Whether you’re earning Bonvoy points like a seasoned status chaser or just booking your next stylish city break, Edinburgh just got a serious upgrade. And for Marriott, this isn’t just expansion. It’s a statement. Remember, Marriott Bonvoy American Express cardholders can now earn 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points when signing up for the Amex card, as mentioned in this article.
