The family-owned Red Carnation Hotels has announced the opening of its first property in Scotland, 100 Princes Street.
Inspired by the adventures of the Scottish explorers who frequented the building as the former headquarters of the Royal Overseas League, Red Carnation Hotels says 100 Princes Street “is an exquisitely curated property that promises a journey into Scotland’s rich cultural, historic and nautical legacy.”
The hotel’s enviable location, a stone’s throw from Scotland’s National Gallery and directly facing Edinburgh Castle, positions it as a unique vantage point for both discerning travellers and culture-seekers.
A hand-painted mural adorns the five-storey staircase at 100 Princes. (Photo Credit: Red Carnation Hotel Collection)
Evocative of a chic private members’ club and a celebration of all things Scottish, 100 Princes Street is led by distinguished Resident Manager Laura Jamieson. It features 30 ensuite rooms and suites; ‘The Wallace’, a plush dining room, bar and lounge offering hearty, local fare and an expertly selected list of craft cocktails; and ‘Ghillie’s Pantry’, an elegant private dining room offering over one hundred whiskies and custom tasting menus.
A collection of distinctive Scottish experiences, created exclusively for guests of the property, further enhance the “anything, anytime” ethos, for which Red Carnation is known.
The soul of 100 Princes Street is captured through its inspired design and meticulous attention to detail, a collaboration from the acclaimed team behind Botswana's Xigera Safari Lodge and Ireland's iconic Ashford Castle, with the vision of Toni Tollman at the forefront.
While the Tollman family has focused on protecting the architectural heritage of the building and lovingly restoring its original features, a wealth of twenty-first century luxuries have been added to deliver every creature comfort.
Upon entering the hotel, guests are invited on an artistic voyage, marked by a hand-selected array of artworks including pieces by notable decorative arts specialists Croxford and Saunders.
Among these, a hand-painted mural stands out, celebrating the spirit and ingenuity of Scottish explorers. This artistic marvel stretches the length of the majestic five-storey staircase, and tells the story of the journeys of Scottish botanists, whose discoveries and contributions to the world of plants, trees, and flowers are depicted throughout, with each vignette representing a different location.
Double room at 100 Princes. (Photo Credit: Red Carnation Hotel Collection)
In the rooms, skilled local artisans were commissioned to create custom-made furnishings, fabrics and artworks totally unique to the hotel. Handpicked antiques and nautical design elements have been woven throughout the property, and come together to narrate the building's illustrious history.
100 Princes Street exudes the feeling of a private residents club, with its 30 rooms and suites each individually designed with exceptional attention to detail, and each a testament to the hotel’s rich heritage and its connections to historical figures.
The two exceptional signature suites, named The Archibald and The Isobel after Scottish explorers Archibald Menzies and Isobel Wylie Hutchison, offer guests breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle, making them the city’s most coveted accommodations.
Looking directly at Edinburgh Castle and helmed by the hotel’s talented South African chef, Willhelm Maree, the gastronomic heart of 100 Princes Street is undoubtedly The Wallace. It is a plush dining room, bar, lounge and tasting room, where guests feast on delicious fare, prepared using the best and most freshly available local produce. Hotel guests are invited to indulge in rare Scottish whisky tastings, refined afternoon teas and a menu that pays tribute to the richness of Scotland's local produce.
Ghillie's Pantry at 100 Princes. (Photo Credit: Red Carnation Hotel Collection)
Adjoining The Wallace, Ghillie's Pantry is an elegant private dining room, seating up to 12 guests, where gourmands can enjoy custom tasting menus.
Exclusively for its guests, 100 Princes Street presents a collection of experiences designed to showcase the beauty of Edinburgh and the idyllic Scottish countryside. These tailored adventures range from creating a personalized Scottish gin to serene fishing excursions on the River Tweed, ensuring an unforgettable stay.
Nightly rates at 100 Princes Street start at GBP £450 (approx CA$774) for an entry-level ensuite double room, including a sumptuous Scottish breakfast for two. Click here for more information.
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