Marriott expands Courtyard brand in Scotland

Marriott is expanding its Courtyard brand further in Scotland, with a new hotel planned for Edinburgh city centre in early 2016. 

The 240-bedroom Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh Hotel will occupy a listed building comprised of three adjoining townhouses – one of which was home to famous Scottish engineer Robert Stevenson, the father of Treasure Island author Robert Louis Sevenson.

Located on Baxter’s Place, at the top of Leith Walk and to the east of St Andrew's Square, the row of townhouses and their historical façade will be restored, with a new building added on the back to accommodate the rest of the hotel.

The hotel will incorporate the brand’s new design concept, launched at the Courtyard Aberdeen Airport Hotel last year, with a Mediterranean colour palette, locally inspired furnishings and multiple power outlets in guest rooms.

Other features will include the all-day Bistro Restaurant, a fitness centre and a 49 square foot multi-functional meeting room, as well as free Wi-Fi throughout the building.

 “We are excited to announce the launch of Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh and continue to expand the presence of the brand in Scotland,” said Amy McPherson, president and managing director for Marriott International in Europe.

“We’re proud to have developed an innovative hotel design that meets the needs of today’s traveller and to bring this offering to this vibrant and thriving city.”

Chris Stewart Group

The Courtyard Edinburgh Hotel is being developed by the Chris Stewart Group (CSG), which specialises in city centre re-development projects.

“Baxter’s Place is a magnificent terrace and the perfect location for a high calibre hotel. We have worked hard to ensure that this development not only safeguards the future of these historic buildings, but also provides a contemporary and innovative hotel that adds to the current provision,” said CSG chief executive Chris Stewart.

“As a business, our focus is very much on giving heritage buildings a viable and dynamic future and I am delighted that Marriott International shares that vision and we are now ready to start this project.”

CSG is also behind the ongoing £45m Advocate’s Close re-development in Edinburgh, which includes the city's 208-bed Motel One hotel and Old Town Chambers luxury serviced apartments, as well as restaurants and bars.