Zedwell Hotels to Open First Scottish Hotel in Edinburgh
Zedwell Hotels is set to make its mark in Scotland with the opening of its first hotel in Edinburgh. This exciting development involves the transformation of the former Debenhams store on Princes Street, a landmark that has been vacant since 2021. The nine-floor building will soon house a luxurious hotel designed to offer a unique, sleep-centric experience to its guests.
The Vision for Zedwell Edinburgh
Zedwell Hotels, known for its innovative approach to hospitality, will bring its signature "cocoons" to Edinburgh. These guest rooms are designed with noise-reducing walls, floors, and doors, coupled with warm ambient lighting to create an optimal environment for rest and relaxation. According to Zedwell's philosophy, "Sleep isn't a luxury. It's a state of mind we must embrace to live better." This ethos will be central to the Edinburgh location, aiming to enhance positive health and wellbeing for all guests.
A Strategic Acquisition
Criterion Capital, under the leadership of billionaire investor Asif Aziz, has acquired the 116,500-square-foot site at 109-122 Princes Street. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in Zedwell’s expansion plans across the UK. Mr. Aziz emphasized the importance of Edinburgh as a location, citing its rich history, cultural significance, and robust tourism sector as key factors for selecting the city for their new venture. This project is part of Criterion Capital's ambitious plan to expand the Zedwell brand with 22 hotels and over 7,000 rooms by 2026.
A New Chapter for Princes Street
The former Debenhams store has been a prominent feature on Princes Street for years. After the store's closure in 2021, there were initial plans to convert the site into a 210-bedroom luxury hotel, complete with a rooftop bar and urban spa. However, this scheme was abandoned in 2023 due to logistical challenges and soaring construction costs. The sale of the property to Criterion Capital has now paved the way for a fresh vision that aligns with Zedwell's unique approach to hospitality.
Looking Ahead: Zedwell's Growing Portfolio
The Edinburgh hotel will join Zedwell's existing portfolio of three hotels in London, including a prime location at Piccadilly Circus. Additionally, Zedwell plans to open a new hotel in Manchester in 2026, further expanding its footprint in major UK cities. With a total of 12 hotels planned by 2026, Zedwell is on track to become a leading name in the luxury hotel market.
The Significance of This Development
Kerr Young of JLL, the property agents who advised on the sale, highlighted the importance of this development for Edinburgh’s hospitality market. "Edinburgh remains the best performing hotel market in Europe," said Young. "We are very excited to facilitate the entry of a new hotel concept such as Zedwell, which will support the adaptive reuse of a strategically important property located in the heart of the city centre."
Conclusion
Zedwell Hotels' entry into the Edinburgh market marks an exciting new chapter for the city’s hospitality sector. With its focus on promoting sleep and wellbeing, Zedwell Edinburgh is set to offer a distinctive and refreshing experience for both tourists and locals. As this project moves forward, it will undoubtedly contribute to the vibrant cultural and economic landscape of Edinburgh.
For more details on this development, check out the full article published in the Edinburgh Evening News here.