Gleneagles Townhouse: Edinburgh hotel named one of the world’s most exciting new openings by Nast Traveler’s Conde

In January, the highly anticipated hotel was included in GQ magazine’s top ten travel destinations for 2022.

Today, the soon-to-open venue has been named one of the most exciting hotel openings in the world this year by Nast Traveler’s Conde travel bible.

Based at 39 St Andrew Square, which originally housed the British Linen Company before later becoming the Bank of Scotland, this historic building is being redesigned to become a 33-bedroom hotel, all-day restaurant day, a rooftop bar, a wellness area and a members club.

It’s the first time the iconic Gleneagles brand has extended its brand beyond Perthshire in its 97-year history – and it looks worth the wait.

Nast Traveler’s Conde said: ‘Every hotel lover knows Gleneagles. But it’s a new setting for Scotland’s most famous hotel – an urban outpost, set in a genteel Edinburgh townhouse.

“33 bedrooms celebrate classic Scottish heritage as much as the original, but there’s also a rooftop bar, modern art and a state-of-the-art wellness center, all overseen by design studio Ennismore of The Hoxton”.

Earlier this year, in its annual list of travel destinations, GQ magazine said: “With its cobbled streets, gothic architecture and vibrant food scene, Edinburgh adds to its appeal as a city break destination. .

“Its numbers are expected to rise further in March when Gleneagles Townhouse opens in St Andrew Square, in the iconic building that once housed the British Linen Company and later the Bank of Scotland.

“With a rooftop bar overlooking the city, 33 rooms and a private club, this will be a place to see and be seen. Book a table at The Timberyard, one of Edinburgh’s most exciting restaurants in a converted warehouse by candlelight, while you’re in town.”

He said: “Gleneagles is so well known. It’s its slightly younger sibling – a bit more energetic, fresh and contemporary, both in looks and presentation.

“We thought about transposing the brand’s philosophy to the destinations, and that’s where the idea of ​​a townhouse was born.

“At the same time we found St Andrew Square. I had never been there when it was a bank, but it is beautiful inside.

As for the hotel’s restaurant, which will be open to all, O’Leary said: “It’s a large room, with an ornate ceiling and a central bar.

“The space will be softened to look more like an everyday restaurant.

“We’ve worked with people who have done great restaurants to come up with a concept that we don’t think exists in Edinburgh, even if it’s not wacky.

“It will use Scottish produce and the food will be relatively contemporary. No one will be priced out.

‘If you want to have some nice expensive food there will be a few on the menu, but also if you want a good crab omelet for £12 you can’.

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