New Red Carnation hotel, 100 Princes Street, in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Photo: Courtesy of Red Carnation
Hotel of the Week: 100 Princes Street Makes Its Debut in Edinburgh
The latest boutique property from Red Carnation Hotels marries nostalgic Scottish design with whimsical accents and, of course, a robust whisky tasting menu
A scenic mural painted by decorative artists Croxford and Saunders envelopes the stately staircase at new Edinburgh hotel 100 Princes Street. Photo: Courtesy of Red Carnation Hotels
Step into the newly opened 100 Princes Street in Edinburgh, and you’ll be transported into the world of a seasoned explorer. This unique gem from Red Carnation Hotels is more than just a place to stay; it’s a living tribute to Scotland’s brave adventurers, designed with the elegance of a private members’ club, and set against the breathtaking backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
The hotel’s grand entrance opens to a majestic five-story staircase, with walls enveloped in detailed murals painted by the skilled decorative artists Croxford and Saunders. Every step takes visitors deeper into the UK nation’s rich heritage as these evocative panoramas illustrate the intrepid lives of Scottish botanists in a romantic style that nods to vintage postcards of the late Victorian and Edwardian eras.
Each ascent feels like flipping through the pages of a beautifully illustrated storybook, culminating at the top with a dazzling glass and bronze chandelier shaped like an aeronaut’s hot air balloon.
The Archibald Suite at new Edinburgh hotel 100 Princes Street. Photo: Courtesy of Red Carnation
Every detail in this boutique hotel speaks to a theme of exploration and maritime history, curated under the visionary leadership of Red Carnation Director of Design and Projects, Toni Tollman, whose exuberant spirit informed the layered interiors of other destination properties, like Botswana’s Xigera Safari Lodge and Ireland’s Ashford Castle. The result? A seamless blend of 21st-century luxury, architectural preservation, and immersive storytelling.
The nautical notes are unmistakable and meticulously executed. From porthole details in the upper rooms to ship-inspired light switches, these design elements are thoughtfully chosen to resonate with the spirit of sea travel. Even the golden palm trees that unexpectedly grace one of the sumptuous tartan- rich suites fit surprisingly well within this thematic décor, proving that a touch of whimsy can coexist with classical elegance.
The Wallace restaurant inside the new Edinburgh hotel 100 Princes Street. Photo: Courtesy of Red Carnation
Each of the 30 rooms and suites is a treasure trove of bespoke design, where local artisans have crafted unique furnishings and textiles, including exclusive tartans by Scottish designer Araminta Campbell. The traditional textile, in fact, is represented in myriad ways at the hotel, from staff uniforms in a custom print to walls lined in plaids of emerald green, rich navy, and jovial red.
Meals enjoyed at The Wallace, the hotel’s plush dining room and lounge, continues the theme of Scottish exploration. Here, surrounded by embossed leather walls, guests can indulge in the finest local produce and craft cocktails, each representing a morsel of Scotland’s culinary treasures. Next door, Ghillie’s Pantry offers a cozy retreat for whisky aficionados, with more than a hundred varieties waiting to be sampled. A dizzying astrological mural fuels the room’s celestial charm.
Windows inside the Executive Double Room at 100 Princes offer views of Edinburgh's glorious castle.
A gateway to Edinburgh’s vibrant cultural landscape, 100 Princes Street is located just a stone’s throw from the National Gallery and directly facing the majestic Edinburgh Castle. The views from the hotel are so impressive they make the historic landmark appear within arm’s reach, only furthering the intimate retreat’s regal atmosphere.
Whether guests head to 100 Princes Street for a full immersion into Scotland’s sartorial splendor, a decadent getaway with hints of whimsy, or an indulgent vacation where the flawless service anticipates a person’s every whim, this eagerly anticipated new hospitality destination expertly combines luxury with adventure in a distinctively Scottish milieu. Whether travelers want to use the hotel as the starting point of a great sojourn, or just live like an intrepid explorer for a few opulent days, there’s no question 100 Princes Street is the latest great escape.
See more images below:
The Wallace restaurant inside the new Edinburgh hotel 100 Princes Street. Photo: Courtesy of Red Carnation Hotels
Spaces inside Edinburgh hotel 100 Princes Street, including the dining destination The Wallace, are crafted to evoke the collected interiors of an intrepid Scottish explorer. Photo: Courtesy of Red Carnation Hotels
The Wallace restaurant inside the new Edinburgh hotel 100 Princes Street. Photo: Courtesy of Red Carnation Hotels
Views of Edinburgh Castle from inside The Wallace restaurant at new Scotland hotel 100 Princes Street. Photo: Courtesy of 100 Princes Street
Punctuated with an astrological mural on the ceiling, Ghillie’s Pantry at 100 Princes Street offers more than 100 whisky varieties. Photo: Courtesy of Red Carnation Hotels
The Archibald Suite at 100 Princes Street in Edinburgh is outfitted in one of several different styles of tartan. Photo: Courtesy of Red Carnation Hotels
While many of the decorative elements at 100 Princes Street nod to nautical motifs, other elements capture director of design Toni Tollman's love of whimsical accents. Photo: Courtesy of Red Carnation Hotels
A jovial red tartan embellishes one of the Cosy Double Rooms at 100 Princes Street in Edinburgh. Photo: Courtesy of Red Carnation Hotels
Cover: New Red Carnation hotel, 100 Princes Street, in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Photo: Courtesy of Red Carnation
