IHG has brought the InterContinental brand back to Edinburgh following the renovation of a former Principal property on the city’s George Street.
InterContinental Edinburgh – The George operated under the brand name until 2005, when it was sold to what was then known as the Principal Hayley Group. The hotel was renamed Principal Edinburgh George Street following the launch of the new brand in 2016, but Covivio acquired the group from Starwood Capital in 2018 and agreed a deal for IHG to manage the assets.
IHG says the Edinburgh property has undergone “significant renovations”. Located in the city’s New Town district, the hotel is an integration of Georgian townhouses that were originally built in the 1780s. According to IHG, the refurbishment maintained the building’s classic architecture while offering a contemporary “modest luxury” design.
The hotel joins two other InterContinental properties in the UK – one on London’s Park Lane and one at the capital’s O2 arena.
Karan Khanna, UK and Ireland MD for IHG, said: “We are excited to grow our luxury presence in Scotland as we continue the integration of the Principal portfolio. Edinburgh is a key city in our home market so it’s great to reintroduce our flagship brand, InterContinental, to the city. I am confident its arrival will receive a warm welcome and the team will deliver a great service to guests.”
Tom Rowntree, VP of global luxury brands at IHG, added: “InterContinental Edinburgh – The George is a fabulous addition to the brand, marking the return of InterContinental to Edinburgh. We look forward to helping guests unlock the heritage of this hotel and the enchanting city of Edinburgh.”
intercontinental.com