South African family hotel group opens latest masterpiece in Scotland

Red Carnation Hotels, a South African family-owned hotel collection, has announced the opening of its latest masterpiece and first property in Scotland, 100 Princes Street.

Heralding the start of a new era at its storied Edinburgh address, this boutique hotel is poised to become a beloved destination providing an exclusive, intimate and authentic Scottish experience.

Inspired by the adventures of the Scottish explorers who frequented the building as the former headquarters of the Royal Overseas League, 100 Princes Street is an exquisitely curated property that promises a journey into Scotland’s rich cultural, historic and nautical legacy.

The hotel’s enviable location, a stone’s throw from Scotland’s National Gallery and directly facing Edinburgh Castle, positions it as a unique vantage point for both discerning travellers and culture-seekers. 

Evocative of a chic private members’ club and a celebration of all things Scottish, 100 Princes Street is led by distinguished Resident Manager Laura Jamieson.

It features 30 beautifully appointed ensuite rooms and suites; ‘The Wallace’, a plush dining room, bar and lounge offering hearty, local fare and an expertly selected list of craft cocktails; and ‘Ghillie’s Pantry’, an elegant private dining room offering over one hundred whiskies and custom tasting menus.

A collection of distinctive Scottish experiences, created exclusively for guests of the property, further enhances the “anything, anytime” ethos, for which Red Carnation is renowned.  

AUTHENTIC DESIGN: WHERE EVERY DETAIL TELLS A STORY 

The soul of 100 Princes Street is captured through its inspired design and meticulous attention to detail, a collaboration from the acclaimed team behind Botswana’s Xigera Safari Lodge and Ireland’s iconic Ashford Castle, with the superb vision of Toni Tollman at the forefront.

Whilst the Tollman family has focused on protecting the architectural heritage of the building and lovingly restoring its original features, a wealth of 21st century luxuries have been added for its discerning guests, delivering every creature comfort.  

Upon entering the hotel, guests are immediately invited on an artistic voyage, marked by a hand-selected array of artworks including bespoke pieces by the notable decorative arts specialists, Croxford and Saunders.  

Among these, a breathtaking, hand-painted mural stands out, celebrating the daring spirit and ingenuity of Scottish explorers.

This artistic marvel stretches the length of the majestic five-story staircase and tells the story of the journeys of Scottish botanists, whose discoveries and contributions to the world of plants, trees, and flowers are depicted throughout, with each vignette representing a different location. 

The style of the mural harkens back to the late Victorian to late Edwardian periods, reminiscent of vintage posters and postcards, giving the mural the feel of a historic book illustration from that era.

Set against the backdrop of high-gloss hand-carved woodwork, the masterpiece culminates at the top of the staircase with an impressive glass and bronze chandelier shaped like an adventurer’s hot air balloon. 

In the rooms, skilled local artisans were commissioned to create custom-made furnishings, fabrics and artworks that are totally unique to the hotel, including five tartans by revered Scottish designer Araminta Campbell.

Handpicked antiques and nautical design elements have been cleverly woven throughout the property and come together to narrate the building’s illustrious history. 

A PRIVATE RESIDENTS’ CLUB WITH UNOBSTRUCTED VIEWS 

100 Princes Street exudes the feeling of a private residents’ club, with its 30 rooms and suites each individually designed with exceptional attention to detail, and each a testament to the hotel’s rich heritage and its connections to historical figures.

The two exceptional signature suites, named The Archibald and The Isobel after renowned Scottish explorers Archibald Menzies and Isobel Wylie Hutchison, offer guests breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle, making them the city’s most coveted accommodations. 

AN EXPLORATION OF SCOTLAND’S FINEST PRODUCE 

Looking directly at Edinburgh Castle and helmed by the hotel’s talented South African chef, Willhelm Maree, the gastronomic heart of 100 Princes Street is undoubtedly The Wallace.

A plush dining room, bar, lounge and tasting room, where guests feast on delicious, hearty fare, prepared using the best and most freshly available local produce.

Hotel guests are invited to indulge in rare Scottish whisky tastings, refined afternoon teas and a menu that pays tribute to the richness of Scotland’s local produce.  

Adjoining The Wallace, Ghillie’s Pantry is an elegant private dining room, seating up to 12 guests, where discerning gourmands can enjoy custom tasting menus. Intimate and stylish, the walls of the room are lined with more than one hundred whiskies, including many rare bottles such as the Laphroaig 20-Year-Old Director’s Special, and The Glenlivet 25 Years Single Malt. Ghillie’s Pantry is crowned by a stunning astrological ceiling mural by Croxford and Saunders. 

A DISTINCTIVE COLLECTION OF BESPOKE SCOTTISH EXPERIENCES  

Exclusively for its guests, 100 Princes Street presents a collection of experiences designed to showcase the beauty of Edinburgh and the idyllic Scottish countryside.

These tailored adventures range from creating a personalised Scottish gin to serene fishing excursions on the River Tweed, ensuring an unforgettable stay for every refined traveller. 

Nightly rates at 100 Princes Street start at £450 (approx. R10 700) for an entry-level ensuite double room, including a sumptuous Scottish breakfast for two.

For more information, visit www.100princes-street.com

Click HERE to meet the Red Carnation Hotel executive team

WHO IS BEA TOLLMAN?

The Red Carnation Hotels story began when a woman called Beatrice caught the eye of a distinguished young hotelier named Stanley, who was known for wearing a red carnation in his lapel.

Almost 35 years later, Beatrice and Stanley Tollman purchased The Chesterfield Hotel in Mayfair.

Driven by Beatrice’s lifelong affair with the world of hospitality, and celebrating her husband’s signature flower, The Red Carnation Hotel Collection came to life.

President and founder Beatrice Tollman built Red Carnation Hotels with a vision for service excellence and a passion for generous hospitality.

Today, the collection proudly stands at 17 properties around the world, each unique and special, whilst sharing the founding values that define the family-owned and run business.

The red carnation symbol of hospitality is also worn by every member of the team.

“At the heart of the Red Carnation Collection is our people and their passion and commitment to creating memorable guest experiences” – Beatrice Tollman, President and Founder.

Beatrice Tollman. Image: Red Carnation Hotels website