Plans for 300-bedroom Ruby Hotel on Edinburgh's Princes Street submitted to council

Plans have been submitted for a 300-bedroom luxury hotel in Edinburgh that developers say will represent one of the biggest investments in the area in years.

Following a public consultation last year, Ruby Hotels is seeking permission from Edinburgh council to approve the £100m project on the city’s Princes Street.

The proposals include a rooftop bar and retail space on the ground floor where Zara, Next and Russell & Bromley used to be.

Hunter REIM, which has partnered with Ruby Hotels on the project, said it will be the biggest investment in the thoroughfare since the Johnnie Walker Experience in 2021.

The plans are expected to create more than 150 jobs during development with a further 250 roles once the hotel and retail spaces are in use.

If permission from the City of Edinburgh Council is given, developers plan to open the boutique hotel in late 2025.

The proposals, on 104-108 Princess Street, would see the first Ruby Hotel in Scotland and will offer views of Princes Street Gardens and Edinburgh Castle.

Julian Mors, group director of the hotel chain, said: “Edinburgh is one of the most vibrant tourism destinations in Europe and Ruby Hotels looks forward to creating a must-visit destination for residents and visitors in the heart of the city.

“We’re delighted to be able to bring the Ruby brand of affordable luxury to Scotland’s capital.”

Andrew Moffat, managing director of Hunter REIM, said: “This is the biggest investment in Princes Street since the fantastic Johnnie Walker Experience.

“We’ve been delighted at the support and enthusiasm we’ve seen to transform Princes Street, which like many shopping destinations, has suffered from a changing retail landscape as well as the impact of the global pandemic.

“We’re confident our proposals will help Princes Street turn a corner and help restore the vibrancy of Edinburgh’s most famous of streets.”