PLANS for a quirky new hotel and rooftop bar in a former Debenhams have taken a step forward.
Luxury leisure group Criterion Capital Limited (CCL) acquired the nine-storey former department store, which has remained vacant since May 2021.
Pod hotel to bring Japanese-style capsule stays to Edinburgh[/caption]
Approval to convert the former department store will be considered this week[/caption]
The hotel focuses on “design-conscious accommodation catering to budget travellers”[/caption]
The new Zedwell hotel could bring Japanese pod-style capsule accommodation to Scotland[/caption]
They have now formally submitted proposals to the City of Edinburgh Council to open Scotland‘s first Zedwell hotel.
Zedwell, which has several locations in London currently, describes itself as “a lifestyle concept designed to promote sleep, positive health & wellbeing” inspired by Japanese capsule pod-style hotels.
The planning application outlines plans for a 300-room hotel and rooftop bar located on the capital’s iconic Princes Street, which spectacular views across the city.
Initially, the proposals were for a smaller hotel with 210 bedrooms, but these were later revised to include 328 rooms, a rooftop bar, and a retail unit at ground-floor level.
The plans have been reviewed by local authority planning officers, who have recommended that consent be granted at a Development Management Sub-Committee meeting scheduled for next week.
The significant development will involve both internal and external alterations to 109-112 Princes Street, as well as 144-150 Rose Street at the rear of the site.
Planners have noted that the hotel aligns with the local development plan, describing it as a “sustainable and well-designed development with activation at street level.”
They stated: “It will not harm the character or setting of the listed buildings, or the settings of the adjacent listed buildings, and will preserve and enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area.
“The proposals include design features that will contribute to climate mitigation and adaptation, as well as encouraging biodiversity.
“The development will support the existing mixed uses surrounding the site and is consistent with the six qualities of successful places as set out in NPF4.
“The design draws on the unique townscape characteristics of the site and will create an appropriate sense of place.”
The site encompasses the former Debenhams department store, which spans two adjoining buildings on Princes Street, within the block between Frederick Street and Castle Street, as well as part of a building on Rose Street.
The hotel will feature a flat-roofed bar structure finished in dark matt bronze cladding, with amenities including toilets and a kitchen area. Three external terraces will also be located on the sixth floor.
A final decision on the proposal will be made by councillors during a meeting scheduled for Wednesday.
It comes as another Edinburgh hotel was named in a list of the most romantic getaways in the world.
Experts at Big 7 Travel have revealed their annual list of the 50 most romantic hotels across the globe for 2025.
They named The Witchery by the Castle in Edinburgh as number one for an intimate getaway.
The former department store is set to be transformed if plans are approved[/caption]
The Debenhams on Princes Street has been closed since 2021[/caption]
Big 7 Travel said: “Sure, palm-fringed beaches and turquoise seas are magical, but for some, there’s nothing more romantic than a roaring fire, wild hills, and ancient castles. Enter, The Witchery.
“This intimate hotel is located right on the Royal Mile, moments from the castle gates. Inside it’s all wood panelling, velvety furnishing and lots of soft candlelight.
“The library even has a secret bookcase and the rates include a bottle of champagne. There’s no contending it – The Witchery is a bastion of romance.”
The five-star hotel is hidden in a collection of historic buildings dating back to 1595, at the gates of Edinburgh Castle.
And we told previously how another capital spot scooped hotel of the year for 2025 earlier this week.
The event – held at the Crowne Plaza at SEC – celebrates the best places to stay across the country.
And coming top of the pile was W Edinburgh, claiming Scottish Hotel of the Year.
The five-star property also three more awards – Lifestyle Luxury Hotel of the Year, Cocktail Bar of the Year, for Joao’s Place, and Spa Treatments Award of the Year, for its AWAY Spa.
