Set behind a striking façade of Scottish stone at the point where Edinburgh’s historic Old Town meets the New Town, Market Street Hotel emerges as a cultural gateway to both the city’s storied past and its pulse-quickening present.
The 98-room hotel pays homage to the capital’s character and historic narrative, while simultaneously exploring Scottish cosmopolitanism.
Occupying such a prominent space in Edinburgh’s cityscape, it was vital that the structure of Market Street Hotel harmonised with its surroundings.
Architects were tasked with creating a bold, modern hotel that at the same time honours the age-old architectural diversity of the city.
Market Street’s 98 rooms and suites, above and below, comprise organic, natural materials such as oak and locally-sourced stone
The result is a beautifully layered composition; locally-sourced white stone cladding mirrors the tone of Edinburgh’s Craigleith sandstone, and striking whinstone recesses nod to both the city’s weathered slate roofs and the dark, shadowy slots of the medieval “closes”.
However, it is at the hotel’s pinnacle that the balance between old and new is best expressed—the innovative folded, stone-clad roofscape provides a truly unique architectural standpoint, and yet blends seamlessly with surrounding spires.
Traditional Scottish motifs have been reimagined and cleverly woven into the multifaceted design, culminating in a series of five floating copper fireplaces that together replicate the first notes of “The Flower of Scotland”.
A modern take on Baronial materiality and composition also provides the inspiration behind Market Street’s 98 rooms and suites. Organic, natural materials such as oak and locally-sourced stone provide a tactile canvas for modern design classics from the likes of Fritz Hansen and Saint Luc, alongside custom-made furniture and handcrafted local pieces.
Charming wooden shutters are inspired by the traditional window fixtures of the Old Town and create a warm, homely atmosphere, which is further encouraged by the use of fabric wallpaper and soft woollen accents.
Bathrooms have been designed as stylish anterooms, outfitted in luxurious marble and featuring solid stone basins, rainfall showers by Via Bizzuno and amenities by vegan brand Votary.
Named for the loch that previously occupied the site of the hotel, Nor’ Loft is the hotel’s rooftop Champagne lounge. This chic seventh floor addition to the city’s UNESCO World Heritage skyline is centred on an elegant Champagne table boasting over 20 prestige labels and a curated spirits list.
Open throughout the day serving breakfast, afternoon tea, and small plates – all crafted in an open kitchen in full view of diners – Nor’ Loft focuses on classic flavours and locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients prepared with imaginative flair.
By night, the lounge transforms into a vibrant social hub illuminated by the open fireplace, welcoming guests and locals alike with its laid-back atmosphere and peerless panorama.
