Our Brief
We were appointed to complete a full refurbishment of Mount Royal Hotel in Edinburgh. The aim of this project is to bring the heritage of the hotel into the current building, providing a narrative that ties into its surrounding landscape, city, and history.
With a mixture of styles visible across the hotel due to a number of partial refurbishments, our task is to design and align the ground floor entrance lobby, first-floor restrooms, corridors, the 158 existing ensuite guestrooms, and the hotel’s bar and restaurant.
Key features such as the spectacular views of Princes Street, the gardens, Edinburgh Castle, and the hotel’s mixed clientele - a combination of tourists and business travellers - were all central to the design process. The end result is a reimagination of the hotel’s heritage that promotes a true lifestyle offering to guests.
Our Approach
Looking out from the front-facing guestroom windows, you can see parts of Edinburgh’s story: Waverley Station, Edinburgh Castle, the greenery of Princes Street Gardens, and the Scott Monument.
To build the design concept, we took inspiration from Edinburgh’s rugged landscape and paired it with a colour palette drawn from the nearby gardens. The overall design references vintage travel - inspired by Waverley Station - and the city’s rich literary culture, symbolised by the Scott Monument and the works of Sir Walter Scott.
In the entrance lobby, this narrative is introduced with statement lighting, bold patterns, and planting to increase the hotel’s presence on Princes Street and increase footfall. Painted panelling in heritage tones nods to the building’s historical importance, while bespoke book displays and shelving add a touch of curiosity and authenticity, reflecting Edinburgh’s literary spirit.
The bar and restaurant refurbishment plays a key role in strengthening the hotel’s identity and connection to its surroundings. The design blends refined elegance with a relaxed atmosphere, allowing guests and locals to enjoy the space throughout the day - from morning coffee to evening cocktails.
Natural materials and warm finishes reflect Scotland’s landscapes, while layered lighting and tactile upholstery create an intimate yet versatile setting. The restaurant layout improves visibility from Princes Street, inviting passers-by in and enhancing street presence. Inspired by the hotel’s position at the heart of the city, the palette combines rich heritage hues with fresh contemporary details, creating a space that feels both timeless and current.
This approach directly aligns with our mission - to create spaces of value for our clients and their guests - by elevating the guest experience while improving commercial performance and operational flow.
As part of our full design delivery, Bell&Swift provided comprehensive FF&E procurement services, managing every aspect of furniture, fixtures and equipment supply. Our established relationships with trusted suppliers allowed us to secure the best value for our client, maintaining quality while ensuring the project was delivered on time and on budget.
This integrated approach ensured that every design element worked seamlessly together, reinforcing the hotel’s refreshed identity and supporting long-term operational success.
The guestroom corridors continue the narrative with a contemporary take on traditional Scottish materials. Light textured walls contrast with dramatic dark timberwork, and modernised tartan carpets provide a familiar yet refined sense of place. Bespoke room numbering draws inspiration from traditional railway carriages, reinforcing the travel narrative.
The guestrooms pay homage to Edinburgh’s heritage: herringbone patterns, leather accents, and tweed fabrics echo the city’s craftsmanship. Contemporary lighting and FF&E ensure a luxurious yet functional environment. Wall art referencing Scotland’s natural beauty and literary icons continues the story within each room.
Ensuites combine crisp white tiles with chrome detailing that references the hotel’s Victorian roots, complemented by geometric flooring and coloured panelling for a refreshed, modern feel.
The Results
The refurbished hotel delivers a luxurious and comfortable retreat for both business and leisure guests right in the heart of the city.
