Our Brief

The Bell&Swift team were delighted to once again be appointed by world-renowned hotel brand Marriott, for the refurbishment ofResidence Inn by Marriott, Edinburgh. Our role encompassed the full design consultancy, including concept development, project scope creation, and coordination from design through to completion. We were also appointed to carry out FF&E procurement services for the full project.

The project scope included to refurbish all 107 guestrooms as well as the public areas - reception, dining, and lounge - bringing the hotel in line with the Residence Inn brand’s warm, timeless style, full of character and a sense of home. 

Located in Edinburgh’s vibrant Quartermile district, the hotel attracts both business and leisure travellers. Our challenge was to create a design that captured that balance delivering a true “home away from home” experience.

Our Approach

Our mission was simple: to add value at every stage. We were instrumental in assembling the full project team, including the quantitysurveyor, project manager, and contractor. We developed the scope of works, worked closely with the team to establish and manage costs, and secured brand approval from Marriott.

From concept to completion, we oversaw every design detail including FF&E specification and procurement ensuring the project remained commercially efficient while retaining its creative integrity.

Our design narrative, “Urban Meadows,” was inspired by the hotel’s proximity to Edinburgh’s iconic Meadows park. Drawing from the textures, colours, and patterns of the local landscape, we layered warmth and tactility throughout using Scottish heritage, natural materials, and local artistry to create comfort and authenticity.

We also focused on sustainable and cost-effective design decisions to deliver maximum value for our client. Many existing elementswere refreshed and upcycled including the reception desk and bar, which were overclad and refreshed to align with the new design. In the guest en-suites, we introduced soft enhancements to elevate the aesthetic with minimum disruption.

The Results

Across all areas, the design sought to create connection and a sense of belonging. The reception welcomes guests with bold patterned tiles and natural timber tones, setting a warm, inviting tone from the outset. The lounge and dining areas were reimagined to promote flexibility and social interaction, with curated furniture, rich textures, and a central “kitchen table” as the focal point. 

Guest corridors were updated with bespoke carpets, new signage, and local references to create a cohesive journey, while guestrooms were redesigned to bring calm and comfort through neutral palettes, tactile finishes, and thoughtful zoning between workspace, kitchen, and sleeping areas. 

Our close collaboration with Marriott reflects our ongoing partnership and deep understanding of their brand standards and guestexpectations. By taking a strategic, full-service approach, we delivered a scheme that balances design impact with commercial value.