Hotel launch party:
Guests from the trade and a delegation from the Paris head office of the Adagio aparthotel chain attended the official launch party of its first Scottish establishment.
The 146-room venue on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh is the company’s third in the UK, and deputy CEO Karim Malak said it was close to confirming a location near St Enoch Shopping Centre in Glasgow.
He said Aberdeen was also in its sights despite the slowdown in the local economy.
“We are focused on Germany and the UK,” said Mr Malak, adding that the initial hesitation at investing in Britain after the Brexit vote had now calmed.
He said Brexit and high rentals in London had been a particular concern in the immediate weeks after the EU referendum.
“We consider the situation is now healthier,” he said. “Investment was never really off track but it slowed down.”
The Adagio in Canongate is aimed at those wanting the comforts of hotel services combined with a degree of independence. Rooms are fitted with small kitchens, and the larger ones with separate living space.
The company is part owned by the Accor Group, which includes Ibis, Novotel and Mercure. It is aiming for 10 Adagio aparthotels in the UK by 2020.
Mr Malak said the Edinburgh hotel featured new designs that will be incorporated in new facilities.
* Thursday night’s event featured a charity exhibition of photography of the city commissioned from photographer, Patrick Keast, looking at the hospitality of the city.
All proceeds from the sale of prints will be going to the Cyrenians, a charity dedicated to supporting people excluded from family, home, work or community on their life journey.
The exhibition will be open to the public from 19-28 May.
Alongside Patrick’s photos was an exhibit of photos and memories of the Old Sailor’s Ark shared by the people of Edinburgh, some of whom were at the event to share their stories, and celebrate the new chapter in the building’s life.
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