An historic hotel in Edinburgh has appointed a new management team with international pedigree as part of bold plans to ‘establish a new era of luxury in the Edinburgh hotel market’.
Johan Scheepers and Gillian Mylles have joined the Principal Edinburgh Charlotte Square (formerly The Roxburghe) following a multimillion pound revamp – as General Manager and Hotel Manager respectively.
Scheepers, who is originally from South Africa, was educated at The International Hotel School and Oxford University.
He has 22 years’ experience in the hospitality industry with previous roles at The Maslow Hotel, Sun City Resort in South Africa, the Radisson Edwardian Group, Guoman and Thistle, and a regional role with Macdonald Hotels and Resorts in Manchester.
Aberdeen-born Mylles will oversee the day to day running of The Principal Edinburgh Charlotte Square and has over ten years of experience from roles including Hotel Du Vin, De Vere Slayley Hall and Malmaison in Aberdeen.
Scheepers said: “Attracting 35m visitors each year, Edinburgh remains one of the most sought-after hotel locations in the UK. It’s extremely exciting to be working in the city and to take-over a hotel property that brings a new level of understated luxury and edge to the market. Not only is the hotel situated in a great location, but the new rooms and facilities have been completed to an exceptionally high standard. With the new spa set to open in spring 2018, the hotel is bringing a fresh offering to the Edinburgh hotel market – something which I’m proud to be a part of.”
Mylles added: “I’ve always wanted to work in Edinburgh; it’s such a vibrant, inspiring city. As soon as I saw the new hotel concept, I knew it was set to be a truly exciting chapter. With a stunning property and brilliant team, I’m looking forward to showcasing the essence of what makes The Principal Edinburgh Charlotte Square, and indeed the city, so unique and special.”
The hotel underwent an extensive refurbishment of its 199 bedrooms and 18 suites at the end of last year, including a new reception and lobby area.
Johan and Gillian will oversee all aspects of operations at including the new bedrooms and suites, six meeting and event spaces, 208 members of staff, along with the refurbished spa & leisure facilities, due to open in late spring.
The duo will be responsible for nurturing talent and ‘establishing a new era of luxury in the Edinburgh hotel market’, according to a statement.
The hotel has been styled to celebrate ‘the golden age of travel’ with design flourishes including a curated collection of art on bedroom walls, red bedside phones, tuck box treats, books and miscellanea.
The centrepiece of the hotel is an internal courtyard, The Garden — housed by a glass roof – and culinary hotspot BABA, offering Levantine cooking, brings a fresh offering to Edinburgh’s restaurant and bar scene.
