A new Japanese-style pod hotel with a rooftop bar is set to open inside a former Debenhams store in a major UK city. The site in Princes Street, Edinburgh, has been vacant since Debenhams closed in 2021. Plans have been filed to convert the building into a design-conscious accommodation catering to budget travellers. The project aims to build a 328-bed hotel alongside a 350-bed pod hotel, featuring guest rooms described as “cocoons” with noise-reducing walls, floors, and doors, as well as warm ambient lighting. The rooftop bar and terrace will be included in the plans, with a focus on sustainability to reduce the carbon footprint associated with the redevelopment.
The former Debenhams store was initially earmarked for a 210-bed up-market hotel, but plans fell through last year, leading to the building being put on the market. After being bought by parent company Criterion Capital, headed by billionaire Asif Aziz, plans have now been put in place to create a unique Zedwell hotel brand at the site. The Zedwell chain prioritizes sleep as a key component of positive health and well-being, with a focus on promoting a lifestyle that embraces quality rest. This new hotel in Edinburgh will be the first in Scotland for the luxury brand, with three Zedwell hotels already operating in London and plans for additional locations in Manchester and beyond.
The new hotel in Edinburgh is part of an ambitious expansion strategy by Zedwell, with plans for a total of 22 hotels and over 7,000 rooms across the UK. The company is focused on creating a dynamic and vibrant hotel experience while preserving and reusing the existing facades and floorplates to minimize the environmental impact of the redevelopment. Asif Aziz, the head of Criterion Capital, expressed excitement about opening their first hotel in Scotland, highlighting Edinburgh’s rich history, cultural significance, and strong tourism sector as factors that make it an ideal location for Zedwell’s unique concept. The project represents a significant addition to Zedwell’s pipeline of hotels and marks a key milestone in their growth strategy.
The proposed Japanese-style pod hotel in Edinburgh will offer a distinctive accommodation experience for budget travellers, featuring a mix of regular beds and pods in a design-conscious setting. The unique “cocoons” concept with noise-reducing features and warm ambient lighting aims to create a relaxing atmosphere for guests to enjoy quality rest and positive health benefits. In addition to the guest rooms, the hotel will include a rooftop bar and terrace, providing a social and recreational space for guests to unwind and enjoy panoramic views of the city. The focus on sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint of the redevelopment reflects Zedwell’s commitment to responsible and environmentally conscious hotel development.
Overall, the new Japanese-style pod hotel in Edinburgh represents an exciting addition to the city’s hospitality landscape, offering a unique and design-conscious accommodation option for budget travellers. The project combines elements of luxury and affordability, with a focus on promoting positive health and well-being through quality sleep and relaxation. As part of Zedwell’s ambitious expansion plans, the hotel will be the first in Scotland for the luxury brand, marking a significant milestone in their growth strategy. With a commitment to sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint of the redevelopment, the hotel aims to provide a dynamic and vibrant experience for guests while preserving the historic facades and character of the building on Princes Street.
