Douglas Winfield to manage new Marriott Courtyard hotel

Experienced hotelier Douglas Winfield will be tasked with overseeing the launch of the city centre hotel, as well as ensuring its ongoing success.

The new hotel, located at the top of Leith Walk, will occupy three category-A listed Georgian townhouses – once home to the Stevenson family, including Robert Stevenson, famed lighthouse engineer and grandfather of author Robert Louis Stevenson.

The 240-bedroom hotel will also include an all-day dining restaurant and bar, fitness centre and multi-functional meeting space.

The hotel is owned and being developed by Edinburgh-based real estate company Chris Stewart Group (CSG), best known for its award-winning Advocate’s Close development in the Old Town.

Douglas, who began his 29-year career in hospitality in Harrogate, boasts an impressive CV, having worked with some of the most reputable brands in the industry – most recently as general manager of Holiday Inn Almaty in Kazakhstan.

His latest role brings him back to Edinburgh, where he worked as general manager of Holiday Inn Edinburgh North for four years.

The new general manager is joined by the hotel’s second recruit, Sarah Reid, who takes on the role of director of sales.

Douglas said: “The new hotel is shaping up nicely and will be an exciting offering for the Capital.

“The central location on Baxter’s Place and proximity to Waverley station and the tram and bus links to Edinburgh Airport make the hotel ideal for business travellers as well as tourists.

“There is an array of attractions right on our doorstep, so perfect for those who want to soak up all the history and culture the Capital has to offer.

“This is the first hotel opening I’ve had the opportunity to oversee and signals the start of an exciting and challenging journey.

“My first task will, of course, be to find the team that will offer our guests fantastic service, and I look forward to the recruitment drive getting under way soon.”

Stewart Campbell, managing director at the hotel’s operator Redefine BDL Hotels, said: “It’s a landmark moment for Redefine BDL Hotels as we embark on our first ever partnership with Marriott and add a fourth Edinburgh property to our growing portfolio.

“Douglas is an exceptionally experienced hotelier with a fantastic background, and I’m pleased that we’ve been able to tempt him back to the Capital, and to the helm of what promises to be a fantastic new hotel. Sarah’s appointment to director of sales is also quite a coup.

“It’s a proud moment as we see the team grow, creating new jobs within the local area.”