S Hotels & Resorts teams up with The Ascott Limited for The Unlimited Collection’s UK debut

S Hotels and Resorts (SHR) PCL officially partnered with The Ascott Limited to reposition two properties in the United Kingdom under The Unlimited Collection brand.

The properties in question are the Mercure Edinburgh City Princes Street Hotel in Scotland, and The Grand Hotel Leicester in England. 

This collaboration marks the European debut for The Unlimited Collection which was established in Singapore.

An excellent partnership

S Hotels & Resorts CEO Michael Marshall said of the tie-up: “Partnering with a strong hospitality company like Ascott is a great strategic move for Singha Estate and S Hotels & Resorts. These iconic buildings play a pivotal role in our UK strategy, and I am confident that, under The Unlimited Collection umbrella, they will fully realise their potential as investment properties.” 

For his part, Ascott chief executive Kevin Goh expressed his delight over the collaboration which enables both companies to make their respective marks on the European hospitality scene.

Goh said: “We are honoured that the owners have identified two of their iconic hotels to be part of The Unlimited Collection, a curated selection of storied hotels with distinct cultural charms that responds to growing guest demand for authentic local experiences. We will leverage Ascott’s established conversion capabilities to swiftly bring both hotels to market while preserving their original characters.”

Pride of the Scots

By the end of this year, the 169-key Mercure Edinburgh City Princes Street Hotel located in the historic heart of Scotland’s capital city will be rebranded as Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh by The Unlimited Collection.

The rebranded hotel offers guests unrivalled views of Edinburgh Castle and is located within close proximity to key cultural attractions. 

Standing as one of the key cities in the UK, Edinburgh boasts some of the most beautiful cityscapes in the world, with its mediaeval Old Town and neoclassical New Town named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. 

In the years following the pandemic, the city’s international airport, catering to both domestic and international flights, has experienced robust demand for leisure travel.

An English experience

Meanwhile, The Grand Hotel Leicester will be known as The Grand Hotel Leicester by The Unlimited Collection from Q2-2025, welcoming guests to experience the opulence of the Grade II-listed Victorian building which hosted several historic events. 

The hotel’s 104 rooms and suites, restaurant and extensive conference facilities will undergo refurbishment before reopening, ensuring memorable stays in this culturally rich Midland’s city. 

Leicester, renowned for its vibrant arts and culture scene, is home to numerous galleries, museums and theatres hosting a diverse array of events. 

Additionally, it holds historical significance as the burial site of King Richard III, whose tomb lies within Leicester Cathedral. 

Conveniently located just one hour away from London, Leicester offers a captivating blend of heritage and contemporary experiences.