EDINBURGH’S Cumberland Hotel, in the west end of the city, has purchased a neighbouring Victorian Listed building as part of a £1.1million extension and a £400k refurbishment programme.
The owners of the Cumberland Hotel have added 14 ensuite bedrooms, added a beer garden and increased their parking to accommodate 25 cars.
Dr Narud Fowdar, who has owned the hotel since 1996, secured funding from Allied Irish Bank (GB) to purchase the listed building next door to the hotel and link both the Victorian buildings with a corridor.
The hotelier, who also owns the Corstorphine Lodge Hotel and Edinburgh City Suites, serviced apartments in the city centre, said the development was due to continued demand for rooms.
Dr Fowdar said: “The Cumberland Hotel now comprises two listed buildings, 35 bedrooms, two bars, a large dining room and extensive beer gardens.
“We’ve worked with Allied Irish Bank (GB) for 25 years. They helped us purchase the Cumberland Hotel back in 1996 and since then have consistently supported our acquisition and expansion plans.
“This has been a long-term project. We are in a conservation area and both hotel buildings are of architectural interest, so we had to ensure our plans were sympathetic to the buildings and maintained their character.
“There is a huge demand for rooms in this part of the city, and this extension will help us meet some of that need.”
Tina Crookston, relationship manager at Allied Irish Bank (GB), said: “When the opportunity arose for the Cumberland Hotel team to buy the adjacent property, we knew it was an attractive investment option.
“We understand the landscape hoteliers are working in and are always keen to hear from owners and operators who share our sense of ambition.”
