Edinburgh Hotels

Arrivederci, Missoni. The Italian fashion house has pulled out of its five-star Missoni Hotels, ending a five-year partnership with the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. As Rezidor announced earlier this year: “The Hotel Missoni Edinburgh and Hotel Missoni Kuwait will cease to operate under the marks of Hotel Missoni.” The decision, say both sides, was mutual, and came about because of differing “long-term business strategies.” It’s certainly not because the hotel was failing. Since opening in 2009, the Missoni had risen to become one of Edinburgh’s buzziest hotels – with the clientele to match. Celebrity guests included Lady Gaga and Kings of Leon. But, Missoni CEO Alberto Piantoni left the door open for future collaborations, stating that the company is working on “new strategic visions in the field of interior design and hospitatility.” It makes sense. Fashion and hotels go together like an eHarmony match (as both Versace and Armani have proven), so expect to see Missoni resurfacing again in the hotel sector.

Couture to Kilts
The Rezidor Edinburgh hotel has rebounded quickly. Last week, they unveiled the new name – the G&V Royal Mile Hotel, after "George and Victoria," in a nod to the surrounding royal neighborhood, presided over by the George IV Bridge. This time, instead of turning to Milan for inspiration, the hotel tapped homegreown talent, including Edinburgh designer Judy R. Clark, Glasgow-based Timorous Beasties and kilt king Howie Nicholsby, who have created Scottish-inspired uniforms, linens, furnishings and more. There is one thing that will stay the same, though. The award-winning restaurant Cucina continues to serve Italian cuisine. No offense to haggis or anything.