Plans unveiled for US-inspired 207 bedroom hotel and diner on outskirts of Edinburgh

If approved, the new hotel at Edinburgh Park would be the first Mollie’s-branded site in Scotland. The firm, which has submitted a detailed planning application to the City of Edinburgh Council, already has three properties south of the Border.

Bosses at Mollie’s said the time was “now right” to undertake the first investment in Scotland, with the firm setting its sights on 0.63 hectares at the southern edge of Edinburgh Park - a location chosen for its “strong visitor demand and high-quality environment”.

The hotel and diner brand will work with a range of consultants on the project including 3D Reid Architects, Lichfields Planning Consultants and Amicus Property Consultants.

The proposal, which was subject to public consultation earlier this year, incorporates 207 bedrooms, a lobby, reception and lounge area, a diner and bar with an outdoor terrace, ancillary facilities, car parking spaces with EV charging infrastructure “and more”.

Mollie’s is said to be modelled on the “classic roadside motel and drive-in diner” featuring red neon signs, blended with modern luxuries such as digital check-in, a custom app and “stylish luxury rooms”.

Matt Bell, managing director at Mollie’s, said: “Edinburgh is a dynamic and vibrant year-round tourism destination, and the perfect choice for our first investment in Scotland. The city has so much to offer, both in the centre and out, and Edinburgh Park is just one example of that, particularly with planned investments such as the AEG Arena.

“We’ve worked hard to ensure that the submitted proposals are closely aligned with the council’s ambitions for the area to become the go-to destination for visitors outside the traditional city-centre hotspots.”

Tony Hordon, managing director of site owner Parabola, said: “We’re pleased we can continue to attract quality brands like Mollie’s to Edinburgh Park.

“The area investment is all about encouraging guests to experience a new destination, enjoying an increasingly vibrant community comprised of new homes and offices, an unrivalled music arena and now an upscale hotel.”