The UK's biggest hotel chain already has 800 branches across the country and now plans for a new one to open on Eastfield Road, which is the mainicle access route to one of Scotland's busiest travel hubs.

Jill Anderson, acquisitions manager for Whitbread, said: “The investment case for expanding Premier Inn at Edinburgh Airport is compelling. Close to 14.5 million passengers chose to travel from the airport in 2023, an increase of almost 30% on the year before, and aircraft movements are increasing especially to international destinations.

“As the airport continues to succeed and grow, so are we. We have recognised an opportunity to expand our network in the catchment and bring the popular Premier Inn brand to within walking distance of the airport terminal building. It’s another exciting location for our guests and a further example of Whitbread’s strategy of investing in strategic locations where we see a bright future.”

The proposed hotel which Premier Inn will occupy on a leasehold basis will also offer a mixture of Premier Inn’s latest style bedrooms, including Premier Plus rooms.

John Rumsey, development director at Riverstone Developments, added: “Whitbread’s strong reputation and track record made this partnership an easy choice. The Premier Inn brand is instantly recognisable to travellers, and Whitbread’s long track record and consistently strong financial performance gave us the reassurance to commit to a leasehold development with them.

“As a team, we have everything in place to progress to start building the new hotel next year should we get planning and I know Whitbread is keen to press on and bring the hugely popular Premier Inn brand closer to the airport as soon as they can.”