WORK got underway last week on the latest stage of the root and branch refurbishment of what’s claimed to be one of Aberdeen’s oldest hotels.
The second phase of the revamp at Carmelite on Stirling Street, in the city’s Merchant Quarter, will see the second-floor bedrooms upgraded and the hotel’s roof and 237 sash and case windows refurbished.
It comes after the ground floor facilities and lifts were upgraded and the bedrooms on the first floor were converted to six suites and 12 rooms during the initial stage of the project.
A third phase will include upgrading the ground floor 64-cover restaurant, Champagne lounge bar and conference and function facilities.
Formerly known as the Grampian Hotel, the 50-bedroom property was relaunched as Carmelite in 2006 by the current owner, who embarked on the refurbishment of the B-listed Victorian building, which is said to date from 1821.
By the time it’s complete, more than £3 million will have been spent on the privately-owned hotel over the past five years.
“This is a second stage of our planned continuation to redevelop a very complex historical building,” said Carmelite’s managing director Gary Atkinson.
“We continue to strive in our mission to provide a lounge bar and restaurant and a unique quirky boutique hotel in the heart of historic Aberdeen.
“As we own a listed building, we will take great care in the work on the exterior of a building which is so steeped in history.”
