Focus Hotels Management is pleased to announce the opening of Hotel Indigo Dundee, in one of Europe’s most exciting cities – Dundee.
Transformed from a two-hundred-year-old jute mill, the 102-room Hotel Indigo Dundee sits between the waterfront and the heart of the shopping district. Rich in history, the first spinning mill was built on the site in 1822 by the Baxter family who became one of the world’s largest linen manufacturers. Respectfully renovated, the hotel’s three room designs are inspired by Dundee’s past and present, and feature the original vaulted brickwork ceilings in many rooms.
Each of the bedrooms enjoys decorative schemes inspired by some of the city’s most famous exports. There are discreet marmalade motifs throughout the rooms with curtains woven from locally produced wool. The famous publishing house DC Thompson is recognised throughout the bedrooms where guests can enjoy reading tales about ‘Black Bob’, a sheepdog that saved the day, with sheepdog commands hidden in the dado rails. The public spaces have several nods to Dundee’s thriving computer game industry, the birthplace of Grand Theft Auto. Secret gaming codes can be spotted within the dado rail, and literature found within the room celebrates Dundee’s unique links to the video game industry. Beds are finished with blankets by a local textile designer, Hilary Grant, whose work is inspired by waves breaking on the River Tay.
Hotel Indigo Dundee’s restaurant and bar, Daisy Tasker, offers guests a contemporary spin on traditional Scottish dishes with an abundance of fresh seafood, prime cuts of meat and locally-grown fresh vegetables. It is named in honour of a much-loved weaver who organised activities for the jute mill workers and, true to the original Daisy’s sociable spirit, the restaurant is set to be the ideal spot for family and friends to eat and drink together.
William Inglis, General Manager, Hotel Indigo Dundee commented: “We are extremely excited to be opening our doors to guests. This is a unique and beautiful hotel and through clever design, we’ve really brought its heritage to the forefront. Dundee has recently been voted as one of the best cities to visit in 2018 and its rich culture is showcased throughout the city. With the opening of the V&A later this year, we look forward to welcoming guests from around the globe and have no doubt that they will fall in love with Hotel Indigo Dundee and everything this incredible city has to offer.”
The hotel is part of the Focus Hotels Management portfolio, which includes both independent hotels and hotels branded under franchise agreements. Peter Cashman, Chief Executive Officer of Focus Hotels Management has said: “This wonderful opportunity came to Dundee came at an incredibly exciting time. The transformation from abandoned jute mill into luxury hotel has not only preserved an important city landmark, but created a new destination to be enjoyed by those both local to and visiting Dundee.”
The project to transform the property took 2 years from start to finish, and cost an estimated £15 million.