Former courthouse and jail completes multi-million-pound transformation as Edinburgh hotel unveils new signature rooms

Following a multi-million-pound investment, Edinburgh-based Code The Court has unveiled a new attic floor of signature boutique hotel rooms, marking a major next step for the landmark venue overlooking the city’s historic Parliament Square. Once a place of judgment and law, The Court continues its transformation from former police chambers into a contemporary hotel experience rooted in the building’s authentic history. These new luxury en-suite rooms represent the latest phase in the brand’s growth, expanding beyond its original pods and former police cells into a fully realised boutique hotel offering.

Designed by Edinburgh-based Morgan Architects, the new Enlightened Rooms are each named after a figure who helped shape the city’s intellectual and cultural life, including Adam Smith, Sophia Jex-Blake, Joseph Knight, Lady Lockhart, Sir Walter Scott, David Hume, and Robert Louis Stevenson. Each room interprets its namesake through curated artwork, design details, and subtle references that offer guests a stay directly connected to the stories of the city. The collection is completed by the Crossley Engine Room, named after the rare 19th century engine discovered during the initial restoration and now displayed as a distinctive feature at The Lost Close.

The investment also includes the launch of John’s Coffee House & Tavern, which opened earlier this year, a new bar and restaurant inspired by the 18th century meeting place where lawyers, philosophers, and writers once gathered. Now acting as the social heart of Code, the venue has already seen a marked increase in guests attending events, meeting fellow travellers, and socialising with locals, reinforcing the hotel’s role as a modern-day hub.

Sustainability remains central to the transformation, with an all-electric heating and cooling system that redistributes heat to reduce waste, along with smart sensors and real-time energy monitoring to ensure responsible, future-focused operations.

Andrew Lansburgh, CEO at Code said: “Every new room at The Court tells a story. Our aim was to honour the city’s past while creating an environment where people feel at home, where communal spaces buzz with energy, and where a single night often turns into a longer stay.

“Restoring a heritage building in the Old Town while ensuring it meets 21st-century sustainability standards was a challenge we welcomed. Our goal has always been to make The Court as efficient and forward-thinking as it is atmospheric.”

Guest experience remains at the heart of The Court’s offering. Residents are invited to take part in a curated programme of complimentary events connecting them with Edinburgh’s culture and community. Guests can enjoy local beer and cider tastings, in partnership with Bellfield Brewery and Edinburgh Cider Co., alongside guided walking tours exploring the Old Town’s hidden histories. Evenings bring live music, trivia nights, “Paint & Sip” sessions, and “Taste of Scotland” events celebrating local flavours.

For bookings and more information, visit www.staywithcode.com