The Mercure Aberdeen Caledonian Hotel, one of Aberdeen’s most prominent hotels, has been acquired by a mystery buyer in a significant transaction. The 83-bedroom Victorian hotel, which commands views over the recently redeveloped Union Terrace Gardens, was actively marketed by selling agents Graham and Sibbald, attracting considerable interest from potential purchasers.
The sale price remains undisclosed, and the acquiring entity has opted to remain anonymous at this time.
Originally opened in 1892 as the Grand Hotel, the distinguished building is a prime example of Italian Renaissance architecture, constructed from white Kemnay granite and featuring unique stained-glass windows. Kemnay granite, known for its light grey colour, hardness, and durability, has been a cornerstone material for many of Aberdeen’s notable structures, contributing to the city’s “Granite City” moniker.
The hotel’s facilities include an 83-bedroom capacity, a lounge bar with 40 covers, a bistro restaurant seating 30, and four versatile function rooms, each capable of accommodating up to 75 guests. Throughout its history, the Caledonian has welcomed an array of high-profile visitors, including HRH the Queen, former Prime Minister Sir Anthony Eden, and Hollywood icon Clark Gable.
The property had been on the market since March 2025, with several prospective buyers reportedly evaluating the opportunity. Katie Tate, an associate based in Graham and Sibbald’s Edinburgh office, commented on the process: “Its availability had presented a wonderful opportunity to purchase a historic, well-known hotel in a city centre location with scope to evolve the business.”
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Tate further noted that the transaction garnered “significant interest from the market, reflecting the quality and prominence of the asset.” She added, “We are extremely pleased with the outcome achieved and grateful to have supported our client through a successful sale process. We wish the new owners every success with the hotel going forward.”
Millemont, the sellers of the hotel, stated their satisfaction with the outcome. Guy Rowles of Millemont remarked: “We are pleased to have completed the sale of this landmark Aberdeen hotel. And we would like to wish the purchaser every success with their ownership. The property has been an important part of the local hospitality market. We are confident it has a bright future ahead under new stewardship.”
Millemont, a UK private equity firm that focuses on acquiring sustainable hospitality assets, primarily holds a hotel portfolio in the south of England. It is understood that their decision to divest the Aberdeen hotel was driven by a strategic intent to concentrate resources on their holdings closer to their core operational area.
