Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city sits a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.
For five years, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.
Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are squeezed through confined passages, and businesses have vacated the building.
Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.
The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be removed.
Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".
What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?
The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.
Projections from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.
Work on the building started soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.
A lane of traffic and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the work.
Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.
A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and transferred to another city in 2024.
In a statement, its operators said construction activity had obliged them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".
It is also home to restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has placed large notices on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.
An update to the a city committee in January this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the exterior would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.
But the firm has said that is incorrect, referencing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the delay.
"We expect starting to take down sections of the framework close to the conclusion of the coming year, with further improvements ongoing after that," they said.
"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an better site for the community."
A heritage director, lead of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.
She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to lessen disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.
She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.
"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the streetscape or develop something more aesthetic and avant-garde."
A company representative said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.
They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by local residents and businesses.
"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are committed to finishing this vital work as soon as is feasible."
The council leader said the city would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.
She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I echo the annoyance of inhabitants and nearby shops over these continued delays.
"That said, I also appreciate that the company has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has turned out to be extremely complicated."
