Thomas Johnstone Ltd (TJL) is a specialist hotel fit-out contractor known for delivering excellence. Backed by 157 years of construction experience and high-quality renovations, TJL have various multi-million pound projects under our belt. We are a reliable choice for any hotel fit-out. The company’s portfolio extends from boutique hotels to luxury 5-star hotels; all finished to the highest standard.

voco Grand Central Hotel Refurbishment

In 2020-2021, as part of the hotel’s rebranding to an IHG voco hotel, TJL fully refurbished all 243 guest rooms and suites in the iconic city centre hotel. This extensive upgrade featured new carpets, beds, and refreshed decor, delivering a complete interior transformation. Public areas and corridors were also refurbished as part of the hotel’s rebrand, along with major restoration of the previously unoccupied and uninhabitable 6^th and 7^th floors. Our Small Works division completed the final touches post-pandemic. These included installing custom casegoods, painting rooms and updating corridors with new carpets and doors.

Virgin Hotel, Edinburgh

We were the main contractor for Virgin Hotel Edinburgh, the first Virgin hotel outside the US. The hotel consists of 5 separate blocks, with existing buildings undergoing significant refurbishment and others newly constructed. Our team restored Listed buildings, including the India buildings on Victoria Street and Cowgatehead Church, transforming them into guest rooms, suites, public areas, and meeting spaces. A new build extension on Cowgate houses the majority of the hotel’s 222 guest rooms, called Chambers by the brand.

Our 30,000 sq. ft. Manufactured Joinery facility produced a range of joinery elements for the project. These include bedside tables, wardrobes, sink surrounds, barn doors, vanity units, and bar cart shelves for all 222 guest Chambers. Additionally, several bespoke joinery pieces were crafted for the public areas.

Radisson Blu, Glasgow Refurbishment

In 2023, TJL refurbished 247 rooms in Radisson Blu, Glasgow. Our site team refreshed guest rooms with new carpet, paint, wallpaper and updated en-suite bathrooms. Firstly, the original bathrooms had combined bathtubs and showers, which we replaced with modern, spacious walk-in showers. This upgrade involved major changes to the drainage system, originally designed for bathtubs. In addition, the refurbishment required careful planning and precise execution, carried out in stages to minimise disruption. Our site team worked on two floors simultaneously, reconfiguring the bathroom drainage while upgrading the bedrooms. This strategy enabled the hotel to keep several floors open for guest bookings.

We collaborated closely with our client to adjust work schedules around peak periods, ensuring minimal impact on operations. The refurbishment featured high-quality case goods from TJL’s Manufacturing division, including headboards, table bases, TV shelves, wardrobes, and side tables, ensuring consistency across rooms. Additionally, several bespoke items were crafted for the hotel’s suites.

Hotel Experts

At Thomas Johnstone Ltd, we have built our reputation as a leading hotel fit-out contractor on decades of experience delivering high-quality craftsmanship for some of the world’s most prestigious hospitality brands.

Our portfolio spans luxury renovations, heritage restorations, and bespoke fit-outs, ensuring every project meets the highest standards of quality and design. With several hotel refurbishment projects currently underway and more in the pipeline, we remain a leading choice for operators looking to enhance their guest experience. If you’re planning a refurbishment and need a contractor with proven expertise, get in touch to discuss how we can bring your vision to life.