Stepping Into Leadership: Laura Jamieson on Her Journey to General Manager, 100 Princes Street

Career progression is one of the most rewarding aspects of the hospitality industry, and few understand that better than Laura Jamieson. Having recently been promoted from Hotel Manager to General Manager, Laura has spent years building her experience, developing her leadership style, and helping create exceptional guest experiences. In this Q&A, she reflects on her career journey with Red Carnation so far, the lessons she's learned along the way, and her ambitions as she steps into this exciting new chapter.

Meet Laura Jamieson

Congratulations on your promotion to General Manager of 100 Princes Street, Edinburgh. How has it been returning from maternity leave and stepping into this new chapter?

Returning from maternity leave into the role of General Manager has been incredibly exciting and rewarding. While it may be a new title, the goals remain exactly the same, continuing to make the hotel the very best it can be for both our guests and our team. I feel so incredibly proud and fortunate to have been given this opportunity, and coming back with a fresh perspective has made me even more motivated and passionate for what lies ahead.

The Archibald Suite at 100 Princes Street, Edinburgh

You helped lead the opening of 100 Princes Street in 2024 as Hotel Manager. What was that experience like?

Leading the hotel through its opening in 2024 was an incredibly rewarding experience and one of the highlights of my career. I had never been involved in a hotel opening before, so this gave me the opportunity to help build something from the foundations up and shape the hotel from day one. It was simultaneously extremely exciting and challenging but it’s something I’m very proud of - and could not have achieved without the incredible support, passion, and teamwork from the management team and wider colleagues around me.

The Wallace, 100 Princes Street

Can you tell us about your journey with Red Carnation Hotels, from placement student to General Manager?

My career started with Red Carnation when I was 18, I was studying Hospitality at university and was fortunate to be given a placement at The Old Government House for three months over the summer holidays following my first year. Whilst there, I worked in the restaurant and was soon presented with the opportunity to start on the Management Programme with the company.

The Old Government House Hotel & Spa, Guernsey

This meant leaving university and heading to the world-renowned Ashford Castle in Ireland for what should have been six months. I started at Ashford in Housekeeping and then moved to Front Office. When the end of my time at the hotel drew near, I asked to stay on to complete the rest of my programme – and then went on to be at Ashford for nearly eight years, finishing my time there as the Guest Services Manager.

I had such an incredible time at the castle and learnt so much in relation to the ins and outs of running a hotel. In 2021, I was approached about an opportunity to be part of the 100 Princes Street opening team, so in 2022 I left Ashford to go to Red Carnation’s largest London property, The Rubens at the Palace, to start to work towards the Edinburgh opening with Managing Director, Malcolm Hendry. I spent nine months at The Rubens as the Rooms Division Manager, before moving up to Edinburgh in the August of 2023 before 100 Princes Street opened in April 2024. Being part of the opening team for 100 Princes Street has been nothing short of special. The team are really wonderful and the property has gone from strength to strength, being recognised with some incredible accolades in our first year of opening – including ‘Best New Hotel’ in the 2025 Boutique Hotelier Awards.

Ashford Castle, County Mayo 

What excites you most about leading 100 Princes Street at this stage in your career?

I am so excited to see what the future holds for the property – the team and I are continuously striving to ensure that we are providing the most thoughtful and genuine service that we can for our guests. As we pass the two-year milestone since opening, it is exciting to see what the property can truly achieve now that we are more established and settled within the city.

On a personal level, I feel very fortunate to have been entrusted with this property, and I strongly believe in championing women in senior leadership roles across the hospitality industry.

As you settle into the role, what are your priorities for the hotel?

My immediate plans are to ensure that the team continues to deliver genuine and warm service for our guests. We have now been open for two years and so it is important to me that we continue to build our reputation within Edinburgh and Scottish hospitality more broadly.

100 Princes Street, Edinburgh

And finally, what does success look like to you as General Manager?

Success for me is creating an environment where people genuinely enjoy coming to work, feel supported to be the best version of themselves, and where that naturally translates into exceptional experiences for our guests. Of course, awards, recognition, and strong results are important, but real success is building something consistent and lasting – a hotel and a team culture that people are proud to be part of every single day.

Experience 100 Princes Street

Laura's journey is a wonderful example of the opportunities that exist within Red Carnation Hotels, where passion, dedication and a commitment to exceptional hospitality are recognised and nurtured. We invite you to experience 100 Princes Street for yourself and discover the hotel that Laura and her team have helped shape. From a warm Scottish welcome to beautifully designed interiors and genuinely thoughtful service, every stay reflects the care, pride and passion behind one of Edinburgh's most distinctive luxury hotels.

If Laura's story has inspired you to pursue a career in luxury hospitality, explore opportunities to join the Red Carnation Hotels family and discover where your own journey could begin. Whether you're taking your first step or looking to grow into a leadership role, we're proud to support careers that flourish across our collection.