Nestled in the heart of Scotland’s vibrant capital city, Edinburgh, Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian is a luxurious hotel steeped in history and charm. Originally built in 1903 as a railway hotel, it has since undergone extensive renovations to become a Waldorf Astoria Hotel and a cherished landmark of the city. With its stunning Victorian architecture and prime location, The Caledonian offers a perfect blend of traditional elegance and modern sophistication. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a business trip, this hotel is the ideal destination for an unforgettable stay. Join us as we explore the timeless of this iconic establishment, and discover why it continues to enchant guests from around the world.
Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian
The Waldorf Astoria provides a wide range of amenities and services to ensure an exceptional stay for its guests. The hotel features 241 spacious guest rooms and suites, each elegantly designed and furnished with modern amenities to provide maximum comfort and convenience. The rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, high-speed internet access, comfortable bedding, and elegant marble bathrooms with luxurious bath amenities. The hotel also offers 24-hour room, service, ensuring guests’ needs are attended to at any time of the day.
For those seeking relaxation and pampering, the hotel’s award-winning Waldorf Astoria Spa provides a sanctuary of serenity and revitalization. The spa offers a variety of treatments, including massages, facials, and body treatments, using only the finest 111SKIN and Ground Wellbeing products. You can also enjoy the hotel’s two-level gym, steam room, sauna, whirlpool, and indoor swimming pool with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle.
The hotel’s restaurants and bars are also a highlight of the property. Dean Banks at the Pompadour, their signature restaurant, offers a fine-dining experience. Their 7-course tasting menu highlights the finest Scottish offerings from both land and sea. Chef Proprietor Dean Banks, a finalist on MasterChef The Professionals, is at the helm. The hotel’s other dining options include Grazing by Mark Greenaway, a laid-back and welcoming dining establishment crafted by renowned Edinburgh chef Mark Greenaway. The menu features locally sourced ingredients, as well as distinctive conceptual dishes that are Mark’s own creations.
For the bars, at the center of the hotel lies the chic and sophisticated Peacock Alley. It’s a relaxing lounge that guests can make their own for breakfast, a light lunch, or afternoon tea. During cocktail hour, it’s the perfect place to see and be seen. Finally, indulge in a mix of casual refinement and fashionable elegance The Caley Bar. Here you can enjoy a drink before dinner, savor handcrafted cocktails, or sample some of Scotland’s finest whiskies.
There is also meeting and event spaces suitable for any occasion, from corporate conferences to intimate weddings. The hotel’s elegant ballroom, the Pompadour Suite, can accommodate up to 300 guests and features exquisite period details and natural daylight. Additionally, the hotel offers a range of business facilities, including high-speed internet access, audiovisual equipment, and business center, making it an ideal choice for business travelers.
The rooms
There is a variety of luxurious and spacious rooms that are designed to cater to the different needs and preferences of its guests. Each room is uniquely designed with a combination of traditional Scottish elegance and contemporary features. One of the most popular options at the hotel is the Classic Room, which offers a spacious and comfortable environment perfect for those seeking a relaxing stay. These rooms include king-size beds or twin beds, high-speed internet, flat-screen televisions, and luxurious in-suite bathrooms.
For those seeking a little bit more space, the hotel offers the Deluxe Room, which is slightly larger than the Classic Room and offers additional amenities such as a separate sating area with comfortable armchairs or a sofa. These rooms also include king-size bed o twin beds, and the other facilities that the Classic Room offers.
There is also a range of suites that provide an even more indulgent experience for guests. The hotel’s most luxurious offering is the Caledonian Suite, which features a separate living room, dining area, and bedroom, each decorated with traditional Scottish touches, and a luxurious in-suite bathroom with a deep soaking tub and walk-in shower.
Guests can choose to stay in one of the hotel’s three signature suites, which offer breathtaking views of the city and provide them with unparalleled levels of comfort and service. The Guerlain Suite, for example, features an opulent bedroom, separate living room, and dining area, as well as a private balcony with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle. This suite also offers a luxurious in-suite bathroom with a deep soaking tub, walk-in shower, and a range of Guerlain amenities.
Location and tourist attraction
Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh is situated in an enviable location in the heart of Edinburgh, making it the perfect base for exploring the city’s rich history and culture. The hotel is just a short walk from many of Edinburgh’s most popular attractions, including Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and the Scottish National Gallery. Guests can also take a stroll through Princess Street Gardens, which offers breathtaking views of the city’s skyline and is just a stone’s throw away from the hotel.
For those interested in history, the hotel’s location also provides easy access to other significant landmarks, such as the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, and the National Museum of Scotland, which houses a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits tracing the country’s history.
Edinburgh is also known for its vivid cultural scene, with numerous theaters, galleries, and music venues showcasing local and international talent. The hotel is within easy reach of some of the city’s most prominent cultural institutions, such as the Edinburgh Playhouse, the Royal Lyceum Theatre, and the Usher Hall, which hosts a range of concerts and performances throughout the year.
Whether you are visiting Edinburgh for business or pleasure, Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh’s prime location provides easy access to the city’s top tourist attractions, cultural landmarks, and entertainment venues, making it an ideal destination for any traveler.
History and architecture
The Caledonian Hotel opened its doors in December 1903 and quickly became a prime example of the grand railway hotels adored by the Victorian elite. The hotel was built to rival The North British Railway’s Hotels, which was also established in 1903 at the opposite end of Princess Street. The hotel featured 105 rooms that were elegantly furnished in a Louis XV style, and guests could conveniently access Princess Street railway station through the hotel’s arches.
During the mid-20th century, the hotel was a hot spot for celebrities, including Marlene Dietrich, Elizabeth Taylor, and Judy Garland. After the railway station’s demolition in 1970, the hotel underwent an expansion before being acquired by Hilton in 2000. In 2011, following a renovation, it was rebranded as a Waldorf Astoria property.
The architecture of the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh blend of several different styles. The original building was designed in the Scottish Baronial style, which was popular in the late 19th and 20th centuries. The Sottish Baronial style is characterized by its use of turrets, battlements, and other castle-like features. The new wing, designed by James Miller, is in the Art Deco style, which was popular in the 1920s and 1930s. The Art Deco style is characterized by its use of geometric shapes and bold colors.
Throughout its history, the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh has welcomed several members of Europe royal families and A-list celebrities. Due to the hotel’s reputation for luxury and privacy, it has become a favorite among high-profile guests who value discretion. The hotel staff is known for their professionalism and discretion, ensuring that guests can enjoy their stay without any disturbance. The Caledonian continues to attract discerning travelers from all over the world who appreciate its rich history, elegant design, and unparalleled level of service.
The service
Behind the hotel’s exceptional guest experience is a team of dedicated professionals. The Waldorf Astoria’s commitment to providing the highest level of service is reflected in its exceptional human resources practices. The hotel invests in the ongoing training and development of its staff, ensuring that they have the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver a world-class experience to guests. The hotel’s staff is known for their warm and welcoming personalities, attention to detail, and dedication to providing personalized service. It is this commitment to professionalism and good public service that has earned the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh its reputation as one of the finest hotels in Scotland.
To experience the hotel’s elegance, luxury, and exceptional service for yourself, visit their website at Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – Luxury Hotels in Edinburgh (hilton.com). The hotel is located at Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH1, 2AB, United Kingdom, in the heart of the city. In their website you will find everything you need to start this experience.
