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EDINBURGH
Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland, amidst the historic charm of Princes Street, stands a beacon of prestige and timeless elegance—Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian. Steeped in history and boasting unparalleled views of Edinburgh Castle, this iconic hotel has been a symbol of luxury and hospitality since its inception in 1903. From the moment you step into its lobby, featuring The Caledonian’s Grand Staircase that showcases the original design and marble of the Caledonian Railway, you are enveloped in a world of the finest Scottish experience.
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Location
Originally part of the active train station built by the Caledonian Railway Company, Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian is now a part of the city's heritage scene. Today, locals admirably refer to the establishment as "The Caley". Not only capturing the view of Edinburgh Castle, the hotel also holds a golden location to explore all the sights within Scotland's beautiful capital. It is within walking distance of the Royal Site, the Royal Mile, Edinburgh International Conference Centre and the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
AccommodationÂ
The Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian is a masterpiece of Renaissance Revival-style architecture, designed by British architect John More Dick Peddie and Scottish architect George Washington Browne. In particular, it is influenced by the Flemish Renaissance, or Neo-Renaissance, that emerged in the 19th century. The design draws inspiration from diverse motifs of Early Modern Western Europe.
Greeting your stay, the sculptures of four women sit above the entrance representing Art, Commerce, Science and Agriculture, referring to the ongoing prosperity of the great city of Edinburgh. Each of the 231 guestrooms and suites encapsulates quality and luxury, sheltering you from the bustling streets. The suites, Sir Conan Doyle Suites, Sir Walter Scott Suites, Robert Louis Stevenson Suites, and Alexander Graham Bell Suites, honour well-known Scottish figures with carefully thought-out decors and special details. The signature Caledonian Suite includes alluring hand-painted walls, 23ct golden eagles and mirrors completed in 1958, depicting golden versions of Scottish birds of prey.
Dining
The Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian offers a fine selection of 4 exquisite dining options: Peacock Alley, Grazing by Mark Greenaway, Caley Bar and Dean Banks at The Pompadour.
In its original shade of red sandstone brick walls and bejewelled with its original clock from the Princes Street Station set five minutes fast to ensure that travellers would never miss their train, Peacock Alley is no longer serving as a ticket office but as a vibrant social hub to the hotel. It is the historic centrepiece of the hotel and sets the tone for the elegance of its railway hotel origins. Here, guests gather for an afternoon tea, enjoying a leisurely lunch, or savouring sophisticated evening drinks.
Grazing by Mark Greenaway is an award-winning restaurant by the renowned Edinburgh chef Mark Greenaway who is also an ambassador for Scotland Food and Drink. His menu celebrates local ingredients, innovative dishes and a lively dining scene.
The Caley Bar was the former pedestrian entrance for passengers travelling through the Caledonian Railway station. Now, it welcomes all those looking for a night to unwind in a traditional Scottish fashion. Housing a selection of the country's pride, Scottish Whiskies, it is the perfect place to truly immerse yourself into the local spirits.
Dean Banks at The Pompadour's history extends as rich as its cuisine. What was first created to be the hotel's drawing rooms was transformed into a restaurant space in 1925, to become only the "de Guise" in 1938 during WWII and hosted Princess Elizabeth, Lieutenant Mountbatten and Princess Margaret in 1947. It was in 1952 that the establishment was reinstalled. With its beautiful Block Chinese wallpaper and interior design inspired by Madame de Pompadour, Louis XIV’s favourite mistress, Dean Banks at The Pompadour takes guests on a modern gastronomy experience that won its 3 Rosettes in the 2022 AA Rosette Awards for Culinary Excellence.
Facilities
Located within Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian, the Waldorf Astoria Spa offers a range of pampering and rejuvenating wellness treatments in collaboration with 111SKIN and Ground Wellbeing. Guests can indulge in these exclusive experiences in an exquisite, custom-built relaxation room. The spa features a selection of luxurious products and treatments from 111SKIN and Ground Wellbeing, ensuring a truly bespoke wellness experience.
The spa is also home to a range of facilities designed to enhance relaxation and well-being, including a luxurious indoor swimming pool, steam room, sauna, whirlpool, and gym. The indoor pool, with views of the majestic Edinburgh Castle, is 12 meters wide and 1.2 meters in depth.
Overall
Encapsulating Scottland's history and beloved heritage, Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian is a top choice for discerning travellers seeking an exquisite experience in the heart of Edinburgh. The iconic establishment offers a truly indulgent retreat immersed in all the city's beauty.
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All imagery is provided by Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian.
Address: Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2AB United Kingdom | Website: thecaledonian.waldorfastoria.com | Phone: +44 (0) 131 222 8888 | Email: caledonian.reservations@waldorfastoria.com | Instagram: @caledonianedinburgh | Facebook: @caledonianedinburgh