The Caledonian, otherwise known as “The Caley”, has been an iconic landmark of the Scottish city since it was conceived over a century ago. Originally Edinburgh’s British grand railway hotel, its red sandstone façade alludes to its heritage as an integral landmark of the ancient city. Marking a new era within the storied stone walls, this year plans have been announced to invest over £35 million to transform the famous five-star hotel to shine a light on its past, and to ensure a bright future.
With Princes Street Gardens, the Royal Mile, and Edinburgh’s Old Town all ten minutes away, The Caledonian is a haven for an exciting city escape with the sophisticated Scottish city at guests’ fingertips. Checking in for two nights, a convenient locality allowed us to effortlessly saunter through the manicured gardens on the other side of the street, up through the narrow alleyways of the old town and down the Royal Mile where the sound of bagpipes filled the Scottish skies.
Hotel
With its name taken from the Caledonian Railway Company it was first owned by, explore the property and you will see elements of where its story began in 1908. The main examples are the original stained-glass windows that proudly stand at the head of the grand staircase, detailing the various destinations the former railway station once served.
This year notably marks a new chapter for the hotel which will see an exciting transformation that consciously maintains its irreplaceable history as The Caledonian becomes a part of the Curio Collection by Hilton. Joining a global portfolio of remarkable, prestigious lifestyle hotels with one-of-a-kind stories to share, the renovation will elevate the infrastructure, accommodation, and public areas to ensure it isn’t left with its past and secures an exciting future ahead. This includes plans to extend the hotel, expanding its capacity to over 300 rooms by early 2026, making “The Caley” one of Edinburgh’s largest leading hotels.
Rooms and suites
With famed guests including our late Queen Elizabeth II and former US President Barack Obama, The Caledonian has over the decades been an integral part of Edinburgh’s most elite events and social occasions, hosting esteemed guests from around the world. With the enviable setting is the variety of views from within the hotel’s rooms and suites that frame postcard-perfect settings. This includes the grand castle, pretty city gardens, and ancient city they are wrapped within on either side.
Design concepts and the namesakes of the various opulent suites bring the hotel’s heritage to life. From the charming Queen Carriage Room with a classic railway décor reminiscent of a luxurious Victorian train carriage, to the Sir Conan Doyle Suite named after the Edinburgh-born writer of Sherlock Holmes with grand private living spaces. You can also book yourself into the Sir Walter Scott Suite with its striking castle vista, fondly named after one of Scotland’s most famous novelists.
Food and drink
For an elegant evening with generous views looking out over the castle is the hotel’s fine dining establishment Dean Banks at The Pompadour. As the sun set over the city, we enjoyed a seven-course tasting menu experience that was an edible illustration of the finest Scottish produce from the land and sea. Dean Banks, a Masterchef The Professionals finalist, is an environment first culinary expert, passionate about sourcing sustainable produce, with a focus on Scotland’s world-class seafood. This was paired with new and old-world wines.
Meanwhile, named after the historic hotel it calls home is the Caley Bar. Epitomising the timeless heritage of the Caledonian Railway, this sophisticated cocktail bar is the perfect spot for a nightcap and the opportunity to sample some of Scotland’s famous whiskies. Situated in the midpoint of where Edinburgh’s Old Town, New Town, and West End meet, The Caley Bar is a popular meeting place before or after exploring the city just beyond the lobby.
For casual dining is Grazing by Mark Greenaway from the local award-winning Edinburgh chef who is an ambassador for Scotland Food and Drink. And in the epicentre of The Caledonian is the Lounge for afternoon tea and evening drinks where both classic and signatures concoctions are created by the hotel’s mixologists.
Spa and wellness
In partnership with 111SKIN and Ground Wellbeing is The Spa at The Caledonian. Hidden in the relaxing depths of the hotel, following a facial we visited the steam room and sauna, before taking a dip in the whirlpool and indoor swimming pool. Guests can also discover the two-floor gym overlooking Edinburgh Castle. Book yourself in and try one of the various massages, facials or manicures and pedicures available.
To do
Edinburgh is a city that stands proudly upon its history. From the regal Royal Mile lined with rustic pubs and bagpipes playing, to the ancient castle named a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stands tall over the city. You can also saunter down the elegant Edwardian streets of George Street or accomplish the heights of Arthur’s Seat which sits just outside the city with panoramic views over Edinburgh and the Scottish landscape that meets with the North Sea.
In a nutshell
The next chapter for “The Caley” will elevate the opportunity to tell its story through the eyes of its guests – from the Scottish produce served, the character and details of the design and the original features the building continues to protect. This will certify the world-renowned reputation of The Caledonian is maintained for the next generation of guests, to sustain a status as one of Scotland’s culturally significant hotels.
Factbox
Address: Princes St, Edinburgh EH1 2AB
Phone: 0131 222 8888
Website: hilton.com/en/hotels/ednchqq-the-caledonian-edinburgh
All imagery unless stated otherwise credit: The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton
