Location:

Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh- The Caledonian is a 5* hotel that is a part of the Hilton group, and is located in the heart of city. This impressive and majestic hotel combines both historical architecture and modern luxury in an effortlessly way, in what used to be a former rail station. It sits on the west side of Edinburgh’s Princes’ St and within close proximity of the hotspots: Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, the old town and Calton Hill. 

Booking:

I booked my stay in August 2020 via Spencer Howard of Straight to the Points, who hooked me up with Savanti Travel who booked my stay. I paid £150 per night for 3 nights, with the 4th night being free. This deal also came with a range of impresario amenities:

– Daily breakfast for 2 guests per room, served through in room dining or in the hotel restaurant
-Upgrade of 1 room category
-Double Hilton Honors points
-$100 equivalent hotel credit once during the stay
-3rd night free stay when you book for 2 or more nights

The Rooms:

I booked a Carriage Queen Room but was upgraded to the King Deluxe. It was a stunning and comfortable room with great views of Edinburgh Castle. The room was spacious as it also had a walk in closet, a high ceiling and lovely artwork and chandelier to match the classic ambiance of the hotel. The bathroom was equally impressive with the his and hers bathroom sinks. 

view from the room

The service 

The service was great and the staff were ever so knowledgeable (particularly on things to see and eat in Edinburgh) and helpful. Nonetheless, housekeeping was timely, and I particularly enjoyed the new chocolates laid out on the bed every day even if the box of chocolates from the previous day were unopened! I had quite the collection by the end of the stay, but safe to say I devoured them on my journey back home.

Did someone get stuck in a lift?

Yup. It happened to me. I got stuck in a lift, my phone conveniently died so I had no choice but to climb out of the lift myself, in between floors. Maybe I need to work on my patience, meh…  But once I was out, the staff offered their sincerest apologies multiple times and made me complete a health assessment form to ensure that I was OK. Do not think I will forget this experience.

Food:

The hotel does boast a couple of restaurants and bars. There is the Grazing by Mark Greenaway restaurant which celebrates Scottish fine dining dishes, the Peacock Valley lounge which is open from morning to night serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Finally, there was also the Caley Bar which was unfortunately closed, but the beverages were made to be available at the Peacock Valley lounge instead. I was entitled to free breakfast every morning in the Peacock Valley, and had a good selection of breakfast to choose: from continental to dishes with Scottish influences. I only dined in the Peacock Valley but it was a very beautiful and comfortable lounge to dine and relax in. 

The Spa:

The hotel is also home to a Health Club and Guerlain Spa. The Spa was opulent and offered a wide range of services, from facials to deep 60 minute massages. The Spa also had a Guerlain makeup counter available for guests to test out and buy if they wanted to. I booked a massage and felt amazing, it was relaxing and I was well looked after by the staff. 

Conclusion:

Overall, it was a lovely and luxurious stay. Wonderful room, good service and located in a convenient spot in the city. When you think of ‘Astoria’, you usually think of the Maldives and the clear waters. Of course this hotel in Edinburgh is a far cry from warm weather and sandy beaches, however the historic and stately build of this hotel definitely does match up to that expectation in its own way. Definitely recommend a visit!

Have you ever stayed at Waldorf Astoria in Edinburgh?
What are your thoughts on it?

Drop your comments down below!

Make sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates regarding travel.