Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh

I visited Edinburgh last weekend. Finally!

When it came to choosing a hotel, the priority was luxury and a great location.

I decided to stay at the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian.

A couple of years ago, the hotel went through a major renovation and received a glamorous facelift bringing this landmark Scottish building into the Waldorf Astoria Hotels portfolio.

Luxurious and elegant, located by The Princess Street Gardens, walking distance of the Royal Mile and the Old Town.

Neighbouring with the grand Edinburgh Castle built in 12th century, this hotel is nothing but unique.

At Waldorf Astoria, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to wining and dining. They have two French restaurants, Galvin Brasserie and The Pompadour by Galvin, designed by the Michelin-starred Galvin brothers, who run the Windows at the London Hilton.

Then there is Caley Bar, popular with residents and locals, with a wonderful selection of Scottish whiskeys, fine wines, and gins.

This historic building was a former Victorian railway station built in 1903. You can still see signs of this one-time Caledonian railway, old plans, and photographs throughout the hotel. In the glass-roofed atrium, Peacock Alley bar, you’ll find the original station clock. And it is a lovely place to sit and relax with a glass of bubbly, afternoon tea or like me, a cheeky cocktail (for a gin lover, the amazing selection of gins was greatly appreciated).

I opted for the classic Waldorf salad, naturally. The story goes, it was created in 1896 by Oscar Tschirky, the Maitre d’ hotel at the New York Waldorf with only three things: apples, celery and mayonnaise (no walnuts). Over time, walnuts and grapes seem to have become essentials to this salad.

My room was spacious and extremely comfortable, with a Nespresso coffee machine (I am a die hard coffee lover!) 

And without a doubt, the best feature was the view of the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, perched on top of an extinct volcano towering high above this beautiful city.

Bathroom with Salvatore Ferragamo toiletries.

I woke up just before the sunrise.

The sun was beaming through the huge windows, warming my bedsheets and covering the room in golden light. 

Made myself a cup of coffee and sat by the window to soak it all in. I felt as if waking up in a Disney movie.

Breakfast was a feast with a wonderful buffet selection of – everything!, as well as a la Carte and cooked to order dishes. The customer service was second to none, my compliments to all attentive staff who served me.

Eat well, keep well.

The first and only Guerlain Spa in the UK reside in Waldorf Astoria, offering a great choice of personalized French-style beauty treatments.  A relaxing haven to unwind and indulge in serious me-time.

What an absolute pleasure it was to stay in this hotel. A good mix of friendliness, efficiency and timeless elegance, in a prime central location for exploring Edinburgh’s main attractions.

Fantastic hotel right next to all major attractions, definitely a strongly recommended one. 

Let me know if you decide to stay and what you think!

What to see and do in Edinburgh coming next.

Thank you Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian for supporting me on my visit to Edinburgh. As always, all photos and opinions are my own. To experience Waldorf Astoria for yourself, check them out here.