Rooms

All of the hotel’s 254 rooms have been fully refurbished and are well equipped with all the modern comforts and facilities you need in a restful, relaxing base. Whether you are exploring the region as a tourist, visiting the area on business or attending a conference, the comfortable, peaceful rooms provide a relaxing haven. Each room features contemporary amenities, such as interactive TV (with Playstation video games, broadband internet access and video on demand), telephones with modem points and voicemail service and electronic locks. All of the rooms have a beautifully appointed en suite bathroom, most of which have a window. Every bathroom has a heated towel rail. 138 of the rooms have an in-room safe. There are 2 rooms that are suitable for disabled guests, wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility, and these rooms are available on request. Rooms on the hotel’s dedicated non-smoking floors are also available on request (subject to availability).

Hotel details

The Caledonian Hilton Hotel was originally opened in December 1903 by the Caledonian Railway Company, who named it the Princes Street Station Hotel. It was next to the old Princes Street Railway Station, overlooking the city’s famous castle and gardens. A luxury hotel, it quickly became popular with the rich and famous. The Pompadour restaurant was created in 1914, based on the lavishly decorated drawing room in the Royal Court style of Louis XIV. It is said to have the best table in Edinburgh, because of its view overlooking Edinburgh Castle and the fine cuisine served. The hotel has many remarkable architectural features. In particular, there is a carved image of scallop shells on the hotel’s front, an emblem of medieval pilgrims. The Castle Suite is now a listed architectural area within the hotel. It contains the most famous painting by artists Robert and Roger Nicholsen. In 1956, they painted a grand mural of sky views and hunting scenes, using 4000 square feet of canvas. In 1965, Princes Street Station closed. In 1970, the Caledonian hotel expanded. A wing of 50 new bedrooms was added to an area that previously hosted 7 railway platforms. The origins of the hotel have not been forgotten, with architectural features of the station still seen around the hotel. The old Princes Street Station clock is now shown in the hotel’s Chisholm’s Bar. The Caledonian Hotel is known as the 'Caley' to generations of Edinburgh folk. Over the years, it has had many celebrity guests, including: Gene Kelly (who danced on the staircase), Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy, Tommy Steele, Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, Rudolph Noreen, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, and Sir Sean Connery (who is still a regular guest on his Scotland visits). The hotel has also been a favourite of royalty and politicians, with Nelson Mandela and Tony Blair the most famous recent visitors. The Hilton's Living Well health club is now part of the new ‘Caley’. Across 2 floors, it features a swimming pool with castle views, sun bed, steam room, multi-gym and spa. Services include the Ocean Rooms beauty salon, with a wide range of treatments, from manicure to massages. Membership is available. Facilities are free of charge for hotel guests, services are charged. Various golf courses are found close to the hotel, which can be arranged by the concierge. Gleneagles and St Andrews are both an hour's drive from the Caledonian. Shooting trips can also be arranged by the concierge. Multi-lingual staff provide luxuries such as 24-hour room service and a limousine service to the airport and local sights (this should be arranged in advance).

Food & Beverages

Pompadour Restaurant: Fine dining in beautiful surroundings, the Pompadour serves award winning creative cuisine and a wide range of wines. A first class venue for a romantic dinner for 2 or an elegant evening out, you can relax and enjoy the friendly and informal service. Located on the hotel’s Entresol level, many tables have views over Edinburgh Castle. Dress code: smart-casual. Chisholm’s Brassiere Restaurant: The informal restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu features snacks as well as Scottish and international specialities, from Haggis to Caesar Salad. The Lounge: Located on the ground floor, the lounge is a comfortable place for you to read the newspaper or enjoy a coffee or sandwich from the snack menu. It overlooks the Castle and becomes a stunning venue for traditional afternoon tea. The Caley Bar: Adjacent to Chisholm’s Restaurant, the bar has a street entrance and is open to both residents and locals. Here you can enjoy coffees and snacks during daytime, as well as a wide range of beers, whiskies and cocktails. The new and improved Caley Bar offers a relaxed and informal area in which to unwind after a long day. Henry J.Beans Bar & Grill: American-style fast food and drinking venue, hugely popular amongst the local community, this bar and grill is famous for its wide range of cocktails. Entrance is from the street, inside the hotel building, but not connected to the hotel’s public areas.

Car parking is subject to availability and cannot be booked in advance.

Internet

Internet via modem is available in the hotel rooms and costs GBP 8.00 per hour. 

Parking

Public parking is possible on site and costs GBP 9.50 per day. 

Pets

Pets are not allowed. 

Location & area

Hotel policies

Cancellation Policy

If cancelled up to 3 days before date of arrival, the first night will be charged.  If cancelled later or in case of no-show, the first night will be charged. 

Deposit Policy

100 percent of the first night will be charged on the day of booking and is non-refundable. 

VAT and city/tourist taxes

VAT is included.  Service charge is included.  City/tourist tax is not applicable. 

Meal Plan

Continental breakfast is not included and costs GBP 14.00 per person.  Breakfast is not included and costs GBP 19.50 per person. 

Children and Extra Bed Policy

All children are welcome.  All children under 12 years stay free of charge when using existing bedding.  All children under 2 years stay free of charge for cots.  All older children or adults stay free of charge for extra beds.  Maximum capacity of extra beds/babycots in a room is 1. 

Please note that in case specific policies apply to a particular room or rate, the specific room/rate policy prevails over the general hotel policy