Caledonian Hilton Hotel, Edinburgh

Caledonian Hilton Hotel, Edinburgh - Hotel Description

From its vantage point on Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle dominates the city skyline, whilst beneath it, in regal splendour, stands Edinburgh's famous and well-loved luxury hotel.

Perfectly located at the heart of this exciting city, close to castles, palaces, shops, restaurants, bars and galleries, no other venue captures such breathtaking views in an atmosphere of refined comfort and sumptuous elegance.

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).

Caledonian Hilton Hotel, Edinburgh - Guest Services

• General: Luggage Storage, Restaurant, Bar, Parking , Rooms/Facilities for Disabled Guests, Express Check-In/Check-Out, Elevator, Non-Smoking Rooms, 24-Hour Front Desk, Safety Deposit Box.
• Activities: Sauna, Indoor Swimming Pool, Golf Course (within 3 km).
• Services: VIP Room Facilities, Fax/Photocopying, Business Centre, Currency Exchange, Internet Services, Room Service, Laundry, Ironing Service, Dry Cleaning, Shoe Shine.

Caledonian Hilton Hotel, Edinburgh - Restaurants and Bars

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.

Caledonian Hilton Hotel, Edinburgh - Hotel Policies

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