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).
By Air
The nearest airport is Edinburgh International Airport
By Public Transport
The nearest station is Waverley Station, or Haymarket Station.
