Caledonian Hilton Hotel

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 Railway Company was founded in 1847 and, as was the practice for Private Railway Companies, they opened the “Princes Street Station Hotel” in December 1903, adjacent to their Princes Street Railway Station. Overlooking the city’s famous castle and gardens, the hotel quickly became the residence of the rich and famous and, with its opulence and luxurious design, its cable address became “Luxury Edinburgh “. The famous Pompadour restaurant was created in 1914, based on the lavishly decorated drawing room in the Royal Court style of Louis XIV. It is reputed to have the best table in Edinburgh, in terms of the view overlooking Edinburgh Castle and its fine cuisine. The hotel has many remarkable architectural features, not least the carved image of scallop shells on the hotel’s frontage – the emblem that once belonged to Medieval pilgrims. In 1956, the Caledonian underwent a remarkable face-lift as artists Robert and Roger Nicholsen were drafted to carry out interior design work. The most famous of all their work is demonstrated in the hotel’s Castle Suite, now a listed architectural area. The artists used 4,000 square feet of canvas to paint a magnificent mural depicting sky vistas and hunting scenes. The year 1965 heralded the end of an era for the Caledonian as a railway hotel, with the closing of Princes Street Station – an opportunity to expand. In 1970, a wing of 50 new bedrooms were added on an area, which previously hosted 7 railway platforms. The origins of the hotel have not been forgotten, with architectural features of the station still visible around the hotel and the old Princes Street Station clock is now preserved in the hotel’s Chisholm’s Bar. Over the years the “Caley”, as it became known affectionately to generations of Edinburgh folk, has played host to a wealth of celebrities. The list of famous names includes: Gene Kelly, who danced on the sweeping 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 frequent Scotland visits. The hotel has also been a favourite of Royalty and politicians alike, most recently Nelson Mandela and Tony Blair. The hotel’s Living Well Health Club has recently undergone a revitalisation of its sporting facilities as part of the new ‘Caley’. Spanning 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. Golf: Various golf courses are found close to the hotel, which can be arranged by the Concierge. Gleneagles and St Andrews are both one hour’s drive from the Caledonian. Shooting can also be arranged by the Concierge. Other Services: - Multi-lingual staff - 24 hour room service - Laundry and dry cleaning, shoe cleaning - Business Centre offering secretarial services including hiring of equipment - Limousine Service to airport and local sights subject to prior arrangement