The Caledonian is one of the great railway hotels of Edinburgh. It stands at the west end of Princes Street in warm red sandstone, a building from the early twentieth century that was created for the Caledonian Railway Company and has dominated this corner of the city ever since. Its position is its first asset: from many rooms and public spaces the view runs along Princes Street Gardens to the castle on its rock, which is a postcard Edinburgh scene that few hotels can match. Inside, the hotel is built on a grand scale, with a generous entrance hall, high ceilings, long corridors and the sort of staircase that suits a wedding photograph. It is part of a chain, and the brand has changed over the years, so check the current name and facilities when you book, but the building and the setting stay the same. The hotel suits visitors who want a classic city-centre hotel experience, with a doorman, a concierge and a bar where you can sit with a drink after a day on the hills. Because it is large, rooms vary considerably, so a castle-view room is worth requesting, and you should check what is included before you book. It is a good base for couples, celebrations and first-time visitors who value atmosphere.
Location is the practical reason to choose it. The West End sits where the New Town meets the Old Town ridge, and from the hotel door you can walk along Princes Street, up to the castle by way of the gardens, or into the Georgian streets of the New Town in a few minutes. The tram stops nearby on Princes Street and runs to the airport, which is a real convenience on arrival and departure, and Haymarket and Waverley stations are both within reach.
Shops, restaurants and theatres, including those around Lothian Road and Shandwick Place, are on your doorstep. The trade-off is that this is a busy part of the city, so street noise and crowds can be part of the picture, especially during the festivals, in December and on major rugby weekends, and a high floor or a quieter side of the building will help.
What to expect from the stay
This is a traditional large hotel, so the experience is polished rather than intimate. Dining and drinking options are on site, and the lobby bar tends to be a social centre, but menus and venues change, so check when you book. If you want to use the hotel's facilities, such as a restaurant for dinner or afternoon tea, reserve ahead in busy periods.
Edinburgh's visitor levy applies to the first five nights of a stay, at five per cent of the room rate before VAT, so factor it into your budget. Prices rise sharply in August and around Hogmanay, and the best rates tend to appear outside the peak months.
Who it suits
Couples, anniversaries and visitors who like a grand hotel and want the castle in the window. Families can do well here too, since the location is walkable and there is space, but the best-value moments are shoulder seasons. If you prefer a small, characterful stay in the Old Town, look at the smaller hotels around the Royal Mile and Victoria Street; if you want a luxury base with a railway pedigree, the Caledonian is hard to beat for its position and its skyline.
Why stay here
- ✓Historic railway hotel at the west end of Princes Street
- ✓Castle views from many rooms
- ✓Walkable to Princes Street Gardens and the New Town
- ✓Airport tram stop close by
- ✓Short walk to Haymarket and Waverley stations
- ✓Restaurants and bars on site (check when you book)
- ✓Doorman and concierge service
- ✓Close to Lothian Road theatres and dining
Good questions
Does The Caledonian have castle views?+
Many rooms and public spaces look toward the castle along Princes Street Gardens. Request a castle-view room when you book.
Is it close to the tram and the airport?+
Yes. The Princes Street tram stop is a short walk away and the tram runs to the airport.
Does the visitor levy apply?+
Yes. Edinburgh's visitor levy applies to the first five nights of a stay. Check the current rate when you book.
