Hilton Edinburgh Carlton
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
19 North Bridge, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom, EH1 1SD
Original Property Opened in 1906
Historic Hotels Worldwide member since 2018
The beautiful Hilton Edinburgh Carlton was once a renowned Scottish department store called the Patrick Thomson. It first began in 1889, when an aspiring haberdasher by the name of Patrick William Thomson opened a small storefront near Edinburgh’s South Bridge. Naming the store after himself, he rapidly emerged as one of the city’s leading textile distributors. Capitalizing upon its burgeoning popularity, Thomson moved his operation into a stunning four-story structure next to the nearby North Bridge in the early 1900s. Here, the Patrick Thomson blossomed into one of the country’s preeminent shopping centers. By the middle of the century, the Patrick Thomson was a household name throughout Edinburgh. But the store fell on hard times when the famous British retailer, the House of Fraser, acquired the business. Opting to take it in a new direction, the House of Fraser renamed the Patrick Thomson during the 1970s. It was a widely unpopular decision. As such, the store closed shortly after the rebranding. Yet, enterprising hoteliers purchased the erstwhile department store in 1984, who subsequently transformed it into a glamorous hotel. Set snugly in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton overlooks much of the inner city. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, Old Town and the neighboring New Town are replete with countless cultural destinations that epitomize Scotland’s amazing heritage. Within walking distance of the hotel resides numerous Scottish landmarks that have stood in the city for centuries, like the Edinburgh Castle and St. Giles’ Cathedral. Guests can also catch a rare glimpse into the daily lives of the British Royal Family by traveling to the Holyrood Palace just a mile away. More modern attractions surround the hotel as well, like the Camera Obscura and Dynamic Earth. Both locations feature spectacular exhibitions that can excite the imaginations of single adults and families alike. And the hotel’s proximity to the Royal Mile and Georges Street places guests at the epicenter of the city’s outstanding shopping districts. Hundreds of years’ worth of Scottish culture unfolds right before the doorsteps of the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton, granting guests a unique opportunity to experience the resplendent city of Edinburgh.
Discover
- Discover the amazing Renaissance-Revival architecture of the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton. Originally established in 1899, this spectacular historic hotel once functioned as an upscale department store known as the Patrick Thomson. The store spent many years as one of the city’s most iconic landmarks until it closed during the 1970s.
- Admire the National Museum of Scotland just moments away. This outstanding cultural institution is replete with historic Scottish artwork from the beginning of the Renaissance to the start of the 20th century. The building itself is a stunning artistic masterpiece, as it stands today as a wonderful example of Neoclassical architecture.
- Gaze out onto the ancient cityscape of downtown Edinburgh. This gorgeous section of town consists of two historic neighborhoods known as the “Old Town” and “New Town.” Both neighborhoods form the city’s marvelous UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore
- Explore Edinburgh Castle nearby. Constructed in the 12th century, the castle has been both a military barracks and a royal residence for the Scottish kings of old. Today, the castle is one of Scotland’s most iconic symbols.
- See St. Giles’ Cathedral. Also called the “High Kirk of Edinburgh,” St. Giles’ Cathedral is a stunning medieval church situated in the heart of Old Town. Located about a third of the way down the Royal Mile, the cathedral displays awe-inspiring Gothic architecture.
- Visit the Royal Yacht Britannia. Moored in the historic Port of Leith, this vessel was the former Royal Yacht used by Queen Elizabeth II to ferry both herself and her family around the world. The Royal Yacht Britannia is currently part of the National Historic Fleet, and welcomes thousands of visitors every year.
Experience
- Experience the National Museum of Scotland. This renowned cultural institution features a wealth of historic and archeological artifacts that chronicle everything from ancient Egypt to medieval Scotland. It even displays a breathtaking collection of dinosaur fossils.
- Tour the magnificent Palace of Holyroodhouse. This wonderful historic site is the official residence of the British Royal Family whenever it visits Scotland. Guests can attend public tours of the building, gaining a rare look into the daily life of Great Britain’s royalty.
- Stroll along the historic Royal Mile. Starting at the gates of Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile actually consists of several smaller roads, including Castlehill, Lawnmarket, and Canongate. In the present, the road features numerous boutique shops, splendid restaurants, and breathtaking historic buildings.
Taste
- Savor a classic Scottish food known as haggis when out exploring the area. Haggis consists of “sheep’s pluck” that is minced with spices, salt, oatmeal, suet, and onion. This delightful dish is served all over the city at such places like Hadrian’s Brasserie at Balmoral, The Royal McGregor, and Arcade Haggis & Whisky House.
- Taste some spectacular Scottish whiskys at the hotel’s Nineteen Hundred Bar & Lounge. This delightful beverage is a hard spirit malted from either barley, wheat, or rye. No trip to Scotland is ever complete without trying one of its world-famous whiskys.
- Enjoy a cranachan, one of Scotland’s greatest native desserts. This delicious treat is made of cream, honey, raspberries, and whisky-soaked oats. Cranachan is served all over Edinburgh at renowned restaurants like The World’s End and the Whiski Bar & Restaurant.
FEATURED ACCOMMODATIONS
Featured Offers
Reserve your room in advance and save up to 30% off our best available rates. Offer is non-refundable.
Must present AAA membership ID card at check-in to receive discounted rate.
Book the Best Available Rate at this property on HistoricHotelsWorldwide.com and receive a complimentary one-year family membership (a $30 value) to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the United States, a member of the International National Trusts Organisation.
