The Caledonian Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
The Caledonian Edinburgh
Princes Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom, EH1 2AB Original Property Opened in 1903 Historic Hotels Worldwide member since 2018- The 2025 Top 25 Historic Hotels Worldwide® Most Historic Bars and Lounges List Is Announced
- The 2025 Top 25 Historic Hotels Worldwide Most Romantic Hotels List Is Announced
- The 2024 Top 25 Historic Hotels Worldwide® Afternoon Tea Experiences List Is Announced
- The 2024 Top 25 Historic Hotels Worldwide® Most Romantic Hotels List Is Announced
- 2022 Top 25 Historic Hotels Worldwide® Most Romantic Hotels
Built in 1903 as The Caledonian Hotel, The Caledonian Edinburgh has been the epitome of Scottish hospitality for over a century. The building takes its name from the Caledonian Railway Company, who used to own the hotel for many years. Originally operating as an accommodation for weary travelers disembarking from the Caledonian Railway, the hotel rapidly emerged as one of the premier destinations in all of Edinburgh. Known affectionately throughout the city as “the Caley,” the building quickly built a reputation for its exhilarating galas and sumptuous banquets. By the mid-20th century, the popularity of the hotel had grown to such an extent that it was routinely attracting numerous, high-profile celebrities from around the world. Stan Oliver, Judy Garland, and Gene Kelly were just a few of the distinguished people to frequent the building during the latter part of its history. Today, The Caledonian Edinburgh continues to maintain its reputation as an internationally respected luxury hotel and has recently been listed as a Category A historic building by Historic Environment Scotland.
Discover
- Discover the charming historic ambiance of The Caledonian Edinburgh. The hotel features many of its original architectural features from when it first debuted in 1903. Perhaps the greatest of these distinctive characteristics is the historic clock that still resides inside the lounge.
- Admire the grand accommodations of this brilliant historic hotel. Many illustrious guests have arrived at the hotel over the years, including Stan Laurel, Judy Garland, and Gene Kelly. Even members of the British Royal Family visited the hotel in the early 20th century.
- 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 for 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
- Taste 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.
- Savor some spectacular Scottish whiskys at The Caley Bar, one of Edinburgh’s most popular destinations. This marvelous bar has been filled with lively conversation and jovial laughter for more than a century.
- 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.
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.
