The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton

The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton Overview

First Impressions

Walking up to The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton on Princes Street honestly feels like stepping into a piece of Scottish history. This five-star Victorian railway hotel — they call it “The Caley” locally — has this imposing red sandstone facade that’s been watching over Edinburgh since 1903. You know what strikes you first? It’s not just the grandeur, but how perfectly it sits at the west end of Princes Street, like it was always meant to be the gateway to the city.

Location That Actually Matters

I mean, you really can’t get much better than this spot. You’re literally steps from Edinburgh Castle — I’m talking a two-minute walk to the esplanade — and Princes Street Gardens spreads out right in front of you. The location score of 9.5 makes total sense when you realize you can walk to the Royal Mile in about ten minutes, hit the shops on George Street just as quickly, and catch trains from Waverley Station without breaking a sweat. Couples especially seem to get it (they rated the location 9.6), probably because there’s something pretty romantic about having the castle lit up right outside your window.

The Luxury Experience

The room I stayed in had these massive windows overlooking the castle — honestly, the views alone justify the splurge. The interiors blend that classic Scottish elegance with modern luxury touches, though some of the bathrooms show their age a bit. What really impressed me was the attention to detail; they’ve managed to preserve the hotel’s heritage character while making everything feel genuinely luxurious and comfortable.

Dining and Amenities

The Peacock Alley restaurant serves up solid Scottish cuisine, though I’ll be honest — the breakfast buffet is where they really shine. Continental and buffet options give you plenty to choose from, and eating breakfast while looking out at Edinburgh Castle never gets old. The hotel also has a proper whisky bar (this is Scotland, after all) and the service throughout feels appropriately refined without being stuffy.

Why Guests Love It

Look, The Caledonian isn’t trying to be the newest or trendiest place in town — it’s banking on being the most iconic, and it delivers. That 8.4 rating reflects what you’d expect: excellent location, genuine luxury, and the kind of old-world charm that makes your Edinburgh trip feel special. Sure, you’ll pay premium prices, but when you’re staying in a piece of the city’s history with unbeatable views and a Princes Street address, it actually feels worth it.

Facilities