There is only one Waldorf Astoria hotel in the UK, and it’s not in London! When my Mum visited me in 2018, we spent two nights in Edinburgh and one of them was in the Waldorf Astoria The Caledonian hotel. Many things have changed since, and the hotel has undergone a lot of refurbishment, so I’m excited to be back.
After yet another pleasant stay at the Kimpton, I moved myself across the street to the Waldorf Astoria. My initial choice was the Hilton Carlton as I’ve never stayed there, but then I was put off by the reviews on Flyertalk and don’t want to take the risk anymore. WA Edinburgh’s award night costs 95,000 points (used to be 70k or 80k), which is hardly a bargain.
The hotel is sat where the West End and Princes Street meet. It’s not super close to the railway station or Edinburgh’s main attractions, but still convenient enough. It’s built in 1903 as the old Edinburgh Railway Station.
The lobby is very beautifully refreshed and looks much more welcoming than it was four years ago.
I’m given an upgrade to Queen Premier Room with Castle View, which appears to be the norm for Diamond members.
The room’s been repainted, and furniture replaced. Nothing fundamental has been carried out though, probably due to the listed status of the architecture. Beware that windows are only single-glazed, so it doesn’t shield you much from the street noises.
Great castle view through the window.
Then I receive what may be one of the best welcome presents I’ve had in Europe – a box of chocolate assortment, two bottles of water and a large bottle of Laurent Perrier. I’m actually quite surprised, as when I stayed here last time on Amex FHR the champagne only came in a small bottle.
Spa needs to be pre-booked, and it’s a long walk from the first floor.
Facilities are great, although I’m not convinced by their design choice. Shower and sauna are downstairs whereas the pools are upstairs, so it’s a bit of a journey to travel back and forth.
Breakfast is served at the Peacock Alley. I had my afternoon tea here last time to use the $100 FHR credit.
There’s no buffet at all and you order anything from the menu, which is great. The eggs benedict is really disappointing though – too much salt and the muffins are too tough to bite.
Now here comes the drama. At 5.30am the (false) fire alarm suddenly went off, and then lasted sporadically for an hour or so in my room and some other guest rooms, and which understandably ruined my sleep. I’m speechless as the exact same thing happened in 2018 – what’s wrong with me and this hotel?!
I raised a complaint when checking out. The staff told me it would be brought to the attention of their supervisor and I’ll get some points as compensation, however two weeks have passed and I’m yet to hear anything.
Anyway, when staying at Edinburgh my top choice is probably the Kimpton, given its lovely boutique vibe and good rate (on points or BOGOF). Sheraton on the other hand has the best Spa in this country and is definitely worth a visit as well. If you’d love some history, the Waldorf Astoria is not to be missed either.
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