The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton

The hotel, a historic building with a grand entrance and elegant interiors, is consistently praised for its luxurious ambiance and prime location. Its signature feature is its proximity to Edinburgh Castle, with many rooms offering breathtaking views, making it an ideal choice for sightseers and couples celebrating special occasions. The hotel also caters well to families seeking spacious accommodations and access to leisure facilities, and business travelers who appreciate its central position and professional service. Guests frequently commend the hotel's comfortable rooms and the exceptional dedication of its staff. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room with a castle view for a truly iconic experience, and be aware that ongoing renovations might impact certain facilities or access points.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities, including a spa with a pool, sauna, steam room, and hot tub. However, due to ongoing renovations, access to the spa often requires guests to exit the hotel and re-enter from a different door, which some found inconvenient. The pool is noted by some as being small and occasionally noisy during designated children's hours, and the jacuzzi has been out of service at times. A fitness center is available, though some guests found it warm. Rooms are generally well-equipped with free Wi-Fi, a fridge, and Nespresso and tea making sets. Some guests, however, noted a lack of typical five-star amenities such as shower caps or a full range of toiletries. There were also mentions of the lifts being old or having an unpleasant smell.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests found the rooms to be spacious and clean, often highlighting the comfortable beds and high-quality linens that contribute to a restful sleep. Many rooms offer desirable castle views, and some feature automatic blackout shades and heated towel bars. However, feedback on room comfort is mixed. Some guests experienced significant street noise due to insufficient insulation, particularly in rooms facing high-traffic areas. There were also reports of small rooms despite booking higher categories, and signs of wear and tear including scratches on walls, small closets, and small bathrooms. Maintenance issues like broken shades, clogged shower drains, holes in towels, dust, and even mold were noted in some instances. Additionally, some rooms were described as cold with heating issues or draughty windows, and some bathrooms lacked a mirror near a power outlet.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options generally receive positive feedback, particularly for breakfast and afternoon tea. The breakfast buffet is described as substantial with a wide variety of choices, including a full Scottish breakfast, fresh fruit, and a good selection of juices and smoothies. Many guests praised the food quality and the attentiveness of the staff in the breakfast area. The afternoon tea is highly recommended, with guests enjoying delicious scones and a good selection of pastries, including gluten-free options. The restaurant and bar areas are also noted for their pleasant ambiance and good cocktails. However, some guests found the buffet food not warm enough, and certain items like pancakes and eggs were occasionally subpar. Room service was sometimes criticized for being slow or having unhelpful staff.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an exceptional central location, making it a prime choice for exploring the city. Guests appreciate being within easy walking distance of major attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and various shops and restaurants. Its proximity to the Johnny Walker experience and Dean's Village is also a plus. The hotel is conveniently located near public transport, including a tram stop and Waverley Train Station, providing easy access to the airport and other parts of the city. While the location is highly praised, parking is a significant concern for many. The on-site parking is currently under renovation and unavailable, forcing guests to use expensive, off-site public garages, which can be inconvenient, especially with luggage or in bad weather.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives high praise for their friendly, welcoming, and attentive service. Guests frequently highlight the professional and helpful demeanor of the doormen, front desk, and concierge teams, who go out of their way to assist with requests, provide local recommendations, and arrange transportation. Many reviews commend the staff's ability to offer personalized service, remembering guest preferences and making special occasions like anniversaries and birthdays feel truly memorable with thoughtful gestures and room upgrades. The housekeeping is generally efficient. However, some guests reported inconsistencies in service, including slow responses to maintenance issues, check-in delays, and instances where staff seemed indifferent or unhelpful, particularly regarding room service or addressing complaints.

Additional Information
The hotel is a historic building that was once a railway station, retaining some original features and a grand ambiance. It has undergone rebranding from Waldorf Astoria to Curio Collection, with some guests noting a perceived change in quality since the transition. Ongoing renovations are a recurring theme, impacting facilities like the spa access and on-site parking, and occasionally causing construction noise during stays. Guests celebrating special occasions like anniversaries or birthdays often receive complimentary upgrades or personalized touches, which are highly appreciated. Some guests mentioned a pet-friendly policy, though finding suitable outdoor areas for pets can be challenging. There were also isolated reports of billing errors and issues with hot water in certain rooms, which caused frustration for some visitors.