May 7th 2024.
Coco Chanel once famously declared, "Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it's not luxury." It's fair to say that the creators of grandeur at Edinburgh's renowned The Caledonian Hotel have taken this motto to heart. This imposing red sandstone building on Princes Street, fondly known as The Caley, exudes old-fashioned glamour and boasts a rich history. After a day of exploring the city, it's the perfect place to unwind with all the comforts one could ever need - a small yet impressive spa, enchanting restaurants, and a swanky bar. Even Coco herself would be impressed.
As we arrive, we are greeted by a doorman in tartan trousers. The lovely receptionist gives us a quick check-in and an impromptu tour of the hotel. Built in 1903 as both Princes Street Station and The Caledonian Hotel, the train station was demolished in the late 1960s, but the hotel remained and has now become one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. The cast iron gates at the entrance to the hotel's car park on Rutland Street are the only remnants of the station, but the original clock from 1890 still stands proudly in the lobby.
The building itself exudes a grandeur that will take your breath away. The lobby features elaborate chandeliers and a restored marble central staircase, both of which are truly remarkable. Recently, it was announced that the hotel will undergo a £35 million transformation, with plans to expand and increase its capacity to over 300 rooms by 2026, making it one of Edinburgh's largest hotels.
We are led to our room, the Alexander Graham Bell Suite. Adorned with touches of aubergine, this suite is considered the best in the hotel. It boasts a spacious living room with stunning high ceilings, a large bedroom with breathtaking views, and a bathroom that could rival a small apartment. From the living area, we can enjoy sweeping views of Edinburgh, including the castle and the Parish Church of St Cuthbert. The bathroom also offers a spectacular view, so one can soak in the Edinburgh skyline while relaxing in the enormous Carrera marble bathtub. The suite's corridor is adorned with black and white prints of 1930s manual telephone exchanges, paying homage to its namesake, Alexander Graham Bell.
After settling in, we head downstairs to Peacock Alley, a circular lounge that was once the station ticket office. It's the perfect spot to unwind, with guests lounging in comfortable armchairs, enjoying coffee or cocktails. We have dinner reservations at the restaurant attached to the hotel, Grazing by Mark Greenaway, but we decide to stop by the Caley Bar first. Our charming waiter impresses us with his old-fashioned charm and quickly serves us some gin and tonics. The bar has an opulent and intimate atmosphere, but the prices may not be for the faint of heart.
Moving on to dinner, we are excited to try Chef Greenaway's highly acclaimed dishes. The restaurant has a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, with its own entrance for non-hotel guests. The menu reflects the chef's commitment to Scotland's larder, featuring the best local and seasonal ingredients. We start with a wonderful crab dish, served in its shell and topped with a creamy shellfish foam. It's fresh and perfect when spread on top of the crunchy toasted bread. Next, we enjoy a delicious fish and chips dish, featuring perfectly pan-roasted stone bass, crispy potato lattice, and minted peas. The indulgent batter scraps steal the show, and the dish is finished off with a sweet vanilla veloute, giving a modern twist to a classic meal. For dessert, we have the peach panna cotta and the peanut caramel cheesecake, both of which are indulgent and satisfying.
After a restful night's sleep, we indulge in a delicious breakfast the next day. The spread includes an array of pastries, breads, and hot breakfast items. The homemade cherry and raspberry smoothie is a refreshing treat. As we take in the grandeur of the building, we can't help but feel comfortable and at ease - proof that the Caledonian Hotel knows how to make its guests feel at home. As Coco Chanel wisely said, that's the true essence of luxury.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
