best hotel in edinburgh! (Caledonian)

Member Name: belailie

Product:	Caledonian
Date:	14/02/09 (27 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: the service, decor, luxury, great food and great style

Disadvantages: bar prices a little expensive, but expected

The Caledonian Hotel can be found in one of the prime locations in Edinburgh City Centre - on Princes Street, near the gardens (sort of), close to the shops and with a view of the castle. What more do you need?

Well, if you are looking for grandeur, luxury and very good service then this is definitely the hotel for you.

The hotel has recently been refurbished which adds a little bit more comfort and luxury to the aura. The room we stayed in was beautifully done, large and airy with a view of the castle. The bed was comfortable (and very big, i nearly got lost going from one side to the other in a hunt for the TV remote) with relaxing decor and soft furnishings. The en-suite bathroom came complete with La Source/Crabtree and Evelyn toiletries in a large size (which i appropriated) and comfortable and large bath towels. The showers have great water pressure which is a blessing in a hotel.

The main "lounge" area is relaxing and comes complete with a piano which is often played by a proper pianist. the castle lounge has lovely views over towards the castle and is bright, light but with a feel of being in a grand mansion house living room. Staff swish in and out and happily see to your every need without being obtrusive or off hand.

The Caley Bar is very relaxing - we've been here a few times when not staying in the hotel and have always been impressed with the drink choice and relaxing atmosphere. With all drinks you get complimentary snacks (nuts, crisps and highly addictive hot rice snacks) which makes the slightly expensive bar prices that wee bit easier to bear. The bar food is also of good quality and reasonably priced.

I have eaten in the main bistro restaurant a few times now - for breakfast and for an evening meal. The choice and quality of the food each time i have been there was impressive. The breakfast buffet is one of the best i have ever had in a hotel, well cooked and presented and most importantly, the fry-up food is hot rather than luke warm when you get it! On each breakfast table is a guide to how healthy (or not) the breakfast choices are, which i thought was a neat touch. The evening meal i ate was absolutey divine. the waiter was able to recommend wine, in a variety of prices, which would compliment the food and the service was second to none. I can't even describe to you just how lovely the food was! fantastic.

And the service - second to none as well. not only are the waiting staff helpful and friendly, but the concierge, the receptionists, the bellboys and everyone else was happy to help answer any queries we had.

TO me, this is the best hotel in edinburgh. it is grand but not overly oppressive. the staff really make you feel at home and it honestly is worth the price you pay.

if i was allowed to, i would live here for ever and ever. but i'm not. so i'll just have to try and visit the place as often as possible!

Summary: wonderfully relaxing and special hotel, you will not regret staying here