It's safe to say that Edinburgh is filled with history, everywhere you look you'll find incredible relics of the past. From the castle which dominates the skyline, to the medieval cobbled streets of the old town, there is fascinating stories and architecture to be found. Even in the elegant Georgian New Town, which is a mere 250 years old, you'll find historic buildings with fascinating stories waiting to be told.
One area that is always intriguing is how the city reinvents itself while preserving this history in a sustainable way. This has seen some incredible buildings given an exciting new chapter through careful restoration and conversion.
Known as ‘adaptive reuse’, the recycling of the built environment by giving older buildings a new purpose can generate a wide range of energy savings. This is part of its ambitious target of becoming a Net Zero City by 2030 and maintaining the UNESCO World Heritage status of several sites around the city. Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian is one example of Edinburgh’s most iconic repurposed spaces.
Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian
This illustrious hotel with its landmark red sandstone facade dates back to 1903 and was once part of an active railway station run by the eponymous Caledonian Railway Company. By the mid-20th century, it had become one of the city’s most esteemed hotels, playing host to some of the world’s biggest stars including Marlene Dietrich, Gene Kelly, Judy Garland and Laurel & Hardy. Roy Rogers even rode his horse, Trigger, up the grand staircase during a lively performance.
Now a member of Historic Hotels Worldwide, The Caledonian continues to be an internationally respected luxury hotel, with 241 sumptuously furnished rooms and suites, including the Queen Carriage rooms which celebrate the building’s rich railway heritage. Peacock Alley offers cocktails and afternoon teas in the beautifully refurbished station concourse, while acclaimed Edinburgh chef Mark Greenaway creates mouth-watering meals in his award-winning ‘Grazing by Mark Greenaway’ restaurant. The Caledonian is also home to the UK’s only Guerlain spa and was crowned ‘Best Luxury Hotel Spa in the UK’ at the 2017 World Luxury Spa Awards.
Discover the fascinating history of Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian!
Read the full article from The Daily Record here.
About Historic Hotels Worldwide®
Washington DC based Historic Hotels Worldwide is a prestigious collection of historic treasures, including more than 360 legendary historic hotels including many former castles, chateaus, palaces, academies, haciendas, villas, monasteries, and other historic lodging spanning ten centuries. Historic Hotels Worldwide recognizes authentic cultural treasures that demonstrate exemplary historic preservation and their inspired architecture, cultural traditions, and authentic cuisine. Historic Hotels Worldwide along with Historic Hotels of America are official programs of the National Trust for Historic Preservation (United States of America).
