FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - The Caledonian, Edinburgh {GBR} [was the Waldorf Astoria]

Jul 5, 2019 | 8:26 am

#381

Andriyko

Join Date: May 2005

Location: Kyiv, Ukraine

Programs: Mucci, BA Gold for Life, TK Elite, HHonors Lifetime Diamond

Posts: 8,367

I stayed at this hotel a couple of weeks ago, and it remains one of my favourite hotels. I booked a King Premier Castle View room, and that was what I got when I arrived late in the evening as the hotel was fully booked. The check-in was a very casual affair with no mention of my status or benefits. I was basically handed the key and sent to my room. That was the only let-down moment during the entire stay. The room was very nice - clean, well-maintained and modern yet retaining the charm of an old property. The bathroom was very spacious. The Galvin brothers terminated their partnership with the Caley, and the restaurant is now Grazing by Mark Greenaway, as mentioned by chrism20. Breakfast was served there. Diamond/Gold members get the buffet for free (otherwise it is £25); there are a few additional a la carte items for £5 each. I ordered from the menu the first morning and had the buffet the next morning. The latter was one of the best, if not the best, buffets that I experienced at a hotel - fresh and delicious. No very dry and overcooked food. Definitely the best black pudding and haggis that I tasted (at a breakfast buffet). A step up from the Galvin's breakfast (which was good too). I had a Mimosa on the first morning, which they comped, and the next morning I was proactively brought one (and then another one

) for free by a different waiter (do I look like I need these in the mornings?

) I also had dinner at both the Pompadour and Grazing by Mark Greenaway, and really liked both. Had the tasting menu with matching wines at the former, and it was delicious. Would definitely recommend experiencing that. The service was impeccable. I left as a very satisfied boy. The menu at the latter that I checked online did not really impress me and I was not sure what to order as everything sounded meh (and I really really loved the Galvin Brasserie de Luxe and was very upset when I learnt they it closed), so I decided to eat elsewhere in town but then decided to give it a try just to make up my mind. I was very pleasantly surprised as I enjoyed the meal and a very friendly service. When I checked out it turned out that Hilton Honors members get 10% at both establishments (No one told me). A great stay overall, and I can't wait to come back.

View from the room

Bathroom

Room

Breakfast buffet

Last edited by Andriyko; Jul 5, 2019 at 11:20 am Reason: Spelling

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