Disabled Travellers Scotland (3 of 5) Waldorf Astoria hotel
5
5
Date of visit: September 2021
I am a disabled person and a carer or friend of a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Excellent
As Edinburgh grew into a vibrant city, in 1890 the Caledonian railway company extended its line, and built an exclusive high end station at Princess Street. , and it’s main attraction would be the wonderful boutique hotel, and after almost 4 years of building, the Caledonian Hotel proudly opened its doors in 1903. As railway travel declined, the Princess Street station was closed in 1965, and demolished almost completely around 1970. However, the hotel itself was saved, and later expanded to increase the size of the hotel. In 1995 it was made a Listed building, class A, and in 2000 it was sold for around 44 million pounds to the Hilton group. It was later renamed as the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh the Caledonian. When it was sold again, in 2018, it cost 85 million pound, and this made it one of the most luxurious hotels and an Icon of Princess street. Today, this former railway station offers some of the finest views of Edinburgh castle, and across the road from Princess Street gardens. It was here we hoped to offer you our review. Due to COVID 19 restrictions we are unable to give a full review, but we were allowed access to some areas though. We caught a bus from Waverley station on Princess street, to get off three stops later, (photo 1), to go to the Waldorf Astoria hotel, the Caledonian, (photo 2). The appearance was very pleasing to the eye, and there was a ramp to enter the hotel (photo 3). A beautiful reception desk (photo 4) stood next to two highly polished lifts, (photo 5). The lounge bar of Peacock Alley was beautifully decorated (photo 6) certainly had that wow factor, then a lovely staircase led up to bedrooms (photo 7). What a hotel, elegant, beautiful, and certainly worth seeing, an ideal hotel for disabled, although bus stops mean a little walking has to be done, but everywhere in hotel seemed to be wheelchair friendly enough. Then a long walk took us to Queensferry road for our bus to take us back to Princess street. (Photo 8). Our final thoughts. We were disappointed not to see more of the hotel, but the parts we were able to see was spotless, shiney, elegant, and you certainly felt in there that you needed to dress up. But my wheelchair and I were warmly welcomed, and we already felt we would recommend this hotel, though it would be pricey (example, from £370 a night and upwards, during September 2021). But my, would you enjoy your visit.
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
Entry into hotel is via an easy ramp, help waiting if needed, then all is on the level. There are lifts for you, and under normal conditions, you would be able to see all you, but COVID restricted our visit.
Parking & Transport
Poor
We used public buses, and bus stops involved a little pushing, but easy enough over uneven paving at times, and a number of routes to pick from with a little research.
Accessible Toilets
0Did not manage to see any as unable to enter all areas.
Staff
Excellent
We found all staff very welcoming and friendly, polite as to our needs, and willing to support us with what we were allowed to see and do.
