Landmark Edinburgh hotel, The Caledonian, is set to receive a multi-million-pound transformation. Private real estate investment fund manager Henderson Park, together with its in-house hospitality operator and asset manager, Klarent Hospitality, have today announced plans to invest over £35 million in transforming the iconic Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian, marking a new chapter in its 120-year history.
Having acquired Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh, affectionately known as ‘The Caley’, in July 2023, Henderson Park and Klarent Hospitality have investment plans that will see improvements in the infrastructure, bedroom refurbishment as well as upgrading and restoring the public areas to enhance the guest and visitor experience. There are plans to extend the hotel, expanding its capacity to over 300 rooms by early 2026, making The Caley one of Edinburgh’s largest leading hotels.
The flagship Edinburgh hotel will become part of Curio Collection by Hilton this summer, joining a global portfolio of remarkable, prestigious lifestyle hotels with one-of-a-kind stories to share. Curio Collection by Hilton hotels are handpicked for their individuality and character and are designed to reflect the unique spirit of the cities they call home. Each individual hotel evokes a bespoke story through distinctive architecture and design, world-class food and drink, and curated experiences. The rebrand provides an opportunity for The Caledonian to further elevate its heritage and position as one of Edinburgh’s most famous and loved hotels, further cementing its future as a market leader and providing high-end experiences for guests for generations to come.
The Caledonian was constructed from 1899 to 1908 and was originally owned by the Caledonian Railway Company, where the hotel takes its name. The new bedroom and suite concepts are inspired by the crests of the historic capital cities of Edinburgh, Stirling and Inverness. The original stained-glass windows will continue to stand proud at the head of the grand staircase showcasing the crests of destinations the former railway station used to serve. The bedroom design concepts offer an opportunity for the hotel to bring its stories to life and through interesting and unique points of discovery will create lasting memories for future guests.
The rebrand and investment will ensure that the unique essence of the hotel is brought to life for the next generation of guests, reaffirming its status as one of the UK’s most culturally significant hotels.
The renowned hotel at the west end of Princes Street has been part of the social fabric of Edinburgh for over a century, welcoming guests from all over the world and hosting famous guests such as Her Majesty the late Queen Elizabeth II and former US President Barack Obama.
Klarent Hospitality, led by Chairman John Brennan and Chief Executive Peter Stack, employs over 60 people at its head office in Glasgow and manages a portfolio of Henderson Park-owned hotels across the UK and Europe, including five Hilton Hotels across the Central Belt of Scotland.
Christophe Kuhbier, Managing Director at Henderson Park, comments: “Our continued investment in The Caledonian is testament to our stewardship of this iconic hotel, which has been a bastion of Edinburgh hospitality over a century. We look forward to working with Hilton and Klarent, our specialist hospitality operator and asset manager, to unlock The Caledonian’s full value potential on behalf of our investors and ensure it continues to enchant guests for many years to come.”
Peter Stack, Chief Executive of Klarent Hospitality, added: “As custodians of this landmark hotel, we have committed to the significant investment and transformation that will see The Caledonian as a world-renowned, leading hotel at the heart of Edinburgh. We are delighted to celebrate the hotel’s 120th anniversary and look forward to working with the hotel team creating the next chapter for The Caley”.
Stephen Cassidy, SVP and managing director, UK&I, Hilton, said: “The Caledonian has long been one of the top destination hotels in Scotland – loved by guests from all over the world and Edinburgh residents alike. The hotel is a hugely important member of the Hilton portfolio, and this exciting rebrand empowers its exceptional team to elevate the rich storytelling opportunities and continue to celebrate the hotel’s heritage.”
