The Caledonian in Edinburgh to drop Waldorf Astoria branding

The Caledonian in Edinburgh is set to reposition itself from a Waldorf Astoria property into a Curio Collection by Hilton hotel this summer following a £35m investment.

Hilton confirmed this will mean the UK will no longer have a Waldorf Astoria property until the launch of the Waldorf Astoria Admiralty Arch in 2025.

It comes after the 120-year-old hotel was acquired by private equity firm Henderson Park and hospitality management company Klarent Hospitality in an £85m deal in July 2023.

Henderson Park has revealed further plans to extend the hotel, which would expand its capacity from 241 bedrooms to over 300 rooms by early 2026.

The additional rooms and suites, inspired by the crests of Edinburgh, Stirling and Inverness, would make the Caledonian – also known as the Caley – one of Edinburgh’s largest hotels.

The property will also be rebranded into a Curio Collection by Hilton hotel in a move that would “provide an opportunity for the Caledonian to further elevate its heritage and position”, the group said.

The Caledonian was built from 1899 to 1908 and was originally owned by the Caledonian Railway Company, where the hotel takes its name.

Over the years, it has welcomed guests including Her Majesty the late Queen Elizabeth II and former US President Barack Obama.

Christophe Kuhbier, managing director at Henderson Park, said: “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, senior vice president and managing director, UK&I, Hilton, commented: “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.”

Klarent Hospitality employs over 60 staff at its head office in Glasgow and manages a portfolio of Henderson Park-owned hotels across the UK and Europe, including five Hilton properties across central Scotland.