Henderson Park acquires Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – the Caledonian

Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – the Caledonian has been acquired by private equity real estate manager Henderson Park and in-house hospitality operator Klarent Hospitality for an undisclosed sum.

It marks the third Edinburgh hotel in Henderson Park’s Klarent Hilton portfolio, following the investment company’s purchase of Carlton on North Bridge and Doubletree Edinburgh Airport in November 2021.

Henderson Park and Klarent Hospitality have committed to investing in room renovations and restoring public areas in a bid to “improve the consumer experience” of the Waldorf Astoria property.

The five-star, 241-room hotel is a category A-listed building that was completed in 1903. It was named after the Caledonian Railway Company, the original owners of the building, and has since been dubbed the ‘Caley’.

Previous guests include the late Queen Elizabeth II, Barack Obama, Charlie Chaplin and Sean Connery.

Nick Weber, chief executive and founder of Henderson Park, commented: “This transaction presents us with a rare opportunity to acquire an iconic hotel with an incredible 120-year heritage that is part of the very fabric of Edinburgh society.

“As custodians of this landmark property, we have a number of planned investments that will improve the guest and visitor experience and ensure the Caley retains its status as one of Edinburgh’s most emblematic hotels going forward.”

The sale was advised by JLL.