After the festivities of December, January can often feel a bit, well, lacklustre. The fun has been and gone, loved ones have returned home. It is cold, it’s STILL winter and it’s all a little blue. Which is why egg has teamed up with the luxurious Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian to create an exclusive winter escape. The best bit is, we got to test it out first.
There’s something undeniably alluring about a cosy winter mini-break. The chance to relax after the December excess, blow away the cobwebs and recharge those batteries.
However, rather than the stress of researching and then travelling to some new destination, why not staycation without leaving town? After all, we do have a multi-award-winning, world-renowned capital city on our doorstep just waiting to be explored and enjoyed.
The perfect antidote to the January Blues, packing up and checking into one of Edinburgh’s top hotels has never been more appealing. And they don’t come much better than Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian, the five star hotel, which is in itself a landmark in its own right, standing proudly at the West End of Princes Street.
So, full disclosure here. I adore the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian. Always have done. My grandmother first introduced me to the iconic five star hotel when I was a child, taking me for afternoon tea (and also igniting my love for afternoon tea experiences!).
This imposing building, full of history and opulence, was majestic to an eight-year-old me and it spurred a love affair that over the decades has seen me enjoy graduation dinners, celebratory lunches, launch events, birthdays, anniversaries and even my own wedding within the stunning neo-renaissance building.
Therefore, when I heard Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian had teamed up with egg again to create an exclusive staycation offer for January AND wanted someone to come review it over the Christmas period, I cancelled my festive plans and was there. It’s my happy place, you see. And whilst I’ve stayed here a number of times before, one thing’s for sure, it always feels supremely special and indulgent.
Checking in early on a freezing winter’s day, the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian was instantly enveloping as I knew it would be. My room for the night, complete with castle views was even dreamier. High ceilings and sumptuous gold thistle wallpaper softened with elegant wall panelling made for instant wow factor, with the comfiest of outsized beds adorned in delicate Egyptian cotton sheets, taking centre stage. It was beautifully furnished and the bathroom equally appealing (the Aesop bath products are seriously pampering). It was hard not to slip into one of the luxurious bathrobes and slipper and recreate a spa day right there and then.
I opted to bring my mum along for some mother and daughter time, but my eight-year-old son caught wind of our impromptu break and invited himself along too. Thankfully, the hotel has a number of accommodation room options available, from suites to generously proportioned family rooms, meaning we could still staycation in style. The exclusive January offer means eggs receive an automatic room upgrade to the next category, so we opted for a suite and my son’s face when he saw his “new living room” – and the tray of goodies thoughtfully left for him - was worth it.
It’s hard to leave the comforts of the room, and those perfectly framed castle views, but we had an afternoon tea reservation to get to. Once again, the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian showcased a masterclass in food artistry; it was visually beautiful and absolutely delicious. The attention to detail, those flavours – every mouthful was sublime. Sitting within the atmospheric Peacock Alley, I’m sure I did my grandmother proud, telling my son all about the hotel’s history and the once seven platform railway terminus where we now sat, whilst devouring the afternoon tea.
With the pool closed until the 16th January for maintenance, we opted to instead become tourists for the rest of the day and take a stroll through the city centre. Time starved, I’m normally rushing from one place to the next, so it was a real luxury to slow down and absorb the surroundings. Edinburgh, you are quite spectacular.
The independent boutiques around the West End and Thistle Street are well worth a browse, as are the art galleries in the New Town which are a 15-minute stroll away. Even soaking up the architecture and taking in the views is like food for the soul. And, with the new Johnnie Walker Experience just opposite the hotel, it’s an ideal opportunity to have an immersive whisky experience. With my son in tow, I had to forgo a tour but popped into the retail space for a browse. Wow, that place is something else.
Back in our suite, we decided to pop open the complimentary bottle of champagne that’s included within the egg offer and watch a movie (bliss) before heading down to dinner in the supremely stylish Peacock Alley (Grazing by Mark Greenaway is closed during January). Still full from afternoon tea, we only meant to have a light bite to eat. But the dishes sounded so seductive we got greedy…so, so good.
After a restful night’s sleep, breakfast, and a late check-out (subject to availability), we played tourists again and took a stroll up to the castle before exploring the old town. After a hot chocolate back at the hotel, it was time for home. My son was upset we couldn’t stay for another night, and I promised him we’d be back soon. And we will. This place just keeps pulling me back. Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian, you have my heart.
Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian egg Staycation costs from £205 (Sun-Thu) or from £245 (Fri-Sat) per room per night and includes:
- One night accommodation in a Queen Premier Room (special egg complimentary upgrade from a Queen Deluxe Room)
- Breakfast within Peacock Alley
- Room upgrade to next category
- Early check-in & late check-out (subject to availability)
- Bottle of champagne in room on arrival
Price is based on two adults, upgrades to family rooms and suites available at a supplement. Offer valid until 31st January 2022. To Book, email [email protected] or call 0131 222 8888 and quote EGG at the time of booking.