Scotland: Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian

Last week - or earlier this week, depending on how you view it - I spent a few chilly days in Edinburgh.  Having never visited Scotland before, it was a refreshing break and most likely one of the most relaxing so far!  The city exudes an undeniable 'casual' vibe and one that sees residents and visitors alike seem unthreatening and well, relaxed.  Having arranged to stay at the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh (The Caledonian), it was at times challenging to encourage myself to step foot onto the rainy - though beautiful - streets of the city, and so as a result spent the first late afternoon, evening and following morning in the comfort of the luxury hotel!  The plus side to doing so?  Plenty of photos taken to share on A Glass Of Ice...


After a short flight from Heathrow to Edinburgh (1h 25mins), a taxi journey showcased what to expect as it took us through the dark and gothic-like historic architecture of the city before reaching The Caledonian - a former Victorian railway hotel.  There was something almost comforting in the sight of pedestrians walking with purpose in cagoules. Having spent many years associating heavy downpours with the Lake District and Switzerland's Grindelwald (admittedly two very different locations), I can now add a third - the Scottish city of Edinburgh.  I can't quite put my finger on it, but there's something very attractive about a moody city familiar with rainfall.  That said, the warm welcome received at the hotel was a relief; a moment later and it was time to become better acquainted with our accommodation for the next couple of nights!

The Premium double-room boasted a gorgeous queen-sized bed, spacious marble bathroom and breathtakingly beautiful views of Edinburgh Castle.  The latter of which I admired for the best part of half an hour before even contemplating moving from the window's ledge.  The domestic flight (British Airways) provided the perfect excuse to work my way through an issue of Elle Decoration, though still somehow managed to remind me of how tired I was.  A week's worth of bad sleeps stacked up and all the shortbread and bottled water in the world can't wake you up...

If we're best-buds on social media, you'll recognise the above photo from my Instagram.  The obligatory desk-shot; where the magazine, maps and sweets/chocolate are soon to inevitably be piled high.  Speaking of which, I discovered a Kit Kat Chunky in the Peanut Butter version while visiting Edinburgh!  I fell in love with the bar a few years ago only for it to be pulled from most English shelves.  Heartbreaking, to say the least (I wish I was joking).

Peacock Alley - formerly the station concourse and ticket office

Ah, basking in the glorious light rain of Scotland.  After marvelling at the city's temperamental weather on our day of arrival, we ordered an early dinner; a generous club sandwich for myself, followed by a sticky toffee pudding thrown in for good measure.  Did I eat it all?  Nearly.  Ten points for effort though!

I've mentioned in nearly every one of my shared travel diaries before now, that one of my favourite pastimes when travelling is taking some time to sit in bed come the evening and flick through magazines.  So, with the warm ambience of the amber lighting (and turning off those with blue lamp shades - not a fan), I read through an issue of Elle Magazine; from an interview with Jourdan Dunn to a glimpse into Savannah Miller's life - sister of Sienna Miller and Co-Founder of Twenty8Twelve.  Total relaxation, bliss.

Rise and shine!  The first morning in a new city is always exciting, and even more so when you know a full english breakfast and pastry basket awaits!  Honey on toast was on the cards for me, along with sugar-sprinkled shortbread biscuits.  My morning ritual has always included a hot chocolate as well and probably always will, meaning one day I'll have to fight my future children for it.  Thankfully until then, it's all mine.

Looking back over photos never fails to remind me of just how much I eat while travelling, though for some reason I always end up unintentionally losing weight.  Perhaps I'm unknowingly burning calories by being super excited about strawberry jam-dipped croissants?  Who knows... either way, I will forever give glowing reviews to anyone asking about The Caledonian's food.  There's nothing quite so lovely as a well-presented breakfast!  Fully fuelled and dressed in warm clothes, it was time to head out into Edinburgh to explore all of which I've heard so much about...

Edinburgh Castle view from the hotel room

So, that pretty much covers my self-inflicted (and utterly wonderful) imprisonment in the hotel.  Part Two of my Scottish travel diary will be coming soon and covering sights of Edinburgh once setting foot outside of the luxurious Waldorf Astoria - The Caledonian.  Multi-coloured buildings sitting pretty in a row, the Hard Rock Café Edinburgh, views of the city by night and much more is all to come - keep your eyes peeled!

Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian
Princes Street
Edinburgh
Scotland
ED1 2AB

With love,

Gabrielle x

Note: Complimentary return flights provided by TravelSupermarket.