The Old Waverley Hotel, located in the heart of Edinburgh on Princes Street, has been a fixture in the city’s hospitality scene for over a century. This iconic hotel boasts a prime location, with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and easy access to the city’s main attractions, including the Royal Mile and the National Gallery of Scotland.

Steeped in history, the Old Waverley Hotel has welcomed guests from all over the world, including royalty and celebrities. Initially built in 1848, the hotel has undergone numerous renovations but has retained many of its original features and charm.

Today, the Old Waverley Hotel remains a top choice for travelers seeking comfortable accommodations in a central location, and its reputation as a historic landmark in Edinburgh remains strong. Whether you’re visiting the city for business or pleasure, the Old Waverley Hotel offers a warm Scottish welcome and an unforgettable experience.

Accommodations

The Old Waverley Hotel features 85 comfortable and well-appointed guest rooms, each designed to offer the perfect blend of historic charm and modern comfort.

All of the hotel’s rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Many rooms also offer stunning views of Edinburgh Castle or Princes Street Gardens, providing guests with an unforgettable view of the city.

The hotel offers a range of room types to suit different needs and preferences, including classic, executive, and family rooms. Classic rooms feature traditional decor and comfortable furnishings, while executive rooms offer a more spacious layout and additional amenities, such as complimentary mineral water and upgraded toiletries. Family rooms are ideal for those traveling with children, with ample space to accommodate up to four guests.

No matter which room type guests choose, they can be sure to enjoy a comfortable and restful night’s sleep with high-quality linens and plush bedding. The hotel’s attention to detail and commitment to guest comfort ensures that every stay is memorable.

Dining

The Old Waverley Hotel offers guests a variety of dining options, from a hearty breakfast to a cozy evening drink.

The hotel’s breakfast dining room serves a delicious continental and full Scottish breakfast, featuring a range of hot and cold dishes, including traditional Scottish fares such as haggis, black pudding, and tattie scones. Guests can start their day with a satisfying meal before exploring the city.

In the evening, guests can relax and unwind in the hotel’s stylish bar, which serves a range of local and international drinks and snacks. The bar’s cozy atmosphere and attentive service make it the perfect place to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

Notable dishes and drinks at the Old Waverley Hotel include the haggis and black pudding breakfast, a must-try for anyone looking to experience traditional Scottish cuisine. The bar also offers a range of local whiskies and gins, as well as classic cocktails and beers.

Whether guests are looking for a hearty breakfast or a relaxing evening drink, the Old Waverley Hotel’s dining options offer something for everyone.

Location

The Old Waverley Hotel boasts a prime location on Princes Street, one of Edinburgh’s most famous and vibrant thoroughfares. The hotel’s central location makes it the perfect base for exploring the city’s top attractions.

One of the most popular attractions just steps away from the hotel is Edinburgh Castle, which sits atop a hill overlooking the city. Visitors can take a guided tour of the castle to learn about its rich history and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area.

The Royal Mile, a historic street lined with shops, restaurants, and museums, is also located just a short walk from the hotel. Visitors can explore this iconic street to learn about the city’s rich history and culture.

Art lovers will appreciate the hotel’s proximity to the National Gallery of Scotland, which houses a vast collection of art from around the world. The nearby Scottish National Portrait Gallery is also worth a visit, with its impressive collection of portraits and sculptures.

In addition to these top attractions, the Old Waverley Hotel is surrounded by a wide variety of shops and restaurants. Guests can indulge in shopping at the nearby Princes Street Gardens or sample traditional Scottish cuisine at one of the many restaurants in the surrounding area.

Overall, the Old Waverley Hotel’s prime location offers guests easy access to all of Edinburgh’s top attractions and a wide range of shops, restaurants, and cultural experiences.

Guest Experience

The Old Waverley Hotel has a long-standing reputation for providing exceptional customer service and enhancing the overall guest experience. Many guests have left glowing reviews of the hotel, praising its attentive staff and personalized amenities.

One guest described the hotel as “a home away from home,” noting the friendly staff and comfortable accommodations. Another guest praised the hotel’s attention to detail, noting the high-quality linens and luxurious toiletries.

The hotel’s commitment to providing personalized amenities is evident in its range of special events and packages. The hotel offers a romantic package for couples, which includes a bottle of champagne, chocolates, and rose petals on the bed. For families, the hotel offers a family-friendly package consisting of a children’s welcome pack, milk and cookies at bedtime, and a range of board games and DVDs.

The Old Waverley Hotel also hosts regular events throughout the year, such as a Christmas party with a traditional Scottish dinner and live entertainment. Guests can enjoy a festive atmosphere and make lasting memories during their stay.

Overall, the Old Waverley Hotel’s commitment to providing exceptional customer service and enhancing the guest experience has earned it a loyal following of satisfied guests. Whether guests are traveling for business or pleasure, the hotel’s personalized amenities and attention to detail make every stay memorable.

Sustainability

The Old Waverley Hotel is committed to promoting sustainability and minimizing environmental impact. The hotel has implemented various initiatives to reduce waste and energy consumption, source local and eco-friendly products, and support environmental organizations.

To reduce waste, the hotel has implemented a recycling program and encourages guests to conserve water and electricity by offering information about sustainable practices in guest rooms. The hotel also uses eco-friendly cleaning products, toiletries, and biodegradable and compostable packaging for food and beverage services.

The hotel sources local and sustainable products wherever possible, including food and beverages from local suppliers and eco-friendly amenities such as recycled paper products. This supports local businesses and reduces the hotel’s carbon footprint by minimizing transportation emissions.

In addition to its internal sustainability efforts, the Old Waverley Hotel partners with local organizations to support environmental initiatives. The hotel has collaborated with the National Trust for Scotland to promote conserving the country’s natural and cultural heritage. It helps organizations such as Green Tourism and the Edinburgh Eco-Congregation Network.

Overall, the Old Waverley Hotel’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its ongoing efforts to reduce waste and energy consumption, source local and eco-friendly products, and partner with local organizations to support environmental initiatives. Guests can feel good about their stay knowing that the hotel is taking steps to minimize its environmental impact.

Parking

The Old Waverley Hotel does not have on-site parking facilities. However, several public parking options are available nearby for guests who wish to bring their vehicles.

One of the closest options is the NCP Car Park on Castle Terrace, just a short walk from the hotel. Several other public car parks are located within a 10-15 minute walk, including the Q-Park Omni Centre and the NCP Car Park on St John’s Hill.

Guests should know that parking in the city center can be limited and expensive, especially during peak tourist season. The hotel recommends that guests consider using public transportation or taxis to explore the city, as many of Edinburgh’s famous attractions are within walking distance of the hotel.

History

The Old Waverley Hotel has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The hotel was initially built in 1848 as a private residence and was later converted into a hotel in 1870. The building has undergone several renovations and updates over the years but has retained many of its historic features and charm.

One of the most notable guests to stay at the Old Waverley Hotel was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes. Conan Doyle stayed at the hotel in the late 19th century, and it is believed that the hotel’s central location and panoramic views of the city inspired him to include Edinburgh as a setting in several of his stories.

The hotel’s rich history is also reflected in its decor and architecture. The hotel features many original Victorian-era features, including a grand staircase, ornate cornices, and marble fireplaces. The hotel has also preserved its wrought iron lift, which was installed in the early 20th century and is still used today.

In recent years, the hotel has undergone several renovations to update its amenities and enhance the guest experience. However, the hotel has tried to preserve its historic features and character throughout these updates, ensuring that guests can still experience a taste of Edinburgh’s rich history during their stay.

Overall, the Old Waverley Hotel’s rich history and notable guests make it a significant landmark in Edinburgh’s cultural heritage. The hotel’s preservation of its historic features and charm, combined with its modern amenities and prime location, make it a must-visit destination for travelers to the city.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• The Old Waverley Hotel is prime on Princes Street, offering stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and easy access to popular tourist attractions.
• The hotel’s rich history and preserved Victorian-era features provide guests with a unique and authentic Scottish experience.
• The hotel offers modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffee-making facilities in its comfortable guest rooms.
• The hotel’s stylish bar and breakfast dining room offer guests various local and international cuisine and drink options.

Cons:

• The hotel does not have on-site parking facilities, which can be inconvenient for guests who wish to bring their vehicles.
• The hotel is located in the heart of the city center, so that noise levels can be high, especially during peak tourist season.
• The hotel’s historic features and architecture may not be suitable for guests with mobility issues, as the building has stairs and other obstacles.

Conclusion

Overall, the Old Waverley Hotel is a top choice for Edinburgh travelers. Its prime location on Princes Street offers stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and easy access to popular tourist attractions. The hotel’s rich history and preserved Victorian-era features provide guests with a unique and authentic Scottish experience. At the same time, modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffee-making facilities ensure a comfortable stay. Guests can also enjoy various local and international cuisine and drink options at the hotel’s stylish bar and breakfast dining room. While the hotel does not have on-site parking facilities, its central location makes exploring the city accessible by using public transportation or taxis. Overall, the Old Waverley Hotel offers a perfect blend of history, comfort, and convenience, making it an excellent choice for any Edinburgh traveler. We encourage readers to book their next stay at the Old Waverley Hotel and experience all this superb hotel has to offer.