Phenomenal location on Edinburgh's most famous shopping street
Views of famous sights, including Castle, throughout property
Cranston's serves traditional Scottish food in a fine dining atmosphere
Traditional Abbotsford Bar has afternoon tea service
Some guest rooms face Princes Street, with great views of Old Town (for an extra fee)
24-hour room service
Non-smoking property (a con for some)
Meeting and event facilities
Guest rooms show some wear
Reception is up a flight of stairs
No parking
Fee for Wi-Fi
The 85-room, mid-range Old Waverley Hotel
is superbly located on Edinburgh’s most famous shopping street, convenient for both
business travelers and tourists. Set in a 19th-century building, the hotel maintains an ultra-Scottish
and fairly conservative style, with vast expanses of tartan carpeting in the
lobby and up the main staircase. Some guests complain reception can only be reached past this flight of stairs. Many of the hotel's windows offer views of Edinburgh’s top
sites, including the Castle and Scott Monument. Guest rooms are clean, with
high ceilings and elaborate woodwork, but show some cosmetic wear and tear. Traditional Scottish fare and afternoon tea are offered in the on-site Cranston's Restaurant and Abbotsford Bar, respectively. Guests seeking a more modern boutique property in New Town could try The Place.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Old school and stately, with a peaceful, conservative vibe
The Old Waverley Hotel is a peaceful, ultra-civilized property with an antique flavor. The decor is simple, with historical prints and framed documents, grandfather clocks, old
maps of the city, and voluminous draperies framing large, beautiful windows
with views of local monuments. Some guest complain that reception can only be reached via a long staircase and isn't serviced by the elevator, but the hotel encourages those with cumbersome luggage to ring a bell for staff assistance. Soft jazz is piped into the common areas, and
bagpipers can often be heard playing on the busy shopping street below. The Old
Waverley caters to travelers who are middle-aged and older, although all are
welcome. But families may find the rooms a little cramped for more than two. The
Abbotsford Bar has a classic British royal feel, from the deep-blue
carpeting to the striking, red velvet drapes with their gold fringe. Cranston’s,
the hotel restaurant, has elaborately carved plaster, classical columns,
leather chairs, and a sophisticated vibe to go along with the views of
Edinburgh Castle. This is not a hotel for nightlife-lovers or hipsters, but
guests seeking a serene, home base for an Edinburgh stay will
enjoy the calm and the spectacular location.
Location
On Princes Street, Edinburgh's shopping mecca, near the financial district and train station
The Old Waverley Hotel is located in
Edinburgh’s New Town area, on Princes Street, the city’s number one shopping destination.
The area is full of restaurants and other dining options, and there is plenty of
room to stroll. The financial district is a 15-minute walk, and a number of excellent galleries
and museums are within five- to 10-minute walk, including The Mound and City Art Centre. Waverley train station is across the street, a minute or two on foot from
the lobby. There are bus and taxi stands just outside, as well. Guests who like
to walk will enjoy a stroll in the adjacent park area, Princes Street Gardens, located past the Victorian Gothic
Sir Walter Scott Monument, which is visible from the hotel’s bar, restaurant, and many
guest rooms.
Rooms
Small, regal rooms with lovely views and marble bathrooms but some wear
Rooms at the Old Waverley Hotel are small, but include some regal touches. The high ceilings have elaborately carved plasterwork, and the large, beautiful windows offer great city views, some of picturesque Edinburgh Castle. Rooms facing Princes Street cost extra, but many guests say the views of Old Town are worth it. Decor includes some cozy touches, like floral-patterned throw pillows, deep red carpeting, and small bedside lamps. Lovely, long, voluminous drapes add
sophistication, and some rooms have bay windows with seating areas. Rooms are
clean, but the furniture shows some wear, with water stains visible on some
surfaces. Closet space is tight. The marble bathrooms are small, but clean and
modern, with deep tubs. Amenities include coffeemakers (with free shortbread!), flat-screen TVs, irons and ironing boards, and digital climate control panels.
Features
Delicious afternoon tea, a Scottish bar menu with haggis, and fine dining with castle views
Abbotsford, the hotel's private bar, has a conservative vibe and serves delicious afternoon tea
with tiny sandwiches, scones, and cakes. The bar menu includes Scottish staples, such as meat pies and “Traditional Haggis, Neeps, and Tatties Served with Whisky Sauce.” And, of course, a wide variety of Scotch whisky. Cranston’s, the Old
Waverley’s restaurant, has a spacious dining room with views of Edinburgh
castle. The fine dining menu makes use of local produce, and includes traditional Scottish
fare with sophisticated twists. Meeting and event facilities are available, including the restaurant and bar.
