Hilton Edinburgh Carlton

Housed in an imposing former department store built in the 1900s, the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton is once again the elegant property it used to be, thanks to 2016 20-million-pound renovations. Common spaces have an elegant, stylish feel that continues in rooms, and new additions (such as a popular steakhouse with a celebrity chef) have brought new life to a hotel that had fallen into disrepair over the years. The eye-catching staircase in the lobby sets the atmosphere for an upmarket stay, as does the chic lounge upstairs, dotted with pink, gray, and teal velvet chairs set around dark-wooden furniture. Polished wooden floors, fuzzy rugs, and silver wallpaper have replaced worn carpets and scuff marks in common areas, while small lamps make spaces inviting and warm.

The Hilton Edinburgh Carlton is a chain hotel at heart, and some elements can feel a tad generic (expect lots of neutral tones in rooms and cookie-cutter furniture throughout), but the overall feel is elegant, and gray-tartan accents add some local charm. In addition, the hotel’s excellent location makes it a good pick for all types of travelers, and clientele here are a mixed crowd of couples and business travelers, which helps keep the vibe relaxed and casual. Still, there are many hotels in this price range in Edinburgh, and it’s worth comparing prices around. Both the Bonham and the Tigerlily have more character, while The Scotsman Hotel, located across the street, has more on-site amenities, including an indoor pool, a spa, and a yoga studio. Travelers seeking something a little bit cheaper may want to consider the Ibis Styles Edinburgh Centre St Andrew Square. 

The Hilton Edinburgh Carlton has a prime location in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, surrounded by bars, shops, and restaurants. Many of the city’s main attractions can be found within a 10-minute walk of the hotel, including the Royal Mile, which is right around the corner, the Edinburgh Castle, St Giles’ Cathedral, and the National Museum of Scotland. Calton Hill -- with its wonderful views over the city -- is under 15 minutes on foot, as is great shopping along Princes Street. Waverley Station, the city’s main transportation hub, is just down the street from the hotel, and the airport buses, trams, and trains can each be reached in less than 10 minutes on foot. Edinburgh Airport is a 35- to 40-minute drive from the hotel. Discounted parking rates are available at a nearby lot.

The hotel has 211 rooms spread over several floors and two buildings. All are decorated in a contemporary take on classic style, with a beige-and-white color scheme, wooden furniture with clean lines and black-metal accents, and thick camel-colored carpets. The neutral palette can make rooms look a tad bland and generic, but the overall feel is rather elegant, and leather-like armchairs and small reading lights add style. Rooms are spacious, especially for a city center hotel, and most have large windows -- many offering panoramic views over the city. 

Free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, laptop-sized safes, and electric kettles come standard, as do quality mattresses that receive consistent praise from past guests. Each room has a work desk with easy access to several power sockets, and USB ports are available by the bed as well. Executive Rooms come with a few extra perks, including espresso machines, mini-fridges, and sofa beds or couches. Bathrooms are clean and appealing, with either walk-in showers or shower/tub combos with glass screens, heated towel racks, backlit magnifying mirrors, and an array of toiletries. 

The hotel's standout feature is its renowned steakhouse by celebrity chef Marco Pierre White. The restaurant is popular with guests and non-guests alike, and is open for breakfast (not included in the standard rate) and dinner, as well as for afternoon tea service. Adjacent is Nineteen Hundred, a stylish lounge with a great drink menu that includes whisky, gin, hot drinks, cocktails, and Champagne. Executive Room and suite guests, as well as members of the Hilton loyalty program, get free access to a private lounge serving continental breakfast and free snacks and drinks throughout the day. 

The gym is spacious, modern, and light, with big windows overlooking Waverley Station, and a wide array of high-tech cardio and strength-training machines with individual screens. Unfortunately, access to the gym is only free for higher-tier rooms and Hilton Honors members. Also on the downside, there are no spa facilities. The hotel also features extensive meeting space with full audiovisual equipment, including six boardrooms and a hall for up to 300 guests. Free basic Wi-Fi is accessible throughout, plus upgrades are available for a fee.