Caledonian Brewery isn’t just a brewery—it’s a living relic of Edinburgh’s industrial soul. Step inside this century-old brick fortress, once filled with steam and barley, now reborn as a vibrant hub of craft beer and art. Sip a locally brewed pint, listen to live music on weekends, and let the history in every sip tell you how a city’s spirit brews over time. It’s more than a drink—it’s an experience.


















Everything you need to know about Porter/driver
The Caledonian Hotel Edinburgh is a top choice, located just a 3-minute walk from the Caledonian Brewery. This luxury hotel blends modern amenities with classic Scottish design, offering rooms with views of Edinburgh Castle. Guests enjoy seamless access via local buses and the tram system, making it easy to explore the brewery and surrounding historic districts. The hotel also hosts exclusive beer-tasting events on weekends, allowing visitors to experience authentic Scottish brewing traditions. With an acclaimed restaurant and stylish bar on-site, it's perfect for travelers seeking both comfort and cultural immersion.
Near the Caledonian Brewery, guests can join guided beer tastings that reveal traditional Scottish brewing techniques. Summer months feature outdoor music festivals and local art markets blending heritage architecture with creative expression. The nearby Royal Mile area offers street performances and craft fairs, capturing Edinburgh’s vibrant arts scene. Some hotels even provide exclusive tour packages including brewery entry and limited-edition brews—perfect for collectors and enthusiasts seeking authentic cultural immersion.
From the Caledonian Brewery, it’s a 5-minute walk to Edinburgh Castle and St Giles Cathedral, passing through the iconic Royal Mile. To reach Holyrood Palace or University of Edinburgh, take the subway to "Haymarket" station, then transfer to the tram or bus—just 15 minutes away. Multiple Edinburgh City Buses serve key sites, with daily passes available for unlimited travel. Use apps like Citymapper for real-time routing, ensuring efficient and stress-free exploration across the city.
The Caledonian Hotel Edinburgh features spacious family rooms and child-friendly amenities such as playrooms, kids’ menus, and guided family tours. Just a 3-minute walk from the Caledonian Brewery, parents can bring children to interactive beer education workshops, combining fun and learning. Nearby attractions like Edinburgh Zoo and Princes Street Gardens are within walking distance, making it ideal for family visits. The hotel also offers baby cots and kid-sized bathrobes for rent—thoughtful touches that ensure a comfortable stay for all ages.
The Caledonian Brewery is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (extended to 8:00 PM on weekends). Entry is free, but guided tours and tasting sessions require advance HopeGoo, starting at £15 per adult. It’s recommended to reserve online via the official website to avoid queues during peak season. Some packages include a limited-edition brewery souvenir mug and exclusive beer samples—ideal for collectors. On-site gift shops offer handmade brewing tools and themed merchandise, perfect for souvenirs or gifts.
The Caledonian Brewery’s red-brick façade and copper signage make a striking backdrop for photos, exuding industrial vintage charm. Nearby Royal Mile and views of Edinburgh Castle offer perfect skyline shots. Princes Street Gardens with its fountain and lush greenery is ideal for sunset photography. For standout content, visit during golden hour and pair your outfit with brewery-themed accessories or signature mugs. These elements create visually compelling, shareable moments perfect for social media.
The Balmoral Hotel is the top choice near Caledonian Brewery, offering a 5-minute walk to the site and renowned for its Victorian architecture and luxury service. Guests enjoy panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle from spacious rooms and can book exclusive brewery tours that blend history with local craft beer tasting. The on-site The Brasserie restaurant features modern takes on traditional Scottish cuisine, making it perfect for experiencing authentic local flavors.
The Citypack Hotel, just 300 meters from Caledonian Brewery, provides unbeatable access to Edinburgh Waverley Station—the city’s main rail hub. Easily reachable via ScotRail or city buses, the hotel offers free Wi-Fi and 24-hour front desk service. Its compact, modern rooms suit budget-conscious travelers, while the short 10-minute walk to the brewery allows guests to join open-day tours and explore Scotland’s brewing heritage firsthand.
Guests can join daily guided tours at Caledonian Brewery to explore its century-old brewing techniques and Scottish beer heritage. The beer tasting workshop lets visitors craft their own custom brews, often paired with live folk music for a vibrant local vibe. For an immersive experience, book the Brewmaster Night—a behind-the-scenes session led by master brewers, covering everything from malt grinding to fermentation. Some nearby hotels also offer beer-and-stay packages including tours, tastings, and room amenities, making it a memorable cultural getaway.
Yes, both The Balmoral Hotel and Citypack Hotel provide exclusive limited-edition craft beer amenities. Guests receive complimentary tastings of Caledonian Brewery’s seasonal limited releases, along with commemorative branded mugs. Some suites feature private beer corners stocked with fresh, on-site brewed varieties. Additionally, the hotels offer the Beer Discovery Tour, including guided brewery visits, expert-led tastings, and bilingual informational guides, allowing travelers to deeply appreciate Scotland’s terroir-driven brewing innovation.
The Citypack Hotel offers family suites and child-friendly amenities such as cribs, toddler cutlery sets, and a dedicated play area. Located just a 10-minute walk from Caledonian Brewery, it’s close to Edinburgh’s Central Library and Princes Street Gardens. Families can explore the kids’ beer story exhibit en route. The hotel also hosts monthly Family Beer Workshops, where children learn brewing basics through fun, interactive activities—blending education with entertainment in a welcoming atmosphere.
Caledonian Brewery is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Guided tours run hourly, so HopeGoo online in advance is recommended—especially during weekends and holidays. Admission is free, but tasting experiences require additional fees, available as single samples or bundled tour packages. Visitors can purchase official merchandise and limited-edition beer gift boxes on-site as souvenirs.
See what other travelers say about Porter/driver

We recently stayed at this charming hotel and couldn’t be happier with our experience—truly a standout choice for anyone visiting Edinburgh. From the moment we walked in, the staff made us feel welcome with genuine warmth and attention to detail. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and we both enjoyed deep, restful sleep every night. What really stood out was the exceptional service. I wasn’t feeling well during our stay, and the team went above and beyond by delivering breakfast straight to our room—a small but deeply appreciated gesture that made a big difference. It’s clear they truly care about guest comfort and wellbeing. The terrace is a real highlight—perfect for enjoying your morning meal with a view of the surrounding greenery and natural light. It’s such a peaceful way to start the day, especially on a sunny morning. Plus, the location is unbeatable: just a short walk to the city center, or a quick 5-minute bus ride if you’d rather not walk. The lounge area is spacious and cozy, with soft blankets ready for guests who want to unwind with a book or a drink after a long day exploring. It’s thoughtfully designed to make you feel at home. Overall, this hotel delivers on every front—comfort, hospitality, and convenience. We’ll definitely be back when we return to Edinburgh!

Staying at Kildonan Lodge Hotel was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The bed was incredibly comfortable—perfect for a good night’s sleep after a long day of exploring Edinburgh. The room itself was clean, quiet, and well-maintained, with a cozy atmosphere that made it feel like a home away from home. One of the biggest perks? Free parking on-site, which was a major plus for us as we arrived by car. The front desk staff were warm and welcoming, always ready to help with any questions or recommendations. Best of all, the hotel is just steps from a bus stop that runs straight into the heart of Edinburgh city center—getting around was so easy and stress-free. I also appreciated the little snacks provided in the room; it was a nice touch for a quick bite without having to leave the hotel. Overall, this place offers great value, comfort, and convenience. If you're visiting Edinburgh and want a peaceful, well-located base, this is definitely worth considering.

The location is fantastic—just a short walk from Holyrood Palace and right on Royal Mile, making it super convenient to explore Edinburgh on foot. The city is small enough that most attractions are within walking distance, which is a big plus. The apartment was spacious and well-equipped with everything we needed, including full kitchenware—perfect for cooking meals and doing laundry. Right outside the door, there’s a Tesco supermarket and a Chinese convenience store, so grocery shopping is super easy. The air conditioning works really well, keeping the room cool even during warmer days. The front desk staff were friendly and helpful—they came up to the room when I had trouble using some of the equipment, which was much appreciated. As for breakfast, it’s just basic items bought from the local supermarket, so I’d suggest skipping the included breakfast and heading out to grab something fresh and affordable yourself. Overall, this place offers great value, comfort, and convenience—definitely a top choice if you’re visiting Edinburgh.

Staying at Stewart by Heeton Concept was a fantastic experience! The hotel is just a 20-minute walk from the train station, which is very convenient if you're arriving by rail—especially with luggage. I appreciated the baggage storage option when we arrived early; it made our day much smoother. The room was spacious and well-designed, with a full kitchenette including a washing machine, induction hob, and oven—perfect for self-catering and long stays. It felt like home away from home. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout, making check-in and any questions easy to handle. Great location, excellent facilities, and a really welcoming vibe. Definitely my top pick in Edinburgh and I’d stay here again without hesitation.

This little gem in Holyrood is surprisingly well-equipped for a student hostel. The moment you step into your room, make sure to grab any essentials you need—like the small packets of salt and pepper provided for cooking. The kitchen is fully stocked with utensils, pots, and a spacious fridge, though the oven and stovetop were a bit tricky to figure out. Still, with just a microwave and kettle, I managed to heat up pre-cooked meals and cook fresh veggies—everything looked so much better than expected on the plate, and it made the meal extra satisfying. There’s also a self-service laundry facility where you can pick up detergent from reception (I brought my own, so didn’t use it—no idea if there’s a fee). Perfect for longer stays—you don’t need to pack too many clothes. Plus, the front desk can arrange a taxi to the station, which made my journey stress-free. Overall, this place delivers great value and comfort, especially for travelers who want convenience without breaking the bank.

The bus access was incredibly convenient—no transfers needed to get here. Although there's no on-site front desk, communication via the platform was prompt and efficient. Unfortunately, there's no luggage storage available at the property, but they provided a link to an external site that worked perfectly for holding our bags until check-in time. What truly stood out was the apartment itself—it exceeded all expectations. The space was beautifully renovated, stylishly decorated, and incredibly comfortable. Every detail felt thoughtfully considered, making it a delightful stay. Highly recommend this hidden gem in Edinburgh.

Our stay at Cadell House Apt - Royal Mile was absolutely delightful. The location couldn’t be better—it’s perfectly positioned right in the heart of Edinburgh, within walking distance of all major attractions, shops, and restaurants. We appreciated how easy it was to explore the city without relying on transport. The apartment itself is spacious, well-equipped, and comfortable, offering a true home-away-from-home vibe. The hosts were incredibly welcoming and helpful throughout our visit—always ready to assist with recommendations or local tips. While a few minor updates would enhance the experience (a little TLC here and there), these small details didn’t take away from our enjoyment. Overall, this is a fantastic choice for travelers who value convenience, comfort, and a personal touch. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Edinburgh!

The location was absolutely perfect—right across from the castle with breathtaking views! Walking to Rose Street and Princess Street was such a pleasant experience, with charming cafes and boutiques just steps away. The apartment itself was spacious, well-equipped, and offered a true home-away-from-home feel. Everything about this stay was top-notch—from the convenience of being in the heart of Edinburgh to the cozy, modern vibe of the unit. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to stay. Definitely returning next time!

Our stay at the Royal Mile Apartments by Joivy on High Street, Edinburgh, started with high hopes but quickly turned into a frustrating experience. From the moment we entered the apartment, we noticed a strong musty smell coming from the bathroom—when we opened the door, we discovered heavy black mold growing on the walls and tiles. The issue wasn’t limited to the bathroom: stains were visible throughout the living room and bedroom—on the carpet, sofa, curtains, and even the wall behind the bed. Furniture was damaged too—broken table, holes in the wall, and missing picture frame trim. We reported all issues immediately via the platform and gave permission for staff to come check while we were out. But when we returned, nothing had been done. We kept following up daily—multiple messages sent, no response. By day 3, we were unable to use the bathroom at all due to the unsafe conditions caused by the mold. Even cleaning the shower drain didn’t help—the smell remained. We tried DIY solutions but lacked proper mold removal products. We reported again on November 6th (6:45 PM), asked if someone would come by by 8 PM, then followed up the next morning and again at 1:30 PM—only to be told they’d already been there, assuming we’d left because our belongings weren’t visible. That made no sense—we’d barely moved anything. We asked for confirmation they actually visited number 9, but received no reply. On November 8th, we sent another message expressing clear dissatisfaction, especially since we’d already paid £110 for cleaning fees—yet still no acknowledgment. By November 9th, we checked out. No communication, no apology, nothing. We even tried reaching out again on December 8th through their website contact form—no response. The only positive? The location is excellent—walking distance to major attractions and great transport links. But overall, this was a disappointing experience. For the price, you expect basic cleanliness and maintenance. Unfortunately, that was completely lacking. Not recommended.

Our stay at City Retreat Edinburgh ApartHotels was truly disappointing. The only redeeming feature was the shower, but everything else fell short. The room had a strong musty smell, and it felt visibly unclean—dust on surfaces, grime on the floor, and even the bedding seemed worn. It's located in a basement unit with steep, narrow stairs that felt eerie at night, especially since the outdoor light wasn’t working. Despite notices about noise and respecting guests above, we were repeatedly woken up by loud noises from the floor above. The wallpaper was peeling off in several spots—something I’ve photographed for proof. Overall, this place failed to meet basic standards of cleanliness and comfort. The housekeeping team needs urgent improvement, and the building clearly needs renovation. This experience ruined our trip to Edinburgh. If you're looking for a decent stay, avoid this property.

Staying at the DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre was an absolute delight. The location couldn’t be better—right in the heart of the city, just steps away from major attractions and public transport hubs. I found it incredibly convenient to explore Edinburgh on foot or by train. The staff were warm, professional, and always ready to help. Breakfast was a highlight—fresh, well-prepared, and varied, with both classic English options and international choices. Everything was delicious and served with a smile. From the comfortable rooms to the thoughtful touches, this stay exceeded my expectations. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Edinburgh.

Staying at the Leonardo Edinburgh Haymarket was a fantastic experience overall. The room was larger than expected, featuring a comfortable sofa that made it feel more like a home away from home. Cleanliness was excellent—everything looked fresh and well-maintained. The in-room amenities were thoughtful: a capsule coffee machine and a fridge made mornings easy and convenient, especially for that quick caffeine fix. Location-wise, it couldn’t be better—just a short walk to the train station and within easy reach of major attractions. There are plenty of restaurants and cozy bars nearby, so dinner and drinks are never an issue. The only downside is the cabinet above the tea station—it has a sharp corner that could easily cause injury if you’re not careful. It’s definitely a safety concern, especially when moving around with luggage or in low light. A simple fix like adding a soft edge cover would go a long way. Otherwise, this hotel offers great value and a welcoming atmosphere.
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