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

This apartment is absolutely fantastic—perfect for travelers looking for a quiet retreat with great charm. The private garden at the back is a real highlight: peaceful, well-maintained, and ideal for morning coffee or an evening unwind. Inside, the space is spotless, beautifully furnished, and thoughtfully designed with modern touches. Communication with the host was quick and friendly—any request was handled promptly, which made the whole experience seamless. It's located just steps away from Waterloo Place, where most tourist buses depart, so getting around Edinburgh is super convenient. While the direct route up from Leith Street is quite steep, the walk via Waterloo Place is much gentler and more pleasant. Overall, this is a top-tier stay with excellent value. Highly recommended for anyone wanting comfort, convenience, and a touch of local character.

Staying at Destiny Student – Murano was a fantastic experience! The location is incredibly convenient—just a short bus ride from campus, and right outside the hostel are supermarkets and plenty of restaurants, so grocery shopping and dining out are super easy. The room is small but perfectly functional, with a comfortable bed that made for a great night's sleep. I brought my own towel and toiletries, which worked out fine, but they also offer basic bath amenities at reception if needed. Compared to other expensive hotels in Edinburgh, this place feels like a breath of fresh air—affordable, clean, and well-located. If I’m back in town for university, I’d definitely choose this again. Highly recommend it for students or budget-conscious travelers!

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.

I stayed here for a week and was genuinely impressed with the overall experience. The place is clean, cozy, and well-maintained—exactly what you’d want from a student accommodation in Edinburgh. At first, the mattress felt a bit too soft, but I soon realized it’s a two-sided one, and flipping it made a noticeable difference. That little detail shows how thoughtful the setup is. The surrounding area is super convenient—there are plenty of shops nearby for groceries and essentials, and the kitchen is fully equipped with clean utensils and appliances, perfect for cooking your own meals. Public transport is just steps away: buses and trams run regularly, and it’s only two stops to the city center—ideal for exploring without hassle. The only minor downside is the sound insulation, which isn’t great—but honestly, that’s common across many UK hostels and guesthouses, not unique to this property. Overall, it’s a fantastic value-for-money option with a welcoming vibe and excellent location.

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.

Staying at The Roseate Edinburgh was a truly memorable experience. While it didn’t stand out dramatically over our previous night’s accommodation, the unique charm of being housed within a historic castle made all the difference. The atmosphere is quiet and serene—perfect for unwinding after a busy day exploring the city. Rooms were clean, well-appointed, and surprisingly peaceful, with excellent sound insulation. The surrounding area is pleasant too—cozy cafés, local shops, and easy access to public transport make getting around hassle-free. It’s not just a place to sleep; it feels like stepping into a story. Great value, great location, and an unforgettable stay overall.

Staying at Princes Street Suites was an absolute delight from the moment I arrived. The location is unbeatable—just steps away from Edinburgh’s main attractions, including the Royal Mile and Arthur’s Seat, with easy access to public transit. What truly amazed me was the building’s unique design: stepping into the basement via the elevator revealed a striking view of towering structures outside the window, almost like being in a modern urban landscape. Inside, the room was immaculate, well-equipped, and comfortable, with a cozy bed and a spacious bathroom. Everything matched my expectations—and then some. The overall experience was exceptional, and I’m already planning my next visit. If you’re looking for a convenient, stylish, and thoughtfully designed stay in Edinburgh, this is the place to be.

I was originally booked into the Indigo Hotel in Edinburgh, but due to unexpected renovations and no prior email notification about room changes, I was redirected to The Scotsman Hotel at check-in—literally across the street. Honestly, I was frustrated at first, as it felt like a downgrade in both price and quality. But stepping into The Scotsman completely changed my mind. From the moment I arrived, the welcome was warm and genuine—the staff were attentive without being pushy, even offering a complimentary champagne upon arrival. My room was cozy and beautifully decorated, with a calming colour scheme that made it perfect for unwinding after a long day. I also appreciated how they went out of their way to explain all the hotel’s amenities, including their stylish cocktail bar. It’s a real gem with a classy vibe, though it closes early at 11 PM, which is a bit disappointing if you’re looking for a late-night drink. Overall, despite the initial stress, this stay turned out to be one of the best parts of my trip. Great location, excellent service, and a lovely atmosphere—definitely worth staying at again.

Staying at the Radisson Blu Hotel Edinburgh City Centre was a fantastic experience overall. The location is unbeatable—right in the heart of Edinburgh, just a short walk from major attractions, shopping streets, and restaurants. The room was spacious, modern, and very comfortable, with a great bed that made for a restful night’s sleep. The only downside was the Wi-Fi connection, which was extremely weak and often unreliable. I ended up using my mobile data for most of the time. Despite that small issue, the hotel offers excellent value for money, great service, and an ideal spot for exploring the city. Highly recommended for travelers who prioritize convenience and comfort.

Staying at The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection in Edinburgh was an absolute delight. The room was spacious and beautifully designed, offering a comfortable retreat after a day exploring the city. What truly stood out was the outdoor terrace—overlooking the heart of Edinburgh’s skyline with stunning views that made every morning and evening feel special. The service was exceptional too—staff went above and beyond with genuine warmth and attention to detail, making us feel welcomed from the moment we arrived. Every interaction felt personal and thoughtful. This hotel strikes the perfect balance between luxury and charm, and it’s clear they care about guest experience. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Edinburgh who wants a memorable, high-quality stay.
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