Behind the Doors of The Caledonian Hotel: An Interview with General Manager Nitin Ramtri

Last month, we sat down with Nitin Ramtri, General Manager at The Caledonian, to talk about the hotel’s recent transformation, the exciting £35 million investment, and how it’s shaping the future of luxury in Edinburgh. With a shared commitment to bespoke experiences, our partnership with The Caledonian is one of our favourite ways to create unforgettable moments for our clients. This is how it went:

Tell us about the new launch and acquisition. Can you share more details about the recent acquisition of The Caledonian Hotel by Henderson Park and Klarent Hospitality, and what this means for the hotel moving forward?

Earlier this year, The Caledonian was acquired by Henderson Park, joining their extensive portfolio of hotels managed by Klarent Hospitality. With this acquisition came a £35 million investment, which has allowed us to rebrand the hotel back to its historic name, “The Caledonian,” and undertake significant refurbishments. As we continue this journey, we’re incredibly excited about the new era we’re ushering in – one that will elevate the guest experience in numerous ways.

The announcement of a £35 million investment is quite significant. Can you discuss what changes and improvements have been made over the last year as part of this investment?

Since June 2024, we’ve made great progress with our refurbishment plans, starting with our guest rooms. The Caledonian became part of the Curio Collection by Hilton this summer, enhancing our standing as one of Edinburgh’s premier lifestyle hotels. Drawing on Scotland’s rich heritage, we’ve designed new guest rooms inspired by the cities of Stirling, Inverness, and Edinburgh, bringing local stories and textures to life. This investment also extends to our public spaces, ensuring that every corner of the hotel connects guests with Scotland’s past and present in a meaningful way.

With the extensive refurbishment and rebranding, what new experiences can guests expect, and how do you envision this enhancing their stay at The Caledonian?

Our aim is to offer each guest an authentic and personalised experience, with a touch of unrivalled Scottish hospitality. The investment will allow us to create new traditions while enhancing beloved ones. For instance, our new weekly History Tours offer a glimpse into the hotel’s rich heritage, and our soon-to-launch 120th-inspired Afternoon Tea celebrates this milestone. Guests can expect deeper connections to Scotland’s culture, with local collaborations like those with Kinloch Anderson, ensuring that every experience is uniquely Scottish. We’re also continuing to refine our dining experiences, building on The Caledonian’s long-standing traditions.

I read that the new guest room designs were inspired by the cities of Edinburgh, Stirling, and Inverness. Can you elaborate on the concept and inspiration behind this design choice?

The history of The Caledonian, particularly its connection to the Caledonian Railway, played a pivotal role in our design inspiration. We’ve drawn from the crests found in the hotel’s stained-glass windows, which represent stops along the railway. Our guest rooms are themed around three iconic Scottish cities. For example, the “Wolf and Oak” rooms, inspired by Stirling, feature woodland textures and oak leaf motifs, while the “Thistle and Loch” rooms evoke the wild beauty of Inverness, with deep purples reflecting the Scottish Highlands. Our “Maiden and the Doe” rooms capture the serenity and majesty of Edinburgh, with views of the iconic castle.

Can you highlight the facilities and services The Caledonian offers for corporate meetings, conferences, and events – particularly any new additions or enhancements planned with the rebranding?

We’re proud to offer eight distinct meeting spaces, including two Grade-II listed spaces, like the stunning Castle Suite with its hand-painted Scottish wildlife frescos and chandeliers. These spaces, combined with natural daylight, exceptional catering, and breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle, make The Caledonian a prime location for events. As we continue to celebrate 120 years of history, we look forward to welcoming even more guests into our unique and historic spaces.

At Limitless, we like to say our trips and itineraries are bespoke luxury. As a hotel that has been an icon of luxury in Edinburgh for over a century, how do you define bespoke luxury, and how does this philosophy translate into the guest experience at The Caledonian?

Bespoke luxury at The Caledonian is all about connection, curation, and care. It’s about creating an immersive experience where guests feel truly seen and cared for from the moment they arrive. Our team takes the time to get to know each guest, curate personalised experiences, and offer the kind of genuine Scottish hospitality that makes a stay with us truly special. We don’t just aim to meet expectations – we aim to exceed them with thoughtful details and authentic moments that make every stay unique.