The luxury Waldorf Astoria in Edinburgh still offers value for money

WE’RE all feeling the pinch at the moment, so much so the notion of splashing the cash is more likely to relate to putting your wallet through a washing machine than hitting the town.

But sometimes a treat is just what you need. My friend Niamh and I were in much need of one and we trawled for a bargain break and came up trumps with the Waldorf Astoria – The Caledonian in Edinburgh!

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Yes I know what you are thinking — not exactly budget. No it wasn’t – but £290 a night for this grand old dame was a very pleasant surprise.

While not in reach for a lengthy stay, it really is a fabulous price for an anniversary or special birthday and one thing’s for sure, a stay here is something you’ll remember.

The grandeur of Edinburgh’s grand old hotel — frequented by the likes of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, Laurel and Hardy, and James Bond himself — Sir Sean Connery – has to be seen to be believed.

On check-in we were reliably informed we had two rooms. Surely, some mistake…this was supposed to be a romantic trip. My heart sank.

But, in my innocence, I’d failed to realise two rooms actually means a SUITE.

A fabulous bedroom linked to an equally beautiful livingroom, giving us plenty of space to enjoy the views of the castle and a proper taste at how the other half live.

Things had taken an unexpected turn.

I’m no stranger to a view, from my childhood bedroom I looked out on the Lake District fells. But of late the awe has been replaced by (in order) a brick wall and a car park – so to be greeted by Edinburgh Castle was…well, amazing.

Service is spectacular and there are plenty of options for either a first rate meal, or cocktail or two, without stepping foot outside the hotel.

Grazing in the house restaurant focuses on new takes on Scottish classics.

There’s superfresh seafood, steak and lamb — or a tasting menu if you’re looking to keep things extravagant.

The waiting staff were well-versed and able to talk us through the array of offerings — as well as the extensive wine list.

My hake was mouth-watering and perfectly cooked and Niamh’s lamb 3-ways hit all the right notes. One of our best meals for sure.

Fed and watered, a little culture was next on list and we were in luck there too.

The Waldorf is a stone’s throw from the equally overwhelming Van Gogh Alive exhibition.

The immersive show is based around digital re-imaginings of his art, telling the story of the latter years of his career.

Set to classical music his paintings are stirred to life with trains and stars flickering across giant canvasses in a captivating spectacle.

You can even have a go at drawing some of his best works — starting with Starry Night. Sadly my hands aren’t for painting — but my pal polished off a passable effort.

When you’re done why not pick up a severed ear eraser as a souvenir. It’s what he would have wanted. Honestly!

Vincent’s art had even been recreated in cake form. Yup. The Van Gogh afternoon tea at the Waldorf is the type of experience you’d have to go out of your way to find fault with.

Your surroundings are plush, the service swift, and the food delicious. A range of classic sandwiches are followed by the goodies – the cakes!

There’s sunflowers, obviously, a nod to his Starry Night, and an edible self-portrait, all eye-catching but more importantly tasty little bites.

The Van Gogh offering has sadly ended at the hotel — but don’t worry there are other themes on offer, with a range of equally impressive desserts to devour.

In a world of rocketing expenses, once in a while it is important to focus your spending closer to home and for a night in the capital, you couldn’t do any better than a stay at the Waldorf.

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