Hilton Edinburgh Carlton

The story of the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton begins long before it became a hotel. A young entrepreneur, Patrick William Thomson, first opened a small haberdashery shop near South Bridge in Edinburgh. His focus on quality fabrics and fair pricing quickly earned him a loyal local following. As the business expanded, he commissioned a much larger building on North Bridge at the end of the 19th century, originally constructed to house his growing department store.

Over the decades, the Patrick Thomson store became one of Edinburgh’s most beloved department stores, known simply as “PT’s.” It expanded into dozens of departments and drew shoppers from across Scotland. But by the 1970s, after being bought by the House of Fraser, the business began to fade. The store closed in 1976 and stood empty for years until hoteliers bought the building in 1984 and gave it a new life as The Carlton Hotel.

In 1999, a leading hotel company called Amaris Hospitality took over the property, and in 2016, the hotel joined forces with Hilton Worldwide. After a significant refurbishment and rebranding, the building reopened as the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton, blending its rich retail past with modern hospitality near Edinburgh’s iconic attractions.

The building that now houses the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton was designed by a team of five Scottish architects who chose a strong Renaissance Revival style. When it was completed in 1899, it immediately stood out along North Bridge. The exterior uses smooth cream sandstone that gives the façade a soft glow in changing light, while copper turrets and domes line the rooftop and shape the skyline. Even today, the structure feels grand, firmly rooted in Edinburgh’s historic setting.

Years later, when the hotel underwent a full renovation under Hilton and Amaris Hospitality, the focus was on refreshing the interiors while respecting the building’s character. All 211 rooms and suites were updated to feel comfortable and practical for modern travelers.

Accessibility was an important part of the renovation. The hotel introduced rooms designed for guests with mobility needs, including lower bathroom sinks, raised toilets, grab rails, wheelchair access, walk-in showers, and emergency call points. The result is a property that combines its historic exterior with interiors that feel thoughtful and inclusive for a wide range of travelers.

If you prefer to eat at the hotel, there are two main options on site. Nineteen Hundred Bar and Lounge sits on the first floor and works well for something casual. Travelers often stop in for coffee during the day, especially if they need a short break between sightseeing plans. In the evening, it shifts into a relaxed bar setting where you can order wine, cocktails, or a Scottish malt whisky. It is an easy place to relax without leaving the building.

For a full meal, Nineteen Hundred Brasserie focuses on British cuisine. You can expect classic dishes served in a sit-down setting that feels slightly more formal than the lounge. The brasserie also offers private dining and occasionally hosts wine tastings, which may interest guests traveling in small groups or celebrating a special occasion.

If you are planning a wedding in the heart of Edinburgh, Hilton Edinburgh Carlton offers a setting that blends city energy with classic celebration space. The hotel can host weddings that range from intimate ceremonies to larger gatherings, with professional planners on hand to help you shape the day from start to finish. Couples can choose from several elegant event rooms, including the Highland Suite, which creates a romantic atmosphere and can welcome up to around 160 guests.

Planners work with you to personalize details, from décor choices to special touches like bespoke menus or music, helping your vision come alive in one of the city’s most central venues. Seasonal wedding packages give you flexible options, whether you are celebrating in summer or winter, and include things like complimentary beverages or booking incentives that let you tailor the day to your style. Some couples choose to add a local Scottish flair to their celebrations with traditional food or even a Scottish piper to mark the start of the ceremony. For many guests, the hotel’s feature staircase and the panoramic city views create beautiful backdrops for wedding photos.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Staying at Hilton Edinburgh Carlton places you right in the middle of Edinburgh’s most visited cultural landmarks, so you can explore much of the city on foot. Step outside and you are just off the Royal Mile, one of the most historic streets in Scotland. Walk uphill, and you will reach Edinburgh Castle, perched dramatically on Castle Rock, with sweeping views over the city. Inside, you can see the Crown Jewels of Scotland and learn about centuries of royal history.

Continue along the Royal Mile, and you will eventually arrive at Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. The route itself is part of the experience, lined with stone buildings, small shops, street performers, and hidden alleyways known as closes. Nearby, the streets of Edinburgh Old Town offer a glimpse of the city’s medieval past. A short stroll also takes you to St Giles’ Cathedral, known for its striking crown-shaped spire and beautiful stained glass, and the Scott Monument, a dramatic Gothic tower dedicated to Sir Walter Scott.

Art lovers can visit the National Gallery of Scotland to see historic and contemporary works, while the National Museum of Scotland provides exhibits ranging from Scottish heritage to science and design. For something outdoors, head up Calton Hill for panoramic city views, especially around sunset. Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano in Holyrood Park, offers a slightly longer but rewarding walk if you feel like stretching your legs. During August, the city comes alive with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, when theaters, streets, and public spaces turn into performance venues, adding an entirely different energy to the area around the hotel.

The Hilton Edinburgh Carlton hosts both corporate events and private celebrations, offering a range of spaces to suit almost any gathering. The staff is experienced in helping guests plan everything from board meetings and training seminars to larger events like business conferences, charity fundraisers, or social parties. For smaller meetings, the intimate Braids Boardroom provides a quiet, professional setting, while suites like Arthur’s Seat, Blackford, and The Carlton accommodate mid-sized groups comfortably.

The hotel’s largest venue, the Highland Suite has been the site for proms, graduation parties, award ceremonies, and other large celebrations. Each space offers flexible layouts for classroom-style setups, theater seating, banquets, receptions, or U-shaped arrangements, making it easy to tailor events to your needs. Whether you are planning a private gathering with friends or a formal corporate function, Hilton Edinburgh Carlton provides both the facilities and expertise to make it seamless.