The Balmoral, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
The Balmoral 5 Stars
"This classic Edinburgh railway hotel has been resurrected by Rocco Forte with lush rooms and a Michelin-starred restaurant."
Hotel Overview
Review of The Balmoral, by Nadia Latif
The undisputed queen of Edinburgh’s hotel scene, The Balmoral epitomises the grand neo-classical style of the city’s New Town. Set immovably at the top of Princes Street, with sweeping views across the medieval Old Town and castle, the hotel brings understated Rocco Forte style to the Scottish capital.
Designer Olga Polizzi headed the 2004 re-vamp of this Victorian railway hotel, and her vision saw elegant RF polish merged with a colour palette straight out of the Highlands. Bruised purple, mushroom and moss green form a backdrop to meticulously sourced antiques and bespoke furnishings, artwork by the likes of Donald Campbell, a sweeping central staircase and original stained glass windows.
There’s a choice of restaurants, from the Michelin-starred Number One (proud of its Modern Scottish menu and collection of fine malts, with good reason) to the more laid-back, Art Deco surrounds of Hadrian’s Brasserie. Evening cocktails can be taken in the Balmoral Bar, whilst the ever-elegant Palm Court is a must for afternoon tea.
The basement hides one of the best spas in Scotland (and has multiple Condé Nast awards to prove it), a peaceful retreat from the bustling streets outside. Guests of the hotel can use the swimming pool and gym freely, and also receive complimentary juices, coffee and other refreshments for their efforts.
All of The Balmoral’s 188 guestrooms are spacious and well-appointed, but for those special occasions it's well worth splashing out on a suite. We stayed in the beautiful Stirling Suite, all duck-egg blue and cream loveliness, with a generous separate living area and REN toiletries in the bathroom. Expect pillow menus, woollen throws by Johnston’s of Elgin, classic Scottish tomes and meltingly good shortbread in the snack bar; we were tempted never to leave.
Facilities
Hotel Policies
Rooms
188Awards
"Gold List" Conde Nast 10, One of the best 3 UK hotels for service; "Gold Award" Visit Scotland 09; "7th Best Hotel in Europe" American Airlines Platinum List; "25th Top Hotel in Europe" Travel & Leisure 08Who stays here?
JK Rowling, who signed an antique bust in the suite she stayed in (to mark the publication of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows).
Come for...
- Stellar Princes Street location
- Impeccable Rocco Forte service
- Sipping champagne in the Bollinger Bar
Not Suitable for...
- Shallow pockets
Children
Very family friendly. Babies receive proper wooden cots and a special toy box, with complimentary milk on turndown. Little ones have a teddy turndown, child-sized bathrobes and slippers, a tailored room service menu and a wide choice of films. Teenagers should find it hard to fault the PlayStation II (plus games and headphones), complimentary 15-minute internet card, complimentary Mocktails and teen-friendly DVDs.
Eating in
Michelin-starred dining at Number One Restaurant and the finest of Modern Scottish cuisine. More informal surroundings can be found in Hadrian's Brasserie, a homage to Art Deco offset by a contemporary European menu. The Balmoral Bar is a must for evening cocktails, whilst the ultra-chic Bollinger Bar (located in Palm Court) is the place to head for chilled champers under a Venetian glass chandelier.
The Press Say
"The views, particularly looking down Princes Street and up to Edinburgh Castle, are stunning, especially at sunset, and make one realise that Edinburgh is a city equal to any in Europe...although you should expect top-notch service in a five-star hotel, you don't often get it and on our visit, we found it seamless and impossible to fault." Telegraph 08Reviews
Review of The Balmoral, by Jamie Dunford Wood
In the world of luxury hotels, Edinburgh boasts a great distinction - it is one of the last bastions of the great Victorian railway hotel. The Balmoral is one such example as, due to its station-side location, it has been housing Edinburgh's luxury travellers for over one hundred years. As per tradition for a Rocco Forte hotel, The Balmoral retains its unique historic character whilst catering for the modern guest's needs.
With its staff's warm welcome and flawless service, it is a top choice for those who seek old-style comfort and contemporary sophistication in a five star setting.
The Balmoral was built in the age of flock wallpaper, thick swirly carpets and gilded ballrooms, but has smartly readjusted itself for the modern age. The dated bits of the decor have gone; replaced with leather headboards, taupe and off white walls, eclectic bits of furniture and bookshelves full of Scottish literature.
This hotel was, for most of its life, known as the North British - and the decor of the bar still echoes this imperial history. The Balmoral's modern side, however, is well-represented by its spa and pool, as well as its exceptional Michelin-starred restaurant.
The Balmoral offers 188 guest rooms, all high-ceilinged with plenty of natural light. The pleasing old-vs-new decoration places contemporary furniture alongside original fireplaces, and many rooms have views of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town. If you can afford it, stay in the deliriously decadent Scone and Crombie Suite .