Ultimate Luxury

The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel

The Balmoral is Edinburgh's 'Grande Dame', opened in 1902 it retains a wonderful old-world charm, but has been given a loving splash of luxury and style by Rocco Forte. With its attentive service, it is the go-to hotel in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Located in the heart of Edinburgh, the hotel bridges the glamourous Georgian splendour of the New Town and the atmospheric streets of the Old Town.
Impeccable Rocco Forte service ensures the every guest is truly pampered throughout their stay.
Home to one of the city’s finest restaurants, Number One serves Michelin-starred Scottish cuisine.
Settle down at Scotch, the hotel’s signature whisky bar, and sample over 500 of Scotland’s finest bottles.

The Balmoral was opened in 1902 as the 'North British', and is located just up the steps from Edinburgh Waverley Station at the top of Princes Street - the best address in town. It was taken over by Rocco Forte and given a loving make-over by his designer sister, Olga Polizzi, retaining its historical and charming atmosphere, yet adding contemporary touches making it a classic example of getting the blend of old and new spot on.

The 168 rooms and suites use a colour scheme which reflects the wild colours of Scotland - the greens from vast, misty moors and purples from Scottish heather, yet the colours are softly muted with only the odd dash of tartan.

The dining is exceptional, and you have to try Number 1, suitably deserving of its Michelin star. Hadrian's offers contemporary dining. Sit back and relax at Palm Court for afternoon tea, or The Balmoral Bar for a pre-dinner drink. If you like your whisky, then Scotch is the place to go - and they have over 500 on offer and we particularly find the tweed sofas very relaxing.

The Balmoral's excellent location means you are within walking distance of the beautiful Georgian terraces of the New Town, and just on the other side of the North Bridge from the Royal Mile, which leads up to Edinburgh Castle and down to Holyrood Palace.

When to visit

Best time to visit

Good time to visit

Average time to visit

Top tip:

Number One restaurant has been rated Michelin starred for the 18th year in a row. Try out the seasonal ingredients in dishes such as highland wagyu beef sight beetroot.

To start planning your vacation Plan your trip

Images

Rooms

Executive Room

Comfortable and welcoming, the executive rooms at Balmoral have a combined bedroom and living space with king size or twin beds & a spacious en-suite.

Decorated to reflect traditional Scottish style, these elegant rooms can be interconnected, making them suitable for families.

2 people

1 bedroom

Deluxe Castle View Suite

All of these six suites are named after Scottish rivers or castles - Rothesay, Dee, Drummond, Brodick, Bothwell and Spey. Most have original working fireplaces and offer views of Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street Gardens are possible and there is the option to add an extra bed for children. (Each measure between 47 and 58 sqm)

2 people

1 bedroom

Balmoral Suite

The Balmoral Suite offers guests a king size master bedroom, the option to interconnect with a Classic Room, separate dining room for six people, living room, bathroom and guest powder room. At 66 sqm this suite is ample in size and located so as to provide views of Arthur's Seat and the historic old town.

2 people

1 bedroom

Facilities

Dining
Nearby

Bars

Restaurant

Spa

Location

Edinburgh, Scotland

Centrally located next to Waverly station, less than half a hours drive from Edinburgh International Airport. The Balmoral benefits from beautiful views overlooking the famous Edinburgh Castle.

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