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The Balmoral opened in 1902 as the North British Hotel, long before referring to Scotland as North Britain became an outright slander. Today it’s a thoroughly modern operation, run by Rocco Forte, but this majestic old Edwardian landmark is still one of Edinburgh’s most elegant hotels, every bit as grand as it was a century ago. It’s obvious at a glance that this is the classic Edinburgh hotel, as doormen stand guard in full Highland regalia.
Rooms, all recently redesigned, are outfitted in a smart contemporary style, with striped carpets, robust modern furniture, and only isolated outbreaks of tartan. Colors are muted, reflecting the creams, greens and purples of the Scottish countryside. Despite the hotel’s historic pedigree, the rooms are on the spacious side, many with gas fireplaces — some overlook a central courtyard, and others the city and Edinburgh Castle.
And the conveniences are absolutely modern; expect broadband internet access, satellite television, and spacious bathrooms with decadently thick towels and robes. Some twenty suites are available, in configurations from one to three bedrooms—it’s no exaggeration to say that the 140-square-meter Scone & Crombie suite is among the most luxurious in the UK. And the spa downstairs features a fitness center and a 15-meter pool, should you need even more space to stretch out, plus an array of treatments by ESPA, Ytsara and GHD.
The downtown location is absolutely central, at the east end of Princes Street and adjacent to Waverley Station, with the luxury shops close at hand. Of course any number of restaurants and pubs are within a short walk, but the hotel’s own spots are worth a visit — the Balmoral Bar is fresh off a refurbishment, and the restaurants include Hadrian’s, the London-style brasserie, and Number One, the Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant.
- 186 Rooms
- Style: Traditional Elegance
- Atmosphere: Quiet
- 17 Guest Reviews
- The Balmoral
- 1 Princes Street
- Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Hotel amenities and services
- 100% non-smoking hotel
- 24 hour front desk
- 24 hour gym
- 24 hour room service
- Bar
- Central air conditioning
- Indoor swimming pool
- Lounge
- Luggage storage
- No pets allowed
- Restaurant
- Sauna
- Spa
- Turkish bath
- Wi-fi (charges apply)
Other Edinburgh hotels
17 Guest Reviews
All reviews are from Tablet guests with verified stays.
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- Astrid
- Stayed December 2012
- Rating: Good
What I liked:
The Doormen is great!
The concierge is great
Restaurant One is delicious
What the hotel could do better:
They were understaffed and everybody gave you the impression that you were in a hurry, and that it was a problem
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- Sally
- Stayed December 2011
- Rating: Good
What I liked:
The staff - amazing service
The atmosphere - very christmassy
The bathroom - beautiful
The location - central
The breakfast - delicous
What the hotel could do better:
Rooms could do with better lighting and a renovation. They are starting to look a little tired and dated
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- Keith
- Stayed December 2011
- Rating: Fair
What I liked:
The building is historic and incredibly beautiful. The location is unbeatable.
What the hotel could do better:
The business center had only two computers and neither were in good condition. I tried twice to use it. The first time the computer kept crashing. The second time there were two teenage girls on them and they were showing no signs of finishing their use. Also, the gym did not open until 8AM. These were reduced holiday hours, but still for the price of the hotel things should have been much more convenient.
