The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh
More photosExpert reviews
“For sheer class, this grande dame still has the edge. Yes there are other luxury hotels in the Scottish capital but they haven’t got the Olga Polizzi pizzazz. Taste, style and luxury seep out of the walls.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Edinburgh.
“This grand landmark property, below the clock tower marking the east end of Princes Street, is a pretty special introduction to the Scottish capital. The lively buzz in the hotel’s beautiful turn-of-the-century-esque lobby makes you feel as if you’re at the center of Edinburgh high life.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Edinburgh.
“One of Edinburgh’s most instantly recognizable landmarks, The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel was first conceived as a railway hotel — it sits adjacent to Edinburgh Waverley train station. Today, the Victorian-era baronial-style property remains one of the Scottish capital’s most luxurious stays.”
“Although an Edinburgh landmark for more than a century, there’s nothing old-fashioned about this quietly elegant Forte flagship. Luxurious bedrooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant, lavish afternoon teas, relaxing spa and the best service in town add up to a sophisticated 21st-century version of a genuinely grand hotel.”
What guests liked
- Top location
- Friendly staff
- Free Wifi
- Comfortable beds
- Private parking
- Swimming pool
All you need to know
The Balmoral is a stunning 5-star hotel located in the heart of Edinburgh. While this hotel opened in 1902 under the name “North British Hotel,” the Balmoral is now an entirely contemporary operation. This hotel has a luxurious interior, state-of-the-art amenities, and impeccable service.
The Balmoral is situated in an ideal location for those looking to explore the city. It’s within walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions, including Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. Nearby, you’ll also find plenty of shops and restaurants.
The rooms at The Balmoral are modern and comfortable. All rooms have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, complimentary WiFi, and minibars. Suites also have private balconies, living areas, and complimentary newspapers. You’ll notice muted creams, purples, greens, modern furniture, and striped carpet throughout each space. Some rooms have gas fireplaces, courtyard views, or city views.
The Balmoral also has a range of services and facilities to make your stay more enjoyable. These include 24-hour room service, a concierge, and valet parking. Guests can also take advantage of the hotel spa, which offers a range of treatments, including facials, massages, and manicures. The hotel also has a fitness center, bar, and restaurant. There are several meeting rooms available for business events and functions.
The Balmoral is the perfect choice for a luxurious stay in Edinburgh. With its modern amenities, stunning location, and outstanding services and facilities, it’s no wonder that The Balmoral is one of the city’s most popular hotels.
Hotel deals & lowest price guarantee
We partner with Booking.com and Hotels.com. Both booking websites offer the lowest price guarantee, so you can be certain you will always get the best deal for this hotel. If you have seen a better price elsewhere, all you need to do is contact the booking website, and they will refund you the difference immediately. You can price match right up until the day before check-in.
Location
Recent guest reviews
11 February 2024
Nice Hotel
Location, Reception.
Staff of Big Bar next to Reception.. Even though the restaurant is all empty, they try to make people sit next to each other and make you feel like you are in a Bus. Why? It was strange…
9 February 2024
Exceptional
everything
4 February 2024
Great location & very convenient to all amenities & restaurants
Location, convenience beautiful
Rather expensive
2 February 2024
Fantastic short break stay for a minimoon - we loved it
lovely staff
no vegan milk in the mini-bar (normal for hotels but just a suggestion!)
1 February 2024
fantastic
everything
nothing
1 February 2024
Fabulous
Fantastic hotel situated in a great location
29 January 2024
The most impressive point is that all the staff, without exception, have been trained to a very good standard and delive
Beautiful old building well maintained right in the heart of Edinburgh
Our bedroom overlooked the railway station so a bit noisy!
28 January 2024
Exceptional
Excellent stay. The staff were amazing from first expressions to the end of our stay. The k owl edge of the food and drink by the staff was excellent especially the Whisky Snug and Brassiere. Spa facilities superb and the little touches for my husband’s birthday were wonderful and appreciated. Fantastic hotel and can’t wait to visit again.
27 January 2024
Exceptional
Free upgrade on our room and the staff were great
27 January 2024
Exquisite
Exquisite Hotel in the most perfect location, cannot wait to go back. Staff, service, facilities pure class, stunning in everyway.
N/A
24 January 2024
Apart from bath, everything was fine.
Location excellent
Bath too high to get in for shower.
23 January 2024
Exceptional
Very good 100/100
23 January 2024
Fabulous
Staff were friendly and helpful. Breakfast was fantastic.
My room temperature was cool and took a while to heat up.
20 January 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed our stay with our family.
Breakfast was fabulous. 😀
Liked everything!
15 January 2024
Stay was perfect, view was amazing
The staff were so attentive , my granddaughter was with me and loved the special surprises every night.
11 January 2024
Good
Great location and excellent staff
Certain costs were not clearly explained we also ordered champagne for our guests room which was meant to be there on arrival it was not
7 January 2024
Fantastic hotel, warm and welcoming!
Great from start to finish, the staff welcomed us and were very friendly. Our son Maxwell had a nice little teddy on his bed waiting for him, great touch!
The breakfast was a little pricey.
7 January 2024
It was a Christmas gift and one of the best I have had
Everything about it, staff were amazing, better than Gleneagles in my opinion, our room was lovely and the king size bed was sheer luxury. Our breakfast was excellent, can’t wait to go back.
Absolutely nothing
6 January 2024
A great experience from start to finish. Will definitely be back!
Fantastic location, room was beautiful and breakfast delivered to the room was amazing!! The little touches for kids, from cookies and milk, a soft toy in the bed when we got back to the hotel at night, also their own bathrobes and slippers made them feel special!! I Have experienced many 5 star hotels over the world but Balmoral wins hands down for how kids are also looked after so well. Staff were amazing and could not do enough to help. Added bonus was being able to store luggage until our late departure!
Everything was superb!
5 January 2024
Superb
Fabulous
Lovely decor
5 January 2024
Outstanding. Hospitality at its finest
Everything. Faultless. Every single part was outstanding. Staff are truly welcoming and helpful. Absolute treat to stay there
Nothing.
30 December 2023
Exceptional
Bed linen and towels were lovely
Soa lift was out of order...took us to get to lift to advise...lengthy walk, could have been advised of lift failure on arrival...stairs down to spa treacherous, once there bliss...
29 December 2023
Highly recommended
Very friendly and helpful staff. Great location.
26 December 2023
A truly gorgeous experience.
The spa was fantastic. The room was so comfortable.
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Kid meals (additional charge)
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Heating
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Luggage storage
- - Concierge service
Activities
- - Sauna
- - Fitness centre
- - Spa and wellness centre
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Hammam
- - Indoor pool
- - Indoor pool (all year)
- - Beauty Services
- - Facial treatments
- - Manicure
- - Pedicure
- - Body treatments
- - Body scrub
- - Body wrap
- - Spa facilities
- - Steam room
- - Spa lounge/relaxation area
- - Spa/wellness packages
- - Back massage
- - Neck massage
- - Foot massage
- - Head massage
- - Hand massage
- - Full body massage
- - Fitness
- - Personal trainer
- - Fitness/spa locker rooms
- - Walking tours (additional charge)
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Parking
- - Parking garage
Pool and wellness
- - Sun loungers or beach chairs
- - Swimming pool
- - Swimming Pool
Miscellaneous
- - Face masks for guests available
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13 February 2024
Exceptional