The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh
Expert 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 Agoda. 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
22 November 2025
Beautiful hotel warm, kind and friendly staff
Everything
None
21 November 2025
Overall, we enjoyed our stay and the hotel has many strengths, but more attention to details needed
We spent a few days at The Balmoral and overall had a lovely experience. The hotel is truly beautiful, especially now with the Christmas decorations — it felt magical. The breakfast was exceptional, and we really appreciated the little daily gifts (cookies and treats) left in our room for our son. These small gestures made our stay feel very special.
However, there were a couple of things that did impact the experience. Our bathroom had no separate heating, and it stayed quite cold even when the room was warm. This made every shower uncomfortable. On the first day, slippers were also missing — a small detail, but in a hotel of this level, these details matter. When we mentioned these issues at reception, the response felt a bit indifferent, without the reassuring “we’ll do our best to fix this” that we would expect from a 5-star hotel. A second disappointment was related to the Harry Potter suite. Our son was very excited to see the room where J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter books. At check-in on Saturday we were told to try again on Monday, but when we asked, there was no real willingness to help — we were simply told the room wasn’t clean, without any alternative solution. This was quite disheartening for us. On a positive note, the staff in the restaurant — especially Giannis — were outstanding. They consistently went the extra mile and made us feel very well taken care of. Their warmth and professionalism really stood out.
19 November 2025
3 days into a Luxury / goth dream in the heart of Edinburgh
Perfect location , beautiful building , finest decor
Prince brasserie
16 November 2025
An excellent hotel, the staff , the accommodation and the facilities were all top notch
The breakfast was excellent as was the staff
Nothing
11 November 2025
The best place in town
The best were the hearty reception of all the staff from the doorman to the tea salon people to the reception and the bar. Truly professionals that make you feel at home in the prettiest hotel in Edinburgh
Nothing ; it was all like a dream
10 November 2025
Great weekend in a wonderful hotel.
Great location, wonderfully helpful and friendly staff throughout .
9 November 2025
Two night stay to catch an airplane was very nice.
The building
The bathroom
8 November 2025
Excellent stay with great service in top location
Staff quality and friendliness Excellent breakfast Lovely spa
Nothing to complain about
7 November 2025
Lovely, would return
Central Attentive staff
Service charge on everything
3 November 2025
Excellent stay in the city centre!
Very central
N/A
3 November 2025
Second visit to this hotel and will definitely be back.
Breakfast over two days was delicious and location is ideal for station and all other amenities
We were happy with everything
30 October 2025
Birthday letdown
Staff and facilities were great. Room nice and comfy but we asked for a street view and this didn't happen 😭
The breakfast really lets the hotel down. Eggs were cold. My knife wouldn't cut in to the sausage and the bacon was like shoe leather. Very very disappointed 😔
26 October 2025
Exceptional
central position
19 October 2025
Timelessly elegant!
Outstanding service as would be expected from this classic hotel
Nothing
15 October 2025
The ultimate in luxurious accommodations when visiting Edinburgh
The Balmoral has a superb location right next to the train station in Edinburgh; it's an easy walk to most major attractions in Old and New Town. A superbly elegant, historic property, with gracious and friendly staff, extremely comfortable beds, and well-appointed rooms.
Room charges are very high, and there are many additional fees, including a service charge for the rooms even if you do not utilize housekeeping services. If you decide to take advantage of the amazing full or continental breakfast, they are £30 £38 pounds per person.
4 October 2025
Fabulous
Restaurant Number One was fabulous!
4 October 2025
Fabulous
Quality of service. Nothing is too difficult. All staff are very professional.
29 September 2025
A real treat
It was the best money can buy
some of the rooms look out onto an inner courtyard and there is a lack of natural light but you get what you pay for.
19 September 2025
Fabulous
Eveything apart from one girl at breakfast. She was very rude.
6 September 2025
Very good
A lot
A lot
31 August 2025
Very good
Did not have
30 August 2025
I recommend everyone
The Location is right in the middle of historical place
Cleaning , meals , Scottish whiskey bar ,afternoon tea and dessert restaurant were excellent
20 August 2025
Most relaxing
Staff very attentive. Building kept in excellent shape
All good
4 August 2025
Fabulous
I enjoyed the impeccable service by the staff and also the location.
It was quite pricey because we stayed at the start of the Edinburgh festival.
3 August 2025
Elegant stay
Scotch bar
Service at breakfast
1 August 2025
Exceptional
Great hotel. The best stuff.
Good restaurant, very good breakfast and perfect spa and swimming pool.
28 July 2025
A lovely 40th Birthday Celebration
Everything! Staff so courteous and attentive to little details and so kind. Rooms immaculate; Spa area and pool is wonderful; food delicious.. A perfect day and night celebrating my daughter's 40th Birthday. We love the Balmoral - Scotland's jewel in the crown!❤️💯
Nothing!
24 July 2025
Exceptional
Gorgeous & the location is perfect for sightseeing. Will definitely be staying there every time we visit beautiful Edinburgh
Nothing- it was perfect
14 July 2025
Fabulous
Beautiful, historic hotel. Friendly, professional, helpful staff.
I asked for elevator access to my room, which they did have. I thought it would be obvious that I could not crawl over a high bathtub to get into the shower, but that is exactly what I was given. The entry to the bathtub was higher than my knee which made it difficult to get in and out of the bathtub. Before I came, they noted if I need a stool, they would provide it, but if I can´t climb stairs, I surely can´t safely get into such a tall bathtub. Even my 6 ft 2 inch athletic son found it difficult to get in and out of.
11 July 2025
A magical, memorable and perfect stay
Everything, we had the most amazing time, the hotel is as beautiful as ever.
Nothing
6 July 2025
Awesome Vacation at Balmoral
Everything is awesome at the Balmoral!!
25 June 2025
Fabulous heritage style property in Edinburgh
First class location in a stunning building. The amazing staff friendly yet professional always ready to help. Excellent restaurant and bar with great cocktails of all styles. Fabulous spa, had the most amazing facial.
That we had to leave.
22 June 2025
Beyond all of my expectations!
The property is stunning! The rooms absolutely delightful! The staff - out of this world! Exceptional service that can’t be matched. Don’t miss an opportunity to spoil yourself and enjoy the balmoral experience with those you love!
8 June 2025
The stay at the Balmorial was truly rememberable
The whole experience
Nothing
30 May 2025
Exceptional
The room was comfortable and quiet. Lovely hotel and the food was wonderful
24 May 2025
Fabulous
This hotel is an oasis of calm in Edinburgh city centre. The staff - all of them - are unfailingly courteous and competent and so very helpful.
There was nothing that I did not like.
23 May 2025
Fabulous service.
Superb service, food quality, decor and location
The maintenance issues in one room.
17 May 2025
Exceptional
Great location. Luxurious.
17 May 2025
Highly recommended hotel
Exceptional hotel with spa facilities and pool that have just been renovated. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful and the food was delicious. The location couldn’t be any better. Right in the centre and within walkable distance from many interesting monuments, but also right next to the train station. The breakfast offered a great variety and was all fresh and delicious. Highly recommended.
16 May 2025
Fabulous
The location
12 May 2025
Exceptional
Incredible service by all staff!
12 May 2025
The staff superb on all counts and excellent central location
Excellent staff very helpful and friendly
House keeping forgot hand towels
11 May 2025
Exceptional
Everything about our stay was incredible. The location, the room, the friendliness of the staff, and the restaurant and bar were sublime. We stayed here for the last night of our honeymoon, and the staff brought us a bottle of champagne and huge raspberry macarons. Concierge were very helpful, and there's nothing negative I could say about our experience.
10 May 2025
Luxurious stay in a wonderful hotel
Excellent service, beautiful room
-
10 May 2025
Delightful.afternoon tea was a treat
Staff remembered my name. Breakfast was lovely and staff handed me a big box to fill the day I went to the highlands. Restaurant was great and enjoyed all.
Would stay there again if I am ever back in Edinburgh .
5 May 2025
Fabulous
Beautiful Great staff Clean
Nothing Apart from the Cost. Reassuringly Expensive
30 April 2025
Exceptional
Excellent location that made it easy to get to tourist destinations. The room was comfortable and large. The bathtub/shower combo was fantastic. The staff at the hotel were extremely helpful, courteous and provided great suggestions of things to do/see in the area. They went above and beyond to make sure that I had an exceptional stay at the hotel. I would highly recommend this hotel and will definitely use it again.
Nothing
28 April 2025
The balmoral is my favourite hotel. I always feel welcomed and looked after can’tfault the hotel know the staff everyth
I love the balmoral. I always feel welcome and the staff are amazing always going the extra mile to make sure everything is perfect.
The room I stayed in 502. I appreciated the team trying to get me room 500 as it is my preference. But room 502 was not my favourite. It wasn’t the teams fault. But in future I would just rather not be put in a room with no bathroom window. It made me feel claustrophobic.
26 April 2025
A lovely one off experience to celebrate my partners birthday.
Had dinner in brasserie which was exceptional
Expensive and on checking my bill saw a charge for servicing the room which I have never ever been charged for!
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

More photos

26 November 2025
Great place to stay for a special event.