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.
Travelling with Kids
Guests over the age of 12 are considered adults. Some rooms accommodate 3 or more. The "Delux" room sleeps up to four guests. For crib/cot, must book "Executive" room or larger. For 2 adults + rollaway bed, must book "Delux" or larger. For 2 adults + 2 kids beyond crib age, must book "Delux" room or larger. Connecting rooms available. Can be confirmed upon reservation.
Cribs are available for an additional fee of GB£0.00. Roll-away beds available for an additional fee of GB£35. No additional charges for kids beyond crib/roll-away.
Fenced in pool available that allows kids. Babysitting services provided by screened outside help at GB£12.00 per hour. The restaurant is kid-friendly with high chairs and a kids menu. Room service offers a kids menu.
Emergency amenities include Wooden Cots (travel cots are also available, if preferred), Brightly-coloured toy box with toys, Balmoral-Teddy Turndown Service (the Teddy is a gift to take home), Bottle warmers, Sterilisers, Complimentary Milk on Turndown (for bottles or a glass of milk for older babies), Baby toiletries (“Junior Accessories” - 100%% pure and natural made for Rocco Forte Hotels) , Baby Baths, Nappy Stacker with “Pampers” nappies, Nappy changing mats and Stools for kids to reach up to the toilet.
Contact & location
1 Princes Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
+44.(0)131.556.2414
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Hotel description
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.
Travelling with Kids
Guests over the age of 12 are considered adults. Some rooms accommodate 3 or more. The "Delux" room sleeps up to four guests. For crib/cot, must book "Executive" room or larger. For 2 adults + rollaway bed, must book "Delux" or larger. For 2 adults + 2 kids beyond crib age, must book "Delux" room or larger. Connecting rooms available. Can be confirmed upon reservation.
Cribs are available for an additional fee of GB£0.00. Roll-away beds available for an additional fee of GB£35. No additional charges for kids beyond crib/roll-away.
Fenced in pool available that allows kids. Babysitting services provided by screened outside help at GB£12.00 per hour. The restaurant is kid-friendly with high chairs and a kids menu. Room service offers a kids menu.
Emergency amenities include Wooden Cots (travel cots are also available, if preferred), Brightly-coloured toy box with toys, Balmoral-Teddy Turndown Service (the Teddy is a gift to take home), Bottle warmers, Sterilisers, Complimentary Milk on Turndown (for bottles or a glass of milk for older babies), Baby toiletries (“Junior Accessories” - 100%% pure and natural made for Rocco Forte Hotels) , Baby Baths, Nappy Stacker with “Pampers” nappies, Nappy changing mats and Stools for kids to reach up to the toilet.
Contact & location
1 Princes Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
+44.(0)131.556.2414
Be the first one to add a review
The photos displayed on this page are the property of one of the following authors:
The Balmoral
This travel guide also includes text from Wikitravel articles, all available at View full credits
This travel guide also includes text from Wikipedia articles, all available at View full credits