The Balmoral (CLOSED)

It’s an eye-catcher, the minute you step out of Waverly Station. The stature, the detail, the glorious clock tower and its proud, Scottish flag, waving high in the wind. Edinburgh’s Balmoral Hotel has ruled the city skyline and centre for 124 years, since its opening in 1902, and it makes for the most luxe, and quintessentially Scottish holiday stay.  

Why stay at The Balmoral?

At the risk of sounding cliche, the better question is.. Why wouldn't you stay at The Balmoral? The location is near impossible to beat. The food and drink options are exceptional, and the staff and amenities are top-tier. If it’s good enough for A-listers like Oprah Winfrey, Beyoncé, Sir Paul McCartney, trust that it will be good to you, too. 

What is the service like at The Balmoral?

Service here is exactly what you’d expect from a 5-star, luxury hotel with 124 years of prestige behind it. Doors are opened for you, warm smiles are at reception, and – should you need directions, restaurant recs or any help with your guest room, the concierge and rest of the staff are on it. STAT. There’s also morning and mid-day turndowns, 24-hour in-room dining, airport transfers, wardrobe pressing and same-day laundry service, and, if you really feel like doing f***-all from the get-go, they’ll unpack your bags, too. 

What are the rooms like at The Balmoral?

The 167 rooms and 20 suites are equal parts cosy, clean and luxurious, with little touches that create a quintessentially Scottish experience. Think calming greens and blues, wallpapers that mimic nature and Scotland’s ever-famous plaid pattern adorning pillow cases. There’s also a not-so-standard desk topped with tall vanity mirrors, a TV, and beds with mattresses that hug in all the right places. 

The bathrooms are pristine, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get one with a bath. Take a dip after a long day out, but head to the nearby Holland&Barrett first, to pick up lavender bath salts and level up the relaxation. 

What is the food like at The Balmoral?

If The Balmoral showcases the very best of Scotland, you better believe that includes the cuisine. It’s where impressive full Scottish breakfasts are delivered to your suite, afternoon teas are poured with prestige and lunch and dinner dishes are served with the fr. 

Book at its four AA Rosette restaurant, Number One, where native Edinburgh chef, Mathew Sherry, serves some stunning Scottish showstoppers like Ullapool brown crab and Loch Duart salmon, presented so immaculately, an Instagram pic is imperative. 

For a more casual (and affordable) vibe, Brasserie Prince offers French fare with equally fab Scottish ingredients. If it’s on the menu, order the bouillabaisse, served with mussels, juicy, plump fish and langoustine, and two savoury crumpets to mop up the leftover broth. Finish the evening with mango sorbet, and a midnight tipple from the hotel’s elite whiskey bar, SCOTCH. 

And do you think The Balmoral would skip out on afternoon tea? Its Palm Court restaurant offers a stunning, floral backdrop to sip on some high-quality strained leaves and cocktails. As for the sandwiches and pastries, from the classic coronation chicken to a rich, Earl Grey-infused Opera cake, each bite, sweet or savoury, is perfectly presented and are as good as they are filling. Luckily, they have takeaway boxes. 

What else will I find at The Balmoral?

Let’s put it this way. If you were, for some reason, only confined within the walls of The Balmoral, I doubt you’d complain. Its Irene Forte Spa is a basement-level wellness haven that includes a fitness centre, a swimming pool surrounded by lounges and a list of luxurious spa treatments. There are plenty of rooms for events and weddings, along with a concierge that can arrange everything from whiskey tastings at SCOTCH, to scent-creating masterclasses and personalised poems written by The Balmoral’s poet-in-residence, Marcas Mac. 

If you’re feeling outdoorsy, they can also assist with golf experiences, Highland adventures and even set-jetting filming locations from the steamy Scottish series, Outlander.

What’s the area like around The Balmoral?

The Balmoral is set in the beating heart of Edinburgh’s city centre, so you’re in the perfect position to explore the capital. Exit Waverly via Princes Street, and the hotel’s 58-metre-tall clock tower is just on your right, standing proud and Scottish. Head east, past the hotel, and you’re right at the foot of Calton Hill and the Nelson Monument. Head west, instead, and you’ll find the National Galleries, the Scott Monument, Princes Street Gardens (with views of Edinburgh Castle) and – across the street – your typical franchises, Black Sheep Coffee, H&M, M&S and Primark, etc. This is the perfect middle ground for exploring the Old and New Town’s, too. The Balmoral’s entrance faces the New Town, where great restaurants like Paz Taqueria and Noto lie on Thistle Street, about 10 to 12 minutes away. When you’re ready to hit the Old Town, just cross the North Bridge (literally next to the hotel), and you’re on Market Street, close to the iconic Cockburn Street, where you’ll find the Insta-famous (and insta-crowded) Milkman Coffeeshops and the Royal Mile.

Why should you book a stay at The Balmoral?

No other hotel in the capital is as prestigious, perfectly located, and proudly, quintessentially Scottish as The Balmoral, and it shows in every detail of the hotel – from the design to the dedicated staff. Sure, a room does cost a pretty penny, but when you check out of the room feeling like you’re part of HBO’s Succession’s Roy family (minus the toxic behaviour), it’s a pretty penny damn well spent. 

DETAILS 

Address: 1 Princes St., EH2 2EQ, Edinburgh
Price: Starting from £715 per night.
Closest transport: Edinburgh Waverly Station is a two-minute walk. Waterloo Place bus stop (buses) is a two-minute walk. 

Book now: Via Booking.com

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