Previous Next

The Balmoral — the "Grand Dame" of Edinburgh for over 110 years... and still counting

At days end, have a well-deserved cocktail in the historic Bollinger Bar at Palm Court

Number One — the Balmoral's Michelin-starred restaurant for 11 consecutive years

A deluxe bedroom at the Balmoral has the same attention to detail as any of the suites

The Scone and Crombie Suite — our favorite suite and the one we want to move into...

Impress your executives with a board meeting in the historic Carron Suite

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

The Balmoral

Location:

Style: Historic

Location, location, location — add to that a premier Edinburgh address, a landmark of Scottish architecture, and the luxury hospitality of Sir Rocco Forte.

We love historic buildings, and when they achieve milestones, we celebrate along with them. The Balmoral is known around the world as a sophisticated luxury hotel and elite destination in Edinburgh, the Scottish capitol.  In 2012, the Balmoral celebrated 110 years and is still considered the “Grand Dame” of Edinburgh. The hotel is famous, and its guest list is famous, spanning legends of literature, theater, film, and music. And, of course, Royalty.

In 1902, the Balmoral first opened its doors as the North British Station Hotel. It was built during a time when proximity to a railway was of utmost importance. So important that the hotel still features to this day, direct access to the Waverly Station. The hotel remained in ownership of the North British Railway Company for more than 80 years, after which it was sold to private investors and restored. In 1991, the hotel reopened as the Balmoral, meaning “majestic dwelling” in Gaelic.  In 1997, Sir Rocco Forte acquired the Balmoral, becoming the first hotel of his new luxury brand, Rocco Forte Hotels, and the beginning of his own Forte legacy.

Over the last 15 years the Balmoral has been progressively upgraded by its new owners. In our opinion, it has retained, even exceeded, its lasting legacy as the classic Scottish luxury hotel it always was. It is now perfectly positioned for the demands of 21^st century hospitality.

The Balmoral offers 168 rooms and 20 suites, and no two rooms are alike. Each guest room draws upon regional characteristics of Scottish heritage, such as the cool colors of the landscape and the local climate. Every room is luxuriously designed and appointed, and each represents a truly Scottish experience. We especially like the Scone and Crombie Suite and the deluxe rooms that feature the original circular windows of the historic building.

How many hotels can celebrate 110 years and 11 consecutive years of Michelin-star dining? This high honor goes to Number One Restaurant, and the culinary master is Executive Chef Jeff Bland. Number One is open for dinner only. Enjoy Hadrian’s Brasserie for bistro-style dining throughout the day in a hip modern setting. Hadrian’s features an international menu with contemporary Scottish accents, also created by Chef Bland.

Cocktails and the Balmoral’s award-winning Scottish afternoon tea are offered in the Palm Court and Bollinger Bar at Palm Court. This is a glamorous and historic space featuring a glass dome, Venetian glass chandeliers, and of course, you. Cocktails can also be enjoyed at the sleek and colorful Balmoral Bar.

There are 10 meeting and event spaces at the Balmoral, one as beautiful as the next, all equipped for today’s meeting requirements. The historic spaces, such as the Sir Walter Scott Suite, Beauty Suite, and Esk Suite, all feature ornately detailed cornices and moldings, elegant plaster ceilings, and great interior height. Most of the meeting rooms overlook historic Edinburgh Castle.

The Balmoral has one of the best locations in the heart of the city, on the famous Princes Street with everything you could possibly want at your doorstep.

Images courtesy of Rocco Forte Hotels