The Balmoral Hotel is a landmark building in the City of Edinburgh occupying its most prestigious address at No. 1 Princes Street since 1905 when it was known as The North British Station Hotel. The hotel’s grand clock dominates the city’s skyline and with a stunning location, comes stunning views, and the hotel has an interior to match.
There are 168 bedrooms and suites, each one lovingly and individually designed by Olga Polizzi. Every bedroom has complimentary Wi-Fi, television with interactive entertainment, in-room bar, in-room safe, robes, and slippers.
The Classic rooms marry together contemporary decor with Scottish charm. They use Italian marble; Sean Connery James Bond prints and Forte Organics bathroom amenities add a quirky touch and a little taste of luxury throughout the property. Executive and Deluxe Rooms follow this theme as do all the Rooms and Suites on offer including; Deluxe Old Town View Room, Deluxe Castle View Room, Junior Suite, Junior Suite Castle View, Classic Suite, Grand Suite, Castle View Suite, J.K Rowling Suite and Balmoral Suite, Glamis Suite and Scone & Crombie.
To give a sense of the attention to detail and individuality of the Suites, the J.K. Rowling requires a specific mention. Featuring a beautiful sitting room with turret style alcoves and decor inspired by the Scottish woodlands, this Suite boasts a view over Calton Hill. This is where J.K. Rowling finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. It contains a marble bust of Hermes, the Greek god of travel, signed by J.K. Rowling herself. The door knocker is a brass owl, in her honor.
The celebrity theme continues in the dining areas, where a collaboration between legendary chefs and restaurateurs Alain Roux, and his father Michel Roux, O.B.E. is evident. The Brasserie Prince by Alain Roux is a restaurant which celebrates a ‘new alliance’: combining the very best of Scottish produce with classic French cooking at The Balmoral. Brasserie Prince is the ultimate showcase of the Roux family’s finesse and Rocco Forte Hotels’ hospitality and flair. Dine on freshly caught fruits-de-Mer from the Raw Bar, sumptuous Scottish Côte-de-boeuf and quick light bites and sharing plates. Brasserie Prince marks a unique alliance of two remarkable families in hospitality; both committed to excellence and unparalleled service.
Equally impressive is Bar Pro, where the cocktail menu continues the theme of blending French and Scottish flavors. Enjoy the cozy fire or prop up the stunning marble bar. Wherever you choose, you will certainly be wowed.
The Balmoral also has a Michelin starred restaurant called Number One, known as one of Edinburgh’s finest offerings. Art is at the center of Number One’s interior design with a large triptych print of a Scottish oak tree by Adam Ellis complementing artwork from the Royal College of Art in London which hangs on the vibrant red lacquered walls.
There are more dining facilities on offer within the Palm Court, an Edinburgh institution, with its spectacular breath-taking glass dome. Afternoon teas and vintage champagne are on the menu, and a harpist usually provides the background entertainment that only adds to the sense of serenity.
A Signature Whisky Bar completes the food and drinks offering, suitably honoring Scotland’s national drink. With over 500 varieties you could be here a while, so pull up a tweed chair and prepare to enjoy.
The Spa at The Balmoral is a sanctuary of relaxation in this wonderfully vibrant city. Guests can enjoy five treatment rooms, a Finnish sauna, a Turkish dream room, 15m swimming pool, poolside refreshment area, and a state-of-the-art gym.
The Balmoral is only a five-minute walk from the National Gallery, the main shopping areas and the Old Town. This is a truly magical hotel for those wanting to explore Edinburgh during your golf vacation, and we cannot recommend it highly enough.