The Balmoral Hotel

Hotels
•
Rocco Forte Hotels
9.3 (1699 reviews)
1 Princes Street , Edinburgh , gb

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Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Health or beauty spa nearby
Fitness facilities (surcharge)
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Room service
Family rooms
Pets allowed
Lift / Elevator
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Beautiful location
Luxurious amenities
Great dining options
Cons:
Lift was out of order
Check-in felt transactional

Categories

Cleanliness
9.19
Well maintained but felt dated, some complaints about check-in lacking warmth.
Service
9.66
Staff were very friendly and attentive throughout the stay.
Location
9.7
Perfect location with excellent surroundings.
Room Quality
9.15
Gorgeous room with a view and a lovely bathroom.
Amenities
9.18
Luxurious with a magical atmosphere and lovely decorations.
Value for Money
8.64
Pricey during Christmas but generally felt worth it.
Food and Beverage
9.19
Breakfast and dining options received high praise.
Overall Experience
9.66
A truly magical stay, felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-08 22:32

Property Description

Luxurious Accommodation:
The Balmoral, first opened in 1902, offers elegantly designed rooms with marble bathrooms and interactive TVs. Many rooms boast stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town, providing a truly unforgettable stay.

Culinary Delights:
Indulge in a gastronomic experience at The Balmoral's dining establishments. From the fine dining menu at Number One Restaurant to the informal Brasserie Prince and the innovative cocktails at Bar Prince, there's something to satisfy every palate. Don't forget to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at Palm Court.

Relaxation and Wellness:
Unwind and rejuvenate at The Balmoral Spa, featuring a pool, sauna, Turkish steam room, and 5 treatment rooms. With an exercise studio available, guests can stay active and pampered during their stay.

Experience luxury and sophistication at The Balmoral in the heart of Edinburgh. Book now for an unforgettable stay!

Important information:

Reservations of 7 nights or more will require full prepayment.

Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 12:00 PM
Airport code: EDI

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in the hotel rooms and is free of charge.

  • Groups

    When booking more than 9 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 3 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 3 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    Children from 4 years old to 12 years old stay for £50 per person per night when using an existing bed.
    Children from 4 years old to 12 years old stay for £50 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

  • Parking

    Public parking is possible at a location nearby (reservation is not needed) and costs GBP 40 per day.

Location

Guest Reviews

9.3
Based on 1699 reviews
Cleanliness: 9.19
Service: 9.66
Location: 9.7
Room Quality: 9.15
Amenities: 9.18
Value for Money: 8.64
Food and Beverage: 9.19
Overall Experience: 9.66
A
ayla • extended_group • tr
9
2026-03-28 • via Nuitee
S
Stuart • family_with_children • gb
10
2026-03-27 • via Nuitee
L
LUKASZ • family_with_children • pl
10
2026-03-25 • via Nuitee
D
Dawn • couple • gb
10
2026-03-25 • via Nuitee
S
Suzanne • couple • gb
10
Pros:

EVERYTHING

Cons:

NOTHING

2026-03-25 • via Nuitee
S
Seager-Hart • couple • gb
10
2026-03-25 • via Nuitee
L
Leonor • couple • pt
10
2026-03-24 • via Nuitee
A
Alejandra • couple • ar
10
Extraordinario !!! Nos encantó en todos los aspectos sobretodo en los detalles.
Pros:

El edificio es maravilloso totalmente reciclado con todos los detalles en mobiliario y accesorios. La habitación y el baño todo en mármol completo . La atención del personal maravillosa y la ubicación es perfecta para ir caminando a todos lados.
Pegada a la estación de tren .
Increíble

Cons:

Nada

2026-03-24 • via Nuitee
Z
Zainab • couple • gb
9
Exceptional customer service
Pros:

The staff. They went above and beyond. The customer service was exceptional

Cons:

The view from our room due to the room overlooking the bridge works

2026-03-23 • via Nuitee
C
Chay • couple • gb
10
A fantastic experience
Pros:

Everything was lovely, especially the friendliness and professionalism of the staff.
Breakfast was excellent, room was lovely and the location was in the heart of the city

2026-03-23 • via Nuitee
R
Risal • couple • gb
1
2026-03-23 • via Nuitee
R
Rona • couple • gb
10
This was a bucket list trip and it didn’t disappoint.
Pros:

Staff, location and food

Cons:

Everything was perfect

2026-03-23 • via Nuitee
B
Barbara • couple • gb
10
Luxury
2026-03-23 • via Nuitee
A
Amina • family_with_children • us
10
2026-03-23 • via Nuitee
M
Melvin • solo_traveller • gb
10
Absolutely brilliant rooms bar spa. Couldn’t fault it
Pros:

Everything

Cons:

Nothing

2026-03-22 • via Nuitee
A
Andrew • couple • gb
9
2026-03-22 • via Nuitee
M
Michael • couple • gb
10
The staff couldn’t be better here. Warm and attentive without being intrusive
Pros:

Perfect location with large, spacious and comfortable rooms

2026-03-21 • via Nuitee
M
Massai7 • Couples • Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast, Queensland
10
Absolute stunner
Pros:

First up, great location right on the Waverley Station doorstep.

The staff from the doormen who greeted us with great Scottish humour and service, the the reception team to the restaurant and bar staff, we say thank you. You truly made our stay memorable.

Our room was beautifully decorated and comfortable, the ensuite lovely. Views over old Edinburgh town even better.

Food was superb, great range and the smoked salmon was divine (I will truly miss this).
Sarah and others in the restaurant made sure we were well looked after. The Scotch Bar with its 500 plus whisky brands, lovely place for a wee dram before bed.

Overall there was everything to like and nothing to worry about. The Balmoral is truly one of the stand out hotels in this world. We absolutely loved it.

2026-03-18 • via Tripadvisor
S
suzannecrockett28 • Couples • Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, Ayrshire, Scotland
10
Wonderful relaxing stay.
Pros:

A first and fantastic stay from start to finish at the Balmoral Edinburgh. We arrived by train from Glasgow which is very convenient for the hotel. Just a one night stay but enjoyed a lot that the hotel offers. The staff were very welcoming and helpful. We checked in around 1 pm and able to go to our room right away. As this was part of my birthday treat a box of macarons were sent up after we arrived. Also chocolate whisky fudge in the room on arrival. Both delicious. We had an exec room which was spacious with everything you could need. Including body and face creams, cleanser, face mask and the usual shower gel etc but also conditioner. The bathroom is in marble and although it was a shower over bath it really was excellent. Slippers and robes are provided which is great when using the spa.
We spent a couple of hours in the spa and although I did not indulge in any treatments it was just a joy to relax, swim, use the sauna and steam room. Tea, water, coffee and fruit are all provided. There is a choice of chairs or beds to relax with a blanket for good measure.
We ate in the Princes restaurant for breakfast lunch and dinner. Food was excellent overall and a great choice at breakfast. We enjoyed a libation at lunch then dinner with beer for my hubby and a gin cosmo for me and a bottle of wine at dinner.
Overall it was so relaxing and enjoyable that we have booked for Jan/ Feb 27 for 2 nights.
It is more expensive but we felt definitely worth it. The rates are better in the winter. So if you feel like a bit of luxury give it a go.

2026-03-18 • via Tripadvisor
P
Peter • couple • ie
9
2026-03-17 • via Nuitee