The Balmoral — Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

The Balmoral

Starting Price
€700
Nearest Airport

Edinburgh Airport (EDI) — 12km away

Perfect For

History enthusiasts wanting to stay in a landmark Scots Baronial clock towerTravelers seeking the most prestigious "Old Town" address in EdinburghTraditionalists who appreciate Scottish heritage and white-glove serviceLiterature fans wanting to visit the site where Harry Potter was finished

The Balmoral

Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

From €700 / night

Part of the Rocco Forte Hotels collection

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Popular Amenities

  • The Balmoral Spa
  • Indoor swimming pool
  • 24-hour fitness centre
  • Finnish sauna and steam room
  • Personal butler service (for Castle View suites)
  • Valet parking
  • Pet friendly
  • Express check-in/out

Overview


A Victorian landmark that has dominated the Edinburgh skyline since 1902, The Balmoral (formerly the North British Station Hotel) is the architectural gateway to the Old Town. Its signature clock tower is famously set three minutes fast to ensure travelers don't miss their trains at the adjacent Waverley Station—a tradition maintained to this day. Designed by W. Hamilton Beattie, the building is a masterpiece of the Scots Baronial style. It remains the city’s premier grand hotel, a place where Scottish heritage meets modern luxury, and where J.K. Rowling famously finished writing the final Harry Potter novel.
City Icons & PalacesLiving in a landmark clock-tower hotel in the heart of EdinburghExperiencing a bespoke Scottish whisky tasting at SCOTCHViewing the Edinburgh Castle from your suite

Highlights


  • Iconic Scots Baronial landmark featuring a historic clock tower that has dominated the city skyline since 1902
  • Home to Number One, a Michelin-starred restaurant specializing in modern Scottish fine dining
  • Features the "JK Rowling Suite," where the author famously completed the final Harry Potter novel
  • Recipient of the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating, the first hotel in Scotland to achieve this honor

Things to Know

  • Check-in: 3:00 PM / Check-out: 12:00 PM
  • The iconic clock tower is set exactly two minutes fast to ensure travelers don't miss their trains at Waverley Station
  • Traditional formal attire is encouraged for dinner at Number One
  • The hotel offers a "Whisky Ambassador" in the SCOTCH bar to guide guests through over 500 varieties of Scottish whisky.

Activities


Private whisky tastings at SCOTCH
Guided history tours of the Royal Mile
Hiking the Arthur’s Seat trail

On-site Restaurant

Number One

1 Star Michelin

“A table worth the journey — Number One holds one Michelin star, offering one of the most refined dining experiences you will find within a hotel anywhere in the world.”


Reservations recommended well in advance.

Visit Restaurant

Other Dining Options

  • Brasserie Prince — French Classics with Scottish Ingredients (Chef Alain Roux)
  • Palm Court — Award-winning Traditional Afternoon Tea
  • SCOTCH — Dedicated Whisky Bar with over 500 varieties
Explore Dining

1 Princes St., Edinburgh EH2 2EQ, United Kingdom

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