The Balmoral, Rocco Forte

Famous for providing warm, expert service and timeless grandeur, this historic hotel is ideal for a luxurious holiday in the heart of Edinburgh.

Full accommodation information

Over the century that it has been serving guests, this prestigious hotel’s well-earned reputation for excellence has attracted a great array of esteemed guests.

This includes Sir Sean Connery, Harold Wilson and Sir Paul McCartney. J.K. Rowling even completed her final Harry Potter novels here.

Now part of the Rocco Forte group, well-known for honouring the heritage of each of its properties, the interior has been meticulously crafted by award-winning designer Olga Polizzi, to give a contemporary finish to the historic grandeur of the building. Majestic, open spaces with plasterwork ceilings, floor to ceiling columns and oak-panelled walls are made into cosy spaces with the addition of plush textiles and comfortable seating aplenty. Whether you’re in one of the 188 individually decorated rooms and suites or in any of the six bars and restaurants, at The Balmoral, you are made to feel at home.

Situated at the eastern end of Princes Street, the most famous and most visited street in Edinburgh, The Balmoral provides excellent access to the city’s key landmarks. To the north of the hotel is Edinburgh’s New Town, home to famous shops and flagship stores of a number of well-known brands. Meanwhile, to the south, you can find cultural highlights of Edinburgh’s Old Town including the iconic Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Scottish National Gallery and, of course, Edinburgh Castle.

Or, if you have a little more time on your hands, The Balmoral offers a rich selection of full and half-day tours, each designed to showcase the best that Scotland has to offer. Among many others, experiences on offer include a tour of the spectacular surroundings of Loch Lomond by 4x4, a culinary safari of Scottish cuisine and a tour to some of Scotland’s best golf courses.

After a full day on your feet exploring the streets and highlands of Scotland, why not escape to the soothing oasis of the award-winning Balmoral Spa? Inside you can find five different treatment rooms offering a range of rituals all made using luxury skincare products such as Irene Forte natural and sustainable products. More than just a treatment spa, inside you can also find a relaxation suite, a Finnish sauna, a Turkish steam room, a gym and yoga studio; everything you need for gloriously indulgent retreat.

But a stay at The Balmoral isn’t just about the adults. With a host of family-friendly amenities and personal touches, such as the Owl Teddy special Turndown Service, The R Forte passport and bespoke city activity programmes available, younger guests are certainly well catered for.

168 rooms and suites carefully designed by award-winning designer Olga Polizzi to create calming, contemporary spaces that covey local history. Pairing bright furnishings and pastel-patterned wallpapers with classic shapes, furniture and plasterwork ceilings, each space feels at once modern and at one with the building’s heritage. Each of the spacious rooms features elegantly appointed marble en suite bathrooms, luxury Forte Organics bathroom amenities and stunning views of the streets and cityscape of Edinburgh.

Guests within suites enjoy additional benefits, including breakfast by Alain Roux provided in the Brasserie Prince or within-suite.

Classic Room

Classic Room

204 sq ft room, featuring one queen-sized bed, an Italian marble en suite bathroom equipped with Forte Organics bathroom amenities.
Sleeps: 2 adults
Deluxe Room

Deluxe Room

Features a choice between one king-sized bed or two single beds and an en suite Italian marble bathroom. Two extra beds can also be provided to accommodate two children. Some rooms situated on the high floors boast spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle.
Sleeps: 2 adults, 2 children
 Deluxe Old Town View Room

Deluxe Old Town View Room

Large room overlooking Edinburgh’s Old Town, featuring an en suite Italian marble bathroom, a sitting area and a choice between a king-sized bed or two twin beds. Two extra beds can also be provided to accommodate one child.
Sleeps: 2 adults, 1 child
 Executive Room

Executive Room

Spacious 269 sq ft room overlooking Edinburgh’s Old Town which features a choice between one queen or king-sized bed, or two single beds, as well as an Italian marble en suite bathroom and a sitting area. For a supplement, you may choose to have a view of Edinburgh’s Old Town.
Sleeps: 2 adults
Castle View Suite

Castle View Suite

Ideal for those chilly Scottish days, this suite features an original working fireplace with a separate seating area beside it. In addition, this suite has a choice between a king-sized bed or two single beds, as well as an en suite bathroom. Two extra beds can also be provided to accommodate two children.
sleeps: 2 adults, 1 child
Grand Suite

Grand Suite

Large suite named after Scottish towns and landmarks, featuring turret-style alcoves, a king-sized bed or two twin beds, up to two extra beds for children, an en suite bathroom and a living area with original working fireplace.
Sleeps: 2 adults, 2 children
Classic Suite

Classic Suite

Spacious suite overlooking Northbridge, Princes Street or the Old Town, featuring one king-sized bed or two single beds, up to two extra beds to accommodate children, a separate bedroom and sitting area as well as an en suite bathroom.
Sleeps: 2 adults, 2 children
Junior Suite

Junior Suite

Grand suite overlooking the internal courtyard or the city, featuring a large lounge area as well as a separate en suite bedroom with a choice between one king-sized bed or two twin beds. Two extra beds may also be provided to accommodate two children. For a supplement, you may choose to have a view of Edinburgh castle.
Sleeps: 2 adults, 2 children
Scone & Crombie Suite

Scone & Crombie Suite

Iconic suite overlooking the historic Old Town, named after Scone Palace in Perthshire. This grand suite features a separate living area with plush seating and an original working fireplace, a separate dining room, a writing desk, a king-sized bedroom and an en suite bathroom with a free-standing bath. Sleeps: 2 adults, 2 children
Glamis

Glamis

Perfect for entertaining, this grand suite features a large salon with plush velvet sofas and an original fireplace with large windows that frame spectacular views over Princes Street. The king-sized bedroom connects to a spacious Italian marble bathroom with walk-in shower and free-standing bathtub. This suite may also be connected to two executive rooms to accommodate families.
Sleeps: 2 adults, 1 child on an extra bed upon request
 J.K. Rowling Suite

J.K. Rowling Suite

This suite, where J.K. Rowling finshed Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, overlooks Calton Hill and features special touches such as a brass owl door knocker, a king-sized en suite bedroom and a separate large sitting room with turret-style alcoves dressed in warm tones of red, yellow and dark wood accents. Sleeps: 2 adults, 2 children on extra beds upon request
Balmoral Suite

Balmoral Suite

The largest suite available, this suite features two king-sized bedrooms, with a master bedroom walk-in wardrobe, two bathrooms and a sitting room overlooking the historic Old Town and Arthur’s Seat.
Sleeps: 4 adults
Brasserie Prince by Alain Roux

Brasserie Prince by Alain Roux

Cosy restaurant dressed in rich tones of ivy green and dusty blue, with an intimate feel afforded by the warm lamp lighting. Created by award-winning chef Alain and culinary legend Michel Roux, this restaurant serves traditional fine French cuisine prepared using exceptional Scottish produce.

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Bar Prince

Bar Prince

Located within the Brasserie Prince, this marble-topped bar serves hand-crafted classic cocktails, speciality liquors and a delectable menu of French bar snacks created by Alain Roux. Join for a pre-dinner aperitif, a cosy night-cap or a mid-afternoon snack.

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Number One

Number One

Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant that has been a culinary landmark for over twenty years. Located in the basement, the interior has an intimate atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely evening of dining. Created using the finest of Scottish ingredients, Head Chef Mark Donald presents dishes such as salt baked celeriac with king oyster mushroom and pine, and cured foie gras with kiwi and summer truffle. We particularly recommend joining for the tasting menu for a truly special dining experience.

  • Dinner
Palm Court

Palm Court

Set in a truly spectacular room lined with palm trees, with parquet wooden flooring underfoot and, overhead, a Venetian chandelier and glass dome, there is no better place to enjoy a relaxed afternoon of dining on fine finger food created by Executive Pastry Chef Ross Sneddon, alongside a wide selection of loose-leaf teas, coffee and vintage champagne.

  • Lunch
Scotch Whiskey Bar

Scotch Whiskey Bar

Ease back in plush tweed sofas and sample the 500 varieties of whiskey available, with the help of The Balmoral’s expert Whiskey Ambassadors.

Ask our Travel Specialists about booking one of the experiences and excursions offered by The Balmoral. Tours cover everything from gin and whiskey tasting to cultural tours of the city, and even tours to further-flung locations such as Loch Lomond. There are even a range of tours tailored specially to families with children, including a walking with Reindeer tour and a Go Ape adventure in the treetops. Each has been designed to showcase the best of Edinburgh and Scotland and provide you with an alternative view of the city.

 

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