The Balmoral
Grand Edwardian landmark with contemporary Scottish luxury. Think heritage and tartan, but done with taste rather than kitsch. Interiors by Olga Polizzi. Formal without being stiff — staff are warm, service is attentive.
Ask for a Deluxe Castle View Room — same floor as standard rooms but frames Edinburgh Castle perfectly
Why It Matters
It's the iconic Edinburgh hotel. The clock tower is kept three minutes fast so train passengers don't miss their connections — a tradition since 1902. J.K. Rowling finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in Suite 552, now named after her. Number One restaurant holds four AA Rosettes and sits in La Liste's world's best restaurant ranking. The Irene Forte Spa brings a Sicilian wellness philosophy to the heart of Scotland.
The Balmoral opened in 1902 as the North British Hotel — a grand Edwardian railway hotel sitting right next to Waverley Station at the address of 1 Princes Street. Rocco Forte took over and modernised it without stripping out the soul: doormen still greet guests in full Highland regalia, the clock tower is still Edinburgh's most recognisable silhouette, and the interior leans hard into Scottish identity with bespoke Balmoral tartan, Hebridean colour palettes, and a whisky bar stocking over 500 malts. It's genuinely one of the best-positioned hotels in any UK city, with direct sightlines to Edinburgh Castle.
Where You'll Stay
20 room types available
Balmoral Suite
66 sqm Forte Suite facing Arthur's Seat and the Old Town. Sleeps up to 4. Heritage-meets-modern design. Full Forte Suite benefits package including wardrobe concierge, airport transfers, and personalised amenities.
King · 66 sqm
Bowes-Lyon Suite
67 sqm Forte Suite named for Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, born Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, who was a patron of The Balmoral. Heritage and modernity blended deliberately, facing Princes Street.
King · 67 sqmCastle View Suite
55 sqm looking directly at Edinburgh Castle, the Scott Monument, and Princes Street Gardens. One of the best views in the city. Designed by Olga Polizzi.
King (can be twinned) · 55 sqmClassic Room
The entry-level option and honestly the smallest room in the hotel at 19 sqm. Courtyard-facing, so no grand views, but the Scottish charm decor and quality furnishings make it comfortable. Good for guests who are out most of the day.
Queen · 19 sqmClassic Suite
52 sqm suite with a choice of North Bridge, Princes Street, or Old Town views. Heritage and contemporary design fused together. Comfortable for longer stays.
King (can be twinned) · 52 sqmDeluxe Castle View Room
28 sqm facing directly toward Edinburgh Castle. One of the best value positions in the hotel — you get the castle outlook without paying suite rates. Scottish countryside design cues throughout.
King (can be twinned) · 28 sqmDeluxe Old Town View Room
28 sqm blending heritage and contemporary style with Old Town views. Slightly more generous than the Executive category with a king bed that twins.
King (can be twinned) · 28 sqmDeluxe Room
At 32 sqm, the largest standard room category. City or courtyard views, warm colour palette, king bed that can twin. Good balance of space and price for a non-suite stay.
King (can be twinned) · 32 sqmExecutive Old Town View Room
25 sqm with Old Town views and a sitting area alongside the bedroom. A good mid-tier room for anyone wanting a memorable outlook without going full suite.
King (can be twinned) · 25 sqmExecutive Room
25 sqm with natural tones and Scottish landscape-inspired artwork. King bed that can be split to twins. City or courtyard views. Step up from Classic in both size and outlook.
King (can be twinned) · 25 sqmExecutive View Room
Same 25 sqm footprint as the standard Executive but with city-facing views. Tartan and sylvan wallpaper evoke Scottish countryside without being overdone.
King (can be twinned) · 25 sqmFamily Castle View Suite
83 sqm looking toward the Scott Monument, Princes Street Gardens, and Edinburgh Castle. Sleeps 4. One of the hotel's most privileged outlooks in a family-friendly configuration.
King (can be twinned) · 83 sqmFamily Junior Suite
63 sqm suite for families, with lounge area and city or Old Town views. Accommodates up to 4 guests. Bookable via email.
King (can be twinned) · 63 sqmFamily Room
Two interconnecting Executive View rooms creating 50 sqm for up to four guests. Two bedrooms, two sleek bathrooms with shower over bath, Irene Forte toiletries throughout.
King (can be twinned) · 50 sqmGlamis Suite
105 sqm newly refurbished suite named after Glamis Castle — childhood home of The Queen Mother. Faces Princes Street. One of the largest and most opulent rooms in the hotel, with every design detail chosen to evoke its royal namesake.
King · 105 sqmGrand Suite
Four suites — Braemar, Stirling, Dunrobin, and Tay — each named after Scottish landmarks. 60 sqm with Arthur's Seat or Calton Hill views. A strong nod to Scottish identity in design and naming.
King (can be twinned) · 60 sqmJ.K. Rowling Suite
55 sqm Forte Suite with Calton Hill views — and the room where J.K. Rowling completed Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Contemporary design with unique features that reference the connection to one of the world's most famous authors. Book well ahead.
King · 55 sqmJunior Suite
38 sqm of stylish sophistication. Sleek lines, sumptuous fabrics, and a city view. A comfortable entry point into the suite categories with all the elegance you'd expect.
King (can be twinned) · 38 sqmJunior Suite Castle View
38 sqm with direct views of Edinburgh Castle perched on its 700-million-year-old volcanic rock. The castle outlook makes this the standout junior suite choice.
King (can be twinned) · 38 sqmScone & Crombie Suite
The hotel's largest suite at 120 sqm, named after Scone Palace in Perthshire and Crombie Castle in Aberdeenshire. Old Town views. Can interconnect with one or two additional rooms to form a 2 or 3 bedroom configuration — ideal for larger groups or families wanting the absolute best.
King · 120 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
5 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Traditional afternoon tea in the grand Palm Court setting. Fresh pastries, sandwiches, savouries, and Champagne. Bookable by hotel guests and the public.
Expert whisky ambassadors at SCOTCH bar guide guests through a selection from over 500 unique Scottish whiskies. Available to hotel guests and the public. One of Edinburgh's most authentic whisky experiences.
Bespoke cultural experiences organised by the hotel's concierge team, included for suite-level guests as part of the Suites & Beyond programme. Arrangements vary by guest.
Seven fully-equipped meeting and event rooms accommodating up to 350 guests in the Sir Walter Scott Suite. Dedicated event staff and easy access to historic city-centre sites.
5-course and 7-course tasting menus at Number One restaurant. Head Chef Mathew Sherry showcases seasonal Scottish produce with classical technique. 4 AA Rosettes, La Liste ranked.
The Balmoral houses a significant collection of Scottish art curated with assistance from Bonhams specialist May Matthews. Guests can view the collection throughout the hotel's public spaces.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Seven fully equipped meeting rooms including the Sir Walter Scott Suite for up to 350 guests.
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi available throughout the hotel.
Babysitting available on request (additional charge). Children also receive owl teddy turndown service with milk and cookies.
Fully equipped cardiovascular gymnasium with latest Technogym equipment and exercise studio. Open 7am–10pm daily.
All rooms and suites stocked with Irene Forte Skincare vegan, B-Corp certified toiletries.
Full room service available for hotel guests.
All rooms feature marble bathrooms with Irene Forte Skincare toiletries.
Minibar and in-room safe available in all rooms. Complimentary minibar included for Forte Suite guests.
Crystal-clear 15-metre indoor pool. Complimentary for hotel residents. Minimum age 16.
Post-treatment relaxation lounge with luxurious loungers.
Turkish steam bath in the Irene Forte Spa. Complimentary for hotel residents.
Traditional Finnish sauna in the Irene Forte Spa. Complimentary for hotel residents.
Full concierge service. Well-connected for ticket access, reservations, and city tours. Guest reviews specifically call out concierge for sourcing sold-out tickets to Edinburgh Castle and other attractions.
BUILD YOUR THE BALMORAL PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
Start Planning