The capital city of Edinburgh, Scotland is home to impressive historic sites on nearly every seasoned traveler’s bucket list. Edinburgh Castle, easily the most popular attraction in all of Scotland, was constructed in the 12th century. Just below the castle’s perch upon Castle Rock lies Royal Mile which runs through Old Town to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official home of Queen Elizabeth II in Scotland. Royal Mile is full of shops, attractions, and festivals not to be missed on a vacation to Edinburgh. Just a quick jaunt away from Royal Mile lies Princes Street. Nearly absent of buildings on the south side and mostly closed to private transportation, Princes Street is a pedestrian paradise. With landmarks and shops aplenty, adventure and beautiful views always await on Princes Street.
The Balmoral has been a premier five star hotel in Edinburgh since 1902. The hotel sits at the distinguished address of No. 1 Princes Street in New Town, one of the only buildings with a distinctive location on the south side. With unsurpassed, panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle, travelers looking to experience the perfect balance of luxury and location are sure to stay at The Balmoral.
The Balmoral has 168 rooms designed by the Forte family’s own Olga Polizzi. With beautiful views of Edinburgh Castle and Old Town, each room and suite is carefully appointed to please even the most discerning of guests. Suite guests are sure to experience all the luxuries The Balmoral has to offer. With a personal concierge, in-room bar, packing and unpacking service, and unique access to some of Edinburgh’s most popular sights, a stay in a suite is not to be missed.
The Balmoral offers twenty suites to choose from, each offering distinctive characteristics. The four Grand Suites each feature a turret-style alcove, highlighting the architecture and history of Edinburgh. Suite guests staying with children can also expect some special amenities, not the least of which is Bonnie the Owl, The Balmoral’s exclusive stuffed animal gifted to child guests.
When dining in Edinburgh, nothing can compare to the exquisite establishments within The Balmoral. Even the Queen Mother was a regular patron. In the recently renovated Hadrian’s, guests can enjoy traditional Scottish cuisine. The Balmoral is also home to Number One, helmed by Michelin-starred executive chef, Jeffrey Bland, and features Scottish classic dishes with sumptuous, modern twists. Palm Court offers an award winning afternoon tea and also has vintage champagne on hand for those looking to celebrate life’s special moment or an any day treat.
A vacation to Scotland would be incomplete without crossing “enjoy scotch” off the bucket list. In Scotch, guests can experience over 500 varieties of the whisky, guided by the knowledgeable Cameron McKenzie-Ewen, The Balmoral’s in-house Whisky Ambassador. Those looking for a relaxing end to the day would enjoy the offerings of The Balmoral Bar and The Gallery. The Balmoral Bar specializes in unique cocktails and snacks. Art lovers will delight in The Gallery and its art collection that changes throughout the seasons.
The award-winning spa at The Balmoral features luxurious Forte Organic products, developed exclusively for Forte properties and carefully created using ingredients grown at the Forte’s Sicily hotel, Verdura Resort. Guests can pamper themselves with facials, massages, body treatments, and nail treatments. Also, unique to Rocco Forte hotels, guests can select a Rocco Forte Ritual experience, treatments that go beyond the ordinary to indulge and relax the body and the senses.
For those looking to host meetings or an event, rest assured The Balmoral will be a venue your guests will never forget. With 10 event spaces capable of accommodating as few as 15 to as many as 450 people, the hotel staff will endeavor to make your event special. As a five star hotel, The Balmoral excels at planning and executing stunning dream weddings. With three packages to choose from, a dedicated wedding planner, and a Michelin-starred chef, a destination wedding against the stunning backdrop of The Balmoral is what little girls dream about.
In Gaelic, the native language of Scotland, Balmoral translates to “majestic dwelling.” The Balmoral Rocco Forte Hotel certainly lives up to its name.
Written by Kristina Kyrland