The Balmoral Hotel
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The Balmoral Hotel

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Avg. €379 /night, 2/19 - 2/20
€607
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€427
per night
€247
per night

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About

#12 of 163 hotels in Edinburgh
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Location
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
4.2 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
4.7 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
For over a century, The Balmoral has found a home at Edinburgh’s most prestigious address, No. 1 Princes Street. A landmark Rocco Forte hotel set in the heart of Scotland’s capital city, The Balmoral combines stunning views and warm hospitality with world-class facilities to create the perfect urban retreat. The perfect marriage of tradition and modernity, each of the 167 rooms has been individually designed by Rocco Forte Hotels’ Director of Design Olga Polizzi. Elegant and stylish with unmistakably Scottish accents, each of our 20 Edinburgh suites are generous with magnificent views. Enjoy 4AA Rosette dining at the famous Number One restaurant, sample modern Scottish Afternoon Tea under the glass dome of Palm Court or relax in the serene sanctuary of The Balmoral Spa. Brasserie Prince, launched in 2018, celebrates a 'new alliance': matching the very best of Scottish produce with classic French cooking, while The Balmoral’s signature whisky bar, SCOTCH, pays homage to Scotland’s national drink and is home to one of Edinburgh’s largest collections. Take a seat on one of the tweed sofas and let a kilted Whisky Ambassadors help you choose from over 500 varieties. The Balmoral is the perfect home-from-home to discover Edinburgh and Scotland’s finest attractions. Whatever the season, the hotel’s dedicated Concierge team can open doors to some of the most unique experiences in Scotland. From tickets to the world-famous Edinburgh Festival events, access to the city’s royal establishments - Holyrood Palace and the Royal Yacht Britannia – to the hotel’s Tartan Butler Clan Tour, you’ll find the best of Scotland at your finger tips.
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Property amenities
Valet parking
Free internet
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Pool
Bar / lounge
Walking tours
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Airport transportation
Wifi
Paid wifi
Fitness / spa changing rooms
Fitness classes
Personal trainer
Sauna
Indoor pool
Heated pool
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Breakfast in the room
Complimentary tea
Kids' meals
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Taxi service
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Spa
Couples massage
Facial treatments
Full body massage
Head massage
Manicure
Massage
Pedicure
Salon
Steam room
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Concierge
Currency exchange
Newspaper
Non-smoking hotel
Butler service
Doorperson
24-hour check-in
24-hour front desk
Private check-in / check-out
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
Shoeshine
Room features
Allergy-free room
Soundproof rooms
Air conditioning
Additional bathroom
Desk
Coffee / tea maker
Flatscreen TV
Bath / shower
Bathrobes
Housekeeping
Interconnected rooms available
Room service
Safe
Telephone
VIP room facilities
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Bottled water
Clothes rack
Private bathrooms
Tile / marble floor
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Minibar
Refrigerator
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
City view
Landmark view
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to TheAA: The Automobile Association.
5.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Business
Classic
Languages Spoken
English, Italian, Polish

Location

1 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ Scotland
4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles5,588 reviews
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Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
Powered by AI

The Balmoral Hotel emerges as a symbol of historic luxury, with its central location earning consistent praise for easy access to Edinburgh's key attractions. Guests are enchanted by the hotel's traditional atmosphere and luxurious amenities, including spacious rooms and live harp music that elevate the stay. While opinions on value vary, with some finding it pricey, others feel the quality and service justify the cost. The staff's warmth and professionalism are often highlighted, contributing to the hotel's reputation for impeccable service and cleanliness, though a few guests have noted some rooms could feel cramped.
Location
Central
Atmosphere
Inviting
Rooms
Spacious
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Immaculate
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Lavish

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Detailed Reviews
Devon S wrote a review Oct 2024
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Staff and Service are The Balmoral's superpowers!
From reservations to Mark the doorman to the the concierge desk, to check in, to housekeeping, to the breakfast staff and restaurant staff...friendly, competent perfection.

Excellent location -- busy, noisy streets surround the hotel with tons of traffic but the hotel itself is a quiet oasis. Our rooms were well soundproofed.

Breakfast was generous and delicious -- another hotel superpower. The Balmoral puts effort and care into their food and it shows.

We had a "family room"consisting of adjoining Executive View rooms #500 & #501. The term "view" is a stretch for these rooms and should not be used. Ugly and uninspiring. In the hotel's defense, there are a limited number of rooms that adjoin for this configuration. When we return I will definitely seek out another type of room or location. If we had Room #500 I think it is (on the left as you face the two rooms from the hall), without Room #501, we would have been very sad because the bathroom in #500 is dark and small.

If I had a magic wand, I would give The Balmoral a welcoming lobby area or common space with seating to provide a vibe and sense of community. This is not a hotel where you will go to the lobby and curl up with a cup of tea and book, or a cocktail to watch the world go by. It is, however, a hotel where you will go for a terrific location, to feel welcomed, to enjoy a beautifully appointed room and top notch food and drink.
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Date of stay: August 2024
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
3.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Make sure you know what your view will be, or not be.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from The Balmoral, General Manager at The Balmoral Hotel
Responded 11 Oct 2024
Dear Devons437, Thank you so much for your kind words and detailed review. I am thrilled to hear that our staff made such a positive impression throughout your stay, and that you enjoyed the quiet, well-soundproofed rooms despite our busy location. It’s wonderful to know you appreciated our generous breakfast and thoughtful food offerings as well. We do apologize that the view from your room was not as expected, and we understand your perspective. We will take note of your comments and look forward to welcoming you back to experience a different room configuration that better suits your preferences. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future. With all good wishes, Andrew McPherson General Manager
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Luigi T wrote a review Jan 2025
Madrid, Spain
5.0 of 5 bubbles
It would be difficult to find the right words to describe how satisfactory has been our experience at the Balmoral. In general, it is also difficult to find perfection in every aspects that matters for us when travelling but we have been proven wrong by the Balmoral! They are really striving for perfection!! The facility is spectacular in terms of location and the opulence and tradition the building portrays. The rooms respect the classical style with the modern comfort and the bars and restaurants are hitting the highest mark in terms of ambient and service. That said, the real icing on the cake is the STAFF and every single person that works there has only one mission: how to make your experience positively unforgettable. Nothing is a problem for the team at the Balmoral form the Concierge, the Housekeeping, the Front Desk, the Supervisors, Manager, etc. They are all systematically committed to make a difference. From the check in to the check out every detail is taken care. Still do not know how they manage to call every guest by name....and the hotel is not small with more than 160 rooms!! Therefore, a huge, enormous THANKS to all the staff and in particular to Karen and Jack who made our long weekend in Edinburgh amazing. To close and to make this review more credible, it is always important to balance the positive with some feedback on areas of opportunities and yes please next time we visit the city make sure you also take care of the Gale because the wind last weekend was very strong ;-). Well done and see you soon again.
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Date of stay: January 2025
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from The Balmoral, General Manager at The Balmoral Hotel
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear Luigi T Thank you so much for your kind review. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience online. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us. Providing exceptional service and creating memorable experiences for our guests is our primary focus, and we are thrilled to know that we succeeded in making your visit special. Our team is truly dedicated to ensuring each guest feels welcomed, and I will take great pleasure in sharing such positive feedback with them. Once again, thank you for choosing The Balmoral. We appreciate your support and we look forward to the opportunity to welcome you back in the future. Wish all good wishes, Andrew McPherson General Manager
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A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveller reviews.
Roam817686 wrote a review Nov 2023
Vail, Colorado
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Pros: Central location to many of tourist sites, friendly and accommodating staff, especially Mark at the front door and colleague who took our bags all the way to the train waiting room and gave pointers rail novices needed. Well appointed room, (deluxe level room 345) ample storage space, USB ports, good mattress/bedding, high ceilings, very nice bathroom, historic old world hotel with fairly modern amenities. Cons: If you have mobility issues, the soaker tub will be difficult if not dangerous for some. While I get the James Bond decor, I could do without a David Nevin poster inappropriately ogling a bond girl. HVAC in a 100+ year old building will struggle. The fan is loud. No bathroom fans, TV doesn't face the couch or bed, or articulate. Summary: Adding a swing arm bracket on TV would be a great idea for these rooms at this price point. Overall happy and would stay here again.
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Date of stay: November 2023
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from The Balmoral, General Manager at The Balmoral Hotel
Responded 24 Nov 2023
Dear Roam817686, Thank you for your detailed feedback. I am thoroughly delighted to know you enjoyed our central location and the attentive service from Mark, our doorman. Your insights regarding accessibility concerns and room amenities are incredibly valuable to us. I certainly take your suggestions on board. We do hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back on your next trip to Edinburgh. With all best wishes, Andrew McPherson General Manager
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decembersooner wrote a review Jun 2024
OKC
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This is an historic hotel in a wonderful location. The rooms were very large and the bathroom was modern and large. One drawback to the bathroom is that the bathtub is extremely tall, making it tricky to enter and exit (as the shower is also in the bathtub). If one is elderly or not easily mobile, I would recommend asking for other options.

The breakfast was one of the best we have ever experienced and had massive quantities of options and all were of high quality. The staff was lovely.

One other minor drawback was that the hotel experienced a fire alarm at around 11 p.m. requiring the hotel's evacuation for over an hour outside in the cold and rain. While certainly important to ensure everyone's safety, it seemed a miss for the hotel to simply place a note under everyone's door of apology as opposed to offering something in one's room, e.g. small box of chocolates or some token for the inconvenience.
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Date of stay: May 2024
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
3.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from The Balmoral, General Manager at The Balmoral Hotel
Responded 14 Jun 2024
Dear decembersooner, Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed feedback about your recent stay with us. We genuinely appreciate both your compliments and the valuable insights regarding your experience. We are pleased to hear that you appreciated our central location within Edinburgh and the wonderful breakfast. We certainly take on board your feedback regarding the response to our fire alarm. We appreciate it was highly inconvenient, however, the safety of our guests is paramount. I take note regarding our follow up and will consider for any future occasions. Your feedback is invaluable, and we hope to have another opportunity to welcome you. Please feel free to reach out directly if you have any further concerns or if there is anything else we can do to make amends. With all good wishes, Andrew McPherson General Manager
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shahnoorshah wrote a review Sept 2023
Manchester, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We stayed at the Balmoral for a 1 night stay, which my sister gifted to us for a wedding present. We stayed on a Monday night, so we got lucky with availability for booking. Location was right in the city centre next door to Waverley Station. They had road works going on outside, but they had soundproof windows so you couldn't hear the hussle and bussle of the outside world.

The room was very spacious for both me and my husband. Included in the room was a dressing table, table and chairs, tv, mini fridge (contents you had to pay for), shower over the bath and a bathtub. The bed and pillows were amazing, it was the best night sleep I've had in a long time. They had blackout curtains which ensured we had a good nights sleep, after a long day of travelling.

From entering the building to leaving, all the staff were on hand to help. Valet parking (£40 daily cost), they collected your bags, helped you out of the car and delivered your belongings to your room. They went through what you can expect during your stay.

We had breakfast included and it was from 7-10:30am, and it wasn't busy at around 9/9.30am which was the time we went down for breakfast. There was a huge selection for the buffet: different croissant options, cereals, eggs, juice's, pancakes, bread, porridge etc. You also had the choice of selected made options such as avocado on toast/eggs benedict.

Included in our stay was free access to the gym, swimming pool and sauna. Spa treatments were at an additional cost. I got the swedish massage which cost around £105/115 and it was roughly 60 minutes. It was amazing and really relaxing.

Only downside was the room had shocking lighting for when you wanted to do your make up. They had a mirrored light in the bathroom but it wasn't great.

Overall, it was an amazing stay. I would highly recommend a stay at the Balmoral.
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Date of stay: September 2023
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from The Balmoral, General Manager at The Balmoral Hotel
Responded 28 Sept 2023
Dear Shanoorshah, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience at The Balmoral. I am thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your stay, courtesy of your sister's thoughtful wedding gift. I am delighted that you found your room spacious and well-equipped. A good night's sleep is essential, and it's great to hear that the bed, pillows, and blackout curtains ensured this after a long day. Furthermore, your kind comments on our attentive and helpful staff are so gratefully received. Thank you for highly recommending The Balmoral. We hope to welcome you back for another exceptional stay in the near future. With all best wishes, Andrew McPherson General Manager
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Lisa wrote a review Dec 2023
Liverpool, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I would not hesitate to recommend this hotel if your planning a trip to Edinburgh. The location is prime and perfect for exploring the city. The hotel is outstanding and level of service is impeccable from the moment you get to the front steps the concierge are there to assist. The check-in process was smooth and the bedroom was large, spotlessly clean and tastefully decorated with a lovely view of the city. A must try is the Whiskey bar, the staff are very knowledgeable and assist in finding the perfect blend to suit your palette. Breakfast at The Prince is also of a high quality and standard it is beautifully presented and cooked to perfection, the staff again are attentive and offer the highest level of service.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: December 2023
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from The Balmoral, General Manager at The Balmoral Hotel
Responded 6 Jan 2024
Dear Macauleylisa, Thank you for your wonderful review. What a pleasure to read. I am thrilled you had such a wonderful stay, and thank you for your kind words on our attentive team members. I will take great pleasure in sharing this with the entire team. We look forward to welcoming you back in the near future. Kind regards, Andrew McPherson General Manager
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LoveHols85 wrote a review Mar 2023
Aberdeen, United Kingdom
+1
4.0 of 5 bubbles
My husband booked an overnight here as a birthday treat and it was great to try it out (even though we did spend a small fortune!) We were in the room next to the J K Rowling Suite and I'd never heard the story behind the room before so that was quite impressive.

The staff are all very pleasant, as you would expect. Room service was wheeled in on a fully set table which was really nice. We also enjoyed a couple of drinks in the bar and the hotel generally has a lovely atmosphere.

Our room was spacious and nicely decorated. Upon returning to the room in the evening, there were some special touches added such as face masks and slippers left . My husband had told the staff that it was my birthday and there were some macarons left along with a card with the wrong names on it for someone's anniversary! We laughed it off as I think it was obviously a mix up and the anniversary couple will have received my birthday message!

The only slight negative was breakfast. Once we were seated, it took a while for anyone to serve us and they didn't ask whether we wanted to go for the full buffet option. It was just a case of asking what hot dish we wanted and then paying £4 for a tiny glass of juice and a similar price for a couple of slices of toast.

Overall though, the hotel was nice to try and it really is in one of the most convenient locations for accessing the train station, bars/restaurants and St James Quarter.
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Date of stay: February 2023
3.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from The Balmoral, General Manager at The Balmoral Hotel
Responded 21 Mar 2023
Dear LoveHols85 Thank you for your review and for choosing us for a birthday stay. Whilst I am delighted that there were many parts of your experience which you enjoyed, I was very sorry to learn of the mix up with the macarons. This shouldn't have happened and I regret it sounds like a rare oversight. I was also sorry to learn that you were somewhat underwhelmed by our breakfast operation, and I will be certain to follow up to ensure there is a clearer explanation to our guests. I very much appreciate you sharing this valuable feedback with me. Finally thank you for highlight to other Trip Adviser users our very convenient location, at the heart of this great city. I very much hope we shall have the pleasure of welcoming you back in the future. Kindest regards, Rob Van Eyck Hotel Manager The Balmoral
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Rhonda L wrote a review Dec 2024
+1
4.0 of 5 bubbles
The Balmoral is as impressive as its large clock tower. Located in a wonderful city center area within easy(ish) walking distance to the main attractions in Edinburgh. This is the easiest hotel to arrive at using the train if you are coming by this mode of transportation. The hotel is very close to the Christmas Market and wonderful shopping and dining. We had selected this hotel after a wonderful experience at their sister RoccoForte hotel in Munich a couple of years ago.

We stayed in the Glamis Suite (3 bedrooms) and it was perfect for our family Christmas adventure in Edinburgh. The suite is beautiful and comfortable (not always an easy balance). There was plenty of space that we did not feel on top of each other and easily had multiple conversations going at one time and space to do things together in separate areas as warranted. The dining room made for the perfect place for those who wanted to play games or work on their laptops while others read or conversed in the living area.

The bathrooms were all well appointed but we did not enjoy the rain shower head in the main bathroom. The toiletry items in the bathroom were luxurious and smelled wonderful. The skin product left nightly was always a fun treat.

The main bedroom was very comfortable (as were the other bedrooms). I was slightly worried being on the 2nd floor could be a little noisy with street noise, this was never an issue. We did have to get creative with the drapery as they have lights shining on the facade which bleeds through the sides of the curtains and as someone who likes a very dark bedroom to sleep this was a slight issue the first night.

Room service was fast and delicious. It was nice to have this option (and the space to sit at a table in the room) after a very long day of sightseeing and just wanting a peaceful meal in comfy clothes.

Dinner at Brasserie Prince (Christmas Day) was delightful! The service was excellent, the food delicious and the festive atmosphere welcome.

While it was plentiful and service was good, the breakfast at the Balmoral was our least favorite part of our stay. There was nothing special about it and the taste was not up to what we expected from stays at hotels of similar caliber. The coffee was weak and not very flavorful. I am hopeful at other times of the year more attention is spent on the breakfast experience.

The front desk staff were always helpful and both checkin and checkout was a smooth process.

The concierge staff is excellent. David and his colleagues went above and beyond to make sure we got to where we wanted to go (even making a backup plan in case the castle closed the day we had reservations). They had recommendations on where to shop, dine and how to get there. I knew that if I had a question they would have a recommendation. They truly made our stay exceptional with their help planning our trip.

I highly recommend staying at the Balmoral while in Edinburgh and I know my family will return.
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Date of stay: December 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Train travel from/to London is super easy to this hotel. Use the concierge staff, they can...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from The Balmoral, General Manager at The Balmoral Hotel
Responded 31 Dec 2024
Dear rhondal332 Allow me to thank you for finding the time to write this lovely comment about your fabulous experience at The Balmoral. I will extend your compliments to the entire team, who will be delighted to hear that they contributed in creating such delightful impressions. We are all looking forward to the pleasure of welcoming you again soon in Edinburgh to make your next stay even more memorable! With all good wishes for the new year ahead. Andrew McPherson General Manager
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Joyce H wrote a review 9 Feb
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Stayed at The Balmoral beginning of February. Beautiful weather which added to our luxury and exquisite stay a The Balmoral. From entering and checking into leaving our whole stay was just wonderful. Bedroom overlooked Princes Street albeit high up but that gave us additional views. Bedroom was decorated to a very high standard and had a lovely calm ambience. Bathroom was large and luxuriously finished off with lovely touches of extras you may need on a stayover. Large bed and extremely comfortable. Tuck down service just gives you another good feeling someone is looking after you. Breakfast wonderful, so many choices, brilliant service from staff. We will without doubt return to The Balmoral.. What's not to like! - Brilliant!
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Date of stay: February 2025
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from The Balmoral, General Manager at The Balmoral Hotel
Responded 5 days ago
Dear Joyce Thank you so much for your kind review. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience online. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us. Providing exceptional service and creating memorable experiences for our guests is our primary focus, and we are thrilled to know that we succeeded in making your visit special. Our team is truly dedicated to ensuring each guest feels welcomed, and I will take great pleasure in sharing such positive feedback with them. Once again, thank you for choosing The Balmoral. We appreciate your support and we look forward to the opportunity to welcome you back in the future. Wish all good wishes, Andrew McPherson General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lewishogs wrote a review Oct 2024
White Hall, Arkansas
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Booked through Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts (FHR) for first night after arriving in Edinburgh from the US, hoping for a bit of extra comfort to get a great night’s sleep on our first night in Scotland. Booked an executive king, which is not the smallest room, and it was quite cramped; my husband and I kept having to move out of each other’s way to get around the bed. There was no space at all for our two carryon suitcases. We arrived at the hotel just before noon, to be told that the room was not yet available, but they would call us when it became available, hopefully well before the 4:00 pm check in time. At 4:00 pm, we returned to the hotel to be told it was just then available. The check in clerk then meticulously went over the letter listing all of the proffered Amex FHR benefits, explaining as he reviewed the welcome letter line by line that most all of the benefits would not be provided to us - no early check in, no room upgrade, and that the “Amex free breakfast” is actually provided to all guests. We were indeed given an 86 pound food and beverage credit which bought us drinks in the bar, and he did say that late check out could be offered upon request, but did not proactively offer it. Our “welcome gift” consisted of 4 small pieces of dry fudge and the bottle of water given all guests. We left the room at 5:00 pm to have drinks in the bar and dinner, returned at 8:00 pm to a room without turndown service. The bed was very comfortable, but for an $850 room, the whole experience was just truly underwhelming. We’ve been to Edinburgh many times and stayed at many hotels in this beautiful city. Can without a doubt highly recommend two other 5 star hotels within a short walk of The Balmoral, but would not recommend or return to The Balmoral. And would not spend the extra money to book through Amex.
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Date of stay: October 2024
3.0 of 5 bubblesValue
3.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from The Balmoral, General Manager at The Balmoral Hotel
Responded 11 Oct 2024
Dear Lewishogs, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are truly sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations, particularly given the special nature of your stay after arriving in Edinburgh. We regret the delays during check-in and that the Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts benefits were not as you had anticipated. Your comments regarding the room size, the lack of turndown service, and the overall value for the cost are also important to us, and we will review them with our team to ensure improvements. We appreciate your kind words about the comfortable bed and the drinks in the bar, but we understand that the overall experience fell short, and for that, we apologise. Should you reconsider, we would welcome the chance to provide you with the stay you were hoping for. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly. Wish all good wishes, Andrew McPherson General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Answer from Scotland22
Arbroath, United Kingdom169 contributions69 helpful votes
I’m pretty sure they have a concierge service and certainly drop off/pick up is allowed right at the front door.
Daisy63 asked a question Mar 2024
Hot Springs, Arkansas8 contributions
Is there a shuttle to airport nearby?
Answer from Trishy A
Greater London, United Kingdom7 contributions1 helpful vote
Yes, you can use the tram. I forgot how much I paid, but it wasn’t more than £3/4 (although I travelled from “inner” to “outer” Edinburgh.) Just search ‘Edinburgh Trams’ or you can take the bus. I highly recommend the trams as they’re spacious.
Daisy63 asked a question Mar 2024
Hot Springs, Arkansas8 contributions
Is there a shuttle to airport nearby?
Answer from episarski
Hartford, Connecticut80 contributions74 helpful votes
Yes the tram is just down the street. It took us less than 5 minutes walking to get there.
Toma T asked a question Jul 2023
California29 contributions1 helpful vote
What is the cost of breakfast if we are staying in the hotel?
Answer from ldjs
Fort Lee, New Jersey872 contributions145 helpful votes
You can order a La cart off the menu and the options are great, ranging 15-25 pounds, or you can opt for a buffet which is about $20-25 I think. Buffet has yogurt, cereal, smoked salmon, etc Would recommend porridge as an a la cart item, so good. Also like kippers dish and the full Scottish breakfast.
Answer from 747MrsH
Thornton Cleveleys, United Kingdom267 contributions272 helpful votes
Ring the hotel directly and they will assist you
Elaine B wrote a tip Yesterday
36 contributions19 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Enjoy everything !!!!"
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Anna wrote a tip 15 Feb
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"If your travelling by train this is perfect"
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LM..1930 wrote a tip 11 Feb
Glasgow, United Kingdom115 contributions58 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Valet parking available at £40 but it takes away the stress of Edinburgh traffic "
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Jennifer S wrote a tip Jan 2025
5 contributions2 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"If you haven't been get to an event u won't b disappointed and stay over.make a night of it."
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Lottie Rush wrote a tip Jan 2025
8 contributions4 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Book the breakfast!"
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Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Edinburgh area.
PRICE RANGE
€253 - €541 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
balmoral hotel edinburgh, balmoral edinburgh hotel
LOCATION
United KingdomScotlandEdinburghPrinces Street and Gardens / Old Town
NUMBER OF ROOMS
187
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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THE BALMORAL HOTEL | UPDATED 2025 Reviews & Price Comparison (Edinburgh, Scotland) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about The Balmoral Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to The Balmoral Hotel?
Nearby attractions include The Real Mary King's Close (0.4 km), Royal Mile (0.3 km), and The Chocolatarium (0.4 km).
What are some of the property amenities at The Balmoral Hotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an indoor pool, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
Which room amenities are available at The Balmoral Hotel?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at The Balmoral Hotel?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at The Balmoral Hotel?
Yes, valet parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The Balmoral Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Makars Gourmet Mash Bar, Hot Toddy, and Howies Waterloo Place.
Are there opportunities to exercise at The Balmoral Hotel?
Yes, guests have access to an indoor pool, a fitness centre, and a sauna during their stay.
Does The Balmoral Hotel have airport transportation?
Yes, The Balmoral Hotel offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Is The Balmoral Hotel located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.3 km away from the centre of Edinburgh.
Are any cleaning services offered at The Balmoral Hotel?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Are pets allowed at The Balmoral Hotel?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
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