The Balmoral Hotel
4,873 reviews
#14 of 163 Hotels in Edinburgh
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1 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ Scotland
COVID-19 update: See the added health and safety measures this property is taking.Read more
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Full view
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Room & Suite (475)
Dining (119)
What is Travellers’ Choice?
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.
Travel safe during COVID-19
Visit our Travel Safe hub to see how we're helping you make more informed travel decisions during COVID-19.
What you can expect during your stay
- All linens sanitised in high-temperature wash
- Face masks required for staff in public areas
- Floors marked for social distancing
- Hand sanitiser available to guests & staff
- Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
- Staff required to regularly wash hands
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Updated 05/08/20 Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
A note from The Balmoral Hotel
Updated 05/08/20 Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
About
#14 of 163 hotels in Edinburgh
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Travellers' Choice
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 Michelin-starred 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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Full view
Property amenities
Valet parking
Free internet
Pool
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Bar / lounge
Walking tours
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Airport transportation
Wifi
Paid wifi
Indoor pool
Heated pool
Fitness / spa changing rooms
Fitness classes
Personal trainer
Sauna
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Breakfast in the room
Complimentary tea
Kids' meals
Wine / champagne
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
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Room features
Allergy-free room
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Desk
Housekeeping
Coffee / tea maker
Flatscreen TV
Bath / shower
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
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Room types
City view
Landmark view
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
City View
Great View
Languages Spoken
English, Italian
Location
Full view
100Great for walkers
Grade: 100 out of 100
288Restaurantswithin 0.5 km
186Attractionswithin 0.5 km
Contact
1 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ Scotland
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Popular mentions
This is one of the trickiest reviews to write, the hotel is historic, with superb staff, excellent service, everyone is really helpful. The rooms are extremely clean and well maintained. The afternoon tea has won awards, and the attached brasserie has a good reputation. Which is why it gets five stars. However it just seems to ‘miss the mark’ for us, the afternoon tea was ‘fine’ the food in the brasserie was ‘fine’, the decor in the corridors and rooms is subdued to the point of being bland, can’t help feeling a different palate would lift the ambiance. The staircase feels completely different for example. So would we stay again? Unlikely. Is this a good hotel? undoubtably.
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Date of stay: May 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Helpful
We booked lunch at the Balmoral hotel for a birthday treat. It was, as expected from a 5 star hotel, expensive, but the service was impeccable with the waiters attentive, talkative and concerned for or welfare - it was pouring with rain when we visited. The meal itself, though, was rather ordinary. It was well presented but there was not an awful lot of it for the price that we paid. I'm afraid that we left feeling still rather hungry. A good place for a grand occasion, but not for a filling meal.
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Date of stay: May 2021
Value
Service
Helpful
At £340 per night I do not expect to get dirty linen, no effective blackout blinds and neighbouring doors slamming loudly! It surely cannot be difficult in 2021 to fashion room doors to close quietly.
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Date of stay: June 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Helpful
From the moment we were met on the platform by Concierge Andy until we left ,nothing was too much trouble Vicky & Paula unpacked while I went for a stroll.The housekeeping is exemplary,as is the laundry. The Deluxe room is spacious with a very comfortable bed.There is a walk in wardrobe which leads to a marble bathroom with natural light.It took a while to understand the taps & plugs,but I am not very technical! The bar is wonderful whether mixing cocktails or chilling champagne flutes an oasis of calm The spa is probably the best asset of the hotel,a beautiful swimming pool & a well equipped gym. I had 2 excellent massages with Linda although wearing a mask did get a little getting used to. One suggestion could concierge have an out of hours appointment list so that it can be open from 7-7?They were very accommodating opening earlier so my mum could have a pre-breakfast swim.Just a thought. Packing when we left was a work of art! Breakfast is excellent with everything made to order,the croissant are so crispy We ate one night in the brasserie the food was beautifully cooked,maybe to have some duck or venison on the menu and a slightly wider choice of starters? The Sundae for dessert was yummy! The wine list was extensive. While everyone in the hotel are really friendly,Andy,David and Jan on concierge were amazing booking & confirming restaurants getting, Castle tickets or taxis they were friendly,helpful and efficient. We left very relaxed and refreshed what more can you ask…
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Date of stay: June 2021
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from The Balmoral, General Manager at The Balmoral Hotel
Responded 3 days ago
Dear Kendalmint2, What an absolute pleasure to read your wonderful review this morning. I am delighted to hear you had such a good stay, particularity on such a special occasion. I will ensure your kind comments are passed to the whole team but notably to Vicky, Paula, Linda, Andy, David and Jan whom you have especially highlighted. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back as our guest. Very best wishes, Richard C General Manager
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Bad service food expensive better of going to Prague much cheaper and better service and much better food and much better hotels and service not very good at all avoid at all costs not a good hotel at all be warned Prague hotels are far better than any hotel in uk
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Date of stay: June 2021Trip type: Travelled solo
Helpful
Response from The Balmoral, General Manager at The Balmoral Hotel
Responded 1 week ago
Dear Simbo12345678 I was dismayed to read your review and regret you did not have a more positive cause to write. Our food and service are typically the two most frequently complimented upon parts of our guests' stay, therefore I was sorry to hear that you were dissatisfied. We very much hope you will consider revisiting us again in the not too distant future. Kindest regards Richard C General Manager
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PRICE RANGE
US$218 - US$845 (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
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Claim Your Listing 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), The Chocolatarium (0.4 km), and SANDEMANs NEW Europe - Edinburgh (0.3 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.
What are some restaurants close to The Balmoral Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Makars Gourmet Mash Bar, The Piper's Rest Public House, and Smoov Gelato Coffee.
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 an airport shuttle?
Yes, The Balmoral Hotel offers an airport shuttle 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.