The Balmoral opened in 1902 as the North British Hotel, the railway hotel beside Waverley Station, and its clock tower has marked the east end of Princes Street ever since. Rocco Forte runs it now, and doormen in full Highland dress still greet guests at the door. Olga Polizzi's interiors take their colours from the Scottish landscape, creams, greens and heathers, with only the occasional flash of the hotel's own tartan. Rooms are spacious for a building of its age, many with gas fireplaces, and look over the inner courtyard or across the city to Edinburgh Castle. Around 20 suites run from one to three bedrooms. Number One is the fine-dining restaurant, with four AA Rosettes; Brasserie Prince serves French-Scottish bistro food; and afternoon tea in the Palm Court is a city institution. SCOTCH, the whisky bar, holds one of the largest collections of Scotch in Edinburgh. Downstairs, the Irene Forte Spa has a 15-metre pool. The Old Town, the New Town and the castle are all within a few minutes' walk.
- Nearest airport
- Edinburgh Airport (EDI), 5 Miles / 8 Kilometres
- Rooms
- 186 rooms and suites
Insider tip Travelling with children? Ask for the Families R Forte passport at check-in; it turns the hotel into a stamp-collecting treasure hunt with a small surprise at each stop.
Why I choose it Edinburgh's grand railway hotel, with the castle in view, a serious whisky bar and Rocco Forte service, at an address that puts the whole city on foot.