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The Balmoral, A Rocco Forte Hotel

Edinburgh, Scotland • New Town • OVER THE TOP

avg. $801 / night

Includes $42 / night in cash back

Cash back is redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out

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Cash back

5% cash back on all completed stays (redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out)

Credit card points

Credit and debit card charges are processed directly by the hotel (i.e. not PressBeyond), meaning that any travel-specific credit card points or incentives that you normally get as a cardholder for direct hotel bookings are preserved

Hotel loyalty points

Points accrual and status eligibility with major hotel loyalty programs: Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, and others

Free breakfast

Breakfast-included rate options available

Room upgrades

Complimentary room upgrades (subject to property availability)

Extend your stay

Early check-in and late check-out (subject to property availability)

Part of Rocco Forte

Location

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At a glance

Edinburgh's 1902 railway landmark with Olga Polizzi interiors and a deliberately fast clock above Waverley Station.

Best for: Architecture enthusiasts and Scottish heritage travelers

Highlights:

  • 1902 French Renaissance tower anchoring Princes Street
  • Olga Polizzi interiors with Scottish botanical wallpapers and damask
  • Clock runs three minutes fast—a civic gesture for rail travelers
Historic-refinedclubby

PB hotel design editorial

That clock runs three minutes fast — deliberately, so that travellers hurrying through Waverley Station below have always had a margin against the morning departure board. This single civic gesture captures everything about the building that became The Balmoral: a structure conceived in 1902 by architect William Hamilton Beattie as both railway hotel and Edinburgh landmark, its French Renaissance tower in Craigleith sandstone anchoring the eastern end of Princes Street with an authority that no subsequent building on that boulevard has managed to disturb. Rocco Forte Hotels has held the property since 1997, and the interiors carry the assured hand of Olga Polizzi, Forte's director of design and sister to Sir Rocco. Across 188 rooms and suites spread over seven floors, she works a palette of distinctly Scottish character without retreating into tartan cliché — the images reveal Cole & Son-style botanical wallpapers in sage and cream, upholstered headboards in deep aubergine damask with coordinating canopy treatments, and arched original windows left unobstructed to frame views directly across to Register House and the Georgian New Town beyond. The restaurant and bar spaces deploy dark-stained timber panelling, antique-mirrored screens, globe pendants on brass armatures, and richly patterned botanical wallcoverings that give the ground floor the warm, layered atmosphere of a well-furnished Edinburgh club — grounded and unhurried, entirely at ease with its own considerable age.

Travel notes

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About

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.

Amenities

Pets Allowed

Steam Room

Valet Parking

Pool

Room service

Fitness center

Restaurant

Suites

Wheelchair Access

Internet

The Balmoral, A Rocco Forte Hotel Reviews

5,818 reviews

"Nice welcome we received , also even storming August the room was ready around 1PM. The property is central to get in 5 minutes to the Royal Mile, 3 Minutes to Princes Street. High professional team and nice Scotch Bar attached . A calming environment after a walk through the city."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Aug 30, 2026

"The Balmoral hotel is on Princes Street which is the main road through the city. It is also next to Waverley railway station which has connections to the rest of the UK. It is an incredibly grand hotel with some beautiful architecture and if you like that sort of thing it is worth getting some pix of. The staff were all friendly and welcoming and able to provide with all the information I needed. As you may expect the hotel was very clean and well presented."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Aug 28, 2026

"Absolutely perfect afternoon tea experience, from the entire environment, to the professional, cheerful, and helpful staff, to the lovely presentation and delicious food, from start to finish I felt like a valued customer and was beautifully taken care of."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Aug 26, 2026

"Truly *iconic* building & venerable Edinburgh institution, The Balmoral is at the Heart of Edinburgh's social events (conveniently located at Nr ONE, Princes Street): whether The Fringe or Hogmanay, it adds a sprinkle of old-school Sparkle to any visit to Scotland's capital. A recent trip north of the border afforded me the opportunity to re-visit the glory which is The Balmoral, first visited as a hotel guest at the end of the last century (which makes me feel old!). Back then I was strictly a Solo-flyer, having started exploring Europe (and later Africa) by means of public transport, un-chaperoned, from the tender age of 13. I had quickly realised that opting for the 'luxury' option would give me some extra wiggle-room, within a secure, well-curated & caring venue. In my 20's, in need of a break over Xmas & NewYear, I was lucky enough to secure a small room towards the top of The Balmoral, providing me with a safe base from which to sally forth, as well as an unapologetically comfortable 'home-from-home' at the end of a long day's exploring. It was everything it promised, and more: from the excellent yet simple menu in the (then) rugby-oriented bar; to the central Palm-lined atrium, filled with inviting settees and high-backed chairs, and populated with apparently endless classic hard-bound books, to entertain the single traveller, whilst enjoying High Tea or drinks.. When I recently returned, just after the Fringe, for a short break, I was delighted to pop in (as a non-resident guest) and renew my acquaintance with the Grand Dame of Edinburgh high society. Joyfully discovering that not much had changed, except for the notable addition of a specialist Whisky Bar, I was lucky enough to sip some honey-hued drams, expertly paired with appropriately sourced native water.. I have to confess at this point, that I did not get much further in my exploration of the Old Girl, but it seemed that the Palm Court was still at the centre of the public social space, and the service (at the huge reception area, and at the bar) was still impeccably comprehensive and knowledgeable.. It seems that no expense has been spared, in order to maintain The Balmoral's position as the Jewel in Edinburgh's crown - and yet they have managed to successfully tread that fine line by also updating & modernising where appropriate. So whether you are a Millennial visiting for the first time, or an experienced traveller in search of the familiar, you are certain to find just the right vibe at The Balmoral: a bit of modern glamour, carefully veneered over a more substantial, classic hospitality experience. second to none in Scotland's legendary Capital."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Aug 25, 2026

"Lovely big rooms and the lobby is quite delightful. We didn’t spend much time in the Hotel as it was during the Festival . The staff helped with recommending things to do and all very friendly. It was a little expensive but worth it !"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Aug 24, 2026

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