1/5

The Balmoral, A Rocco Forte Hotel

Edinburgh • 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

Exclusive PressBeyond Benefits

Get to where you see yourself

Ultra-clean, global, hand-picked hotel curation & imagery designed to help you visualize enticing environments and the elevated social experiences they create

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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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

5,738 reviews

"First up, great location right on the Waverley Station doorstep. The staff from the doormen who greeted us with great Scottish humour and service, the the reception team to the restaurant and bar staff, we say thank you. You truly made our stay memorable. Our room was beautifully decorated and comfortable, the ensuite lovely. Views over old Edinburgh town even better. Food was superb, great range and the smoked salmon was divine (I will truly miss this). Sarah and others in the restaurant made sure we were well looked after. The Scotch Bar with its 500 plus whisky brands, lovely place for a wee dram before bed. Overall there was everything to like and nothing to worry about. The Balmoral is truly one of the stand out hotels in this world. We absolutely loved it."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Mar 18, 2026

"A first and fantastic stay from start to finish at the Balmoral Edinburgh. We arrived by train from Glasgow which is very convenient for the hotel. Just a one night stay but enjoyed a lot that the hotel offers. The staff were very welcoming and helpful. We checked in around 1 pm and able to go to our room right away. As this was part of my birthday treat a box of macarons were sent up after we arrived. Also chocolate whisky fudge in the room on arrival. Both delicious. We had an exec room which was spacious with everything you could need. Including body and face creams, cleanser, face mask and the usual shower gel etc but also conditioner. The bathroom is in marble and although it was a shower over bath it really was excellent. Slippers and robes are provided which is great when using the spa. We spent a couple of hours in the spa and although I did not indulge in any treatments it was just a joy to relax, swim, use the sauna and steam room. Tea, water, coffee and fruit are all provided. There is a choice of chairs or beds to relax with a blanket for good measure. We ate in the Princes restaurant for breakfast lunch and dinner. Food was excellent overall and a great choice at breakfast. We enjoyed a libation at lunch then dinner with beer for my hubby and a gin cosmo for me and a bottle of wine at dinner. Overall it was so relaxing and enjoyable that we have booked for Jan/ Feb 27 for 2 nights. It is more expensive but we felt definitely worth it. The rates are better in the winter. So if you feel like a bit of luxury give it a go."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Mar 18, 2026

"Whisky Bar experience - My wife and I thought we would pop into the whisky bar after our meal at the One restaurant and drinks at the normal hotel bar on Saturday 14th. We loved the quirkiness of the bar and the barmen were lovely. The bar was not overly busy and the barmen gave us drinks menus and told us to order our drinks when we were ready. I decided to order something a little extravagant despite me not really being a whisky drinker and the service was impeccable. My wife and I had a great couple of hours in the bar and would recommend any whisky drinker to pop in to see the drinks menu that is available as the choices are amazing!l"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Mar 15, 2026

"Thank you to all the Balmoral team for another special stay. Our 3rd visit and always such a treat! It was great to use the newly refurbished swimming pool and spa area. Beautifully done. Fantastic breakfast and great customer service. Looking forward to our next visit!"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Mar 15, 2026

"Phenomenal! Absolutely 10 out 10.. again…. Visiting again. Phenomenal… staff, accommodation, food and location 10/10"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Mar 13, 2026

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