New Town Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Opened
1902
Price
$$$$
Outside the door
The brand
Rocco Forte HotelsGrand railway landmark
High-ceilinged salons hum with day-to-night energy as hotel guests, travelers, and locals converge over morning coffee, afternoon gatherings, and evening cocktails.
“Menginap di mercu tanda mewah Edinburgh, The Balmoral (A Rocco Forte Hotel), yang mempunyai menara jam ikonik dengan pemandangan panoramik Istana Edinburgh.”
Where it shines
Exceptional
Bespoke Johnstons of Elgin cashmere turndowns and luggage unpacking deliver quintessential Scottish indulgence.
Remarkable
A 1902 Victorian railway hotel crowned by a landmark clock tower over Waverley Station.
Remarkable
An Edinburgh institution since 1902, hosting generational afternoon tea under Palm Court chandeliers.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
Forbes Five-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Condé Nast Traveler, Wallpaper* and Tatler.
this majestic old Edwardian landmark is still one of Edinburgh’s most elegant hotels, every bit as grand as it was a century ago.
“The reception area is gorgeous with latte-colored walls, crown moldings, ornate chandeliers, dramatic staircases, and artistic floral statement centerpieces that change seasonally.”
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Positioned at 1 Princes Street above Waverley Station, the hotel stands directly between the Georgian New Town and the historic Old Town.
The rooms
Interiors layer heather tones and bespoke tartans with Italian marble bathrooms, framing vistas of Edinburgh Castle or quiet inner courtyards.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A heated 15-metre indoor lap pool is set among mosaic-tiled pillars and lined with cushioned loungers.
The spa
Subterranean treatment rooms use Irene Forte botanicals, beside a relaxation lounge with painted lemon murals.
The gym
Technogym equipment and free weights fill the mirrored fitness studio, finished with acrobat-patterned wallpaper and timber floors.
Dogs stay too.
Restaurant
Number One
Contemporary Scottish tasting menus are served in an intimate basement room with red lacquered walls and wool banquettes.
Classic yet contemporary, it’s an environment where soaring ceilings, sweeping staircases and shimmering chandeliers meet floral-print furnishings, soft pastel shades and stunning landscape photographs.
At the table
Kilted ambassadors pour rare single malts at SCOTCH, and afternoon tea is served beneath Palm Court's glass dome.
How it began
Opened in 1902 as a railway hotel, the landmark clock tower runs three minutes fast so passengers never miss their train.
“the majestic Rocco Forte Hotel The Balmoral located at 1 Princes Street, Edinburgh. Its own restaurant Number One, led by Chef Mathew Sherry, counts with 4 AA Rosettes.”
Good to know
Stay here
The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte hotel
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.