TL;DR

Iconic Edinburgh Hotel in a Victorian landmark building.
Prime location: Right between Old Town and New.
Understated luxury: Elegant design and impeccable service without excess fuss.
Spacious facilities: Restaurants, spa, and lounges that rival much larger hotels.
Check prices here

Between the crooked streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town and the open avenues of its New, The Balmoral nicely reflects the city’s particular blend of historic and contemporary.

Anyone who has so much as peeped at Edinburgh before will know this landmark Victorian building, originally built as a railway hotel.

It’s bigger than we usually like our boutique hotels. But The Balmoral an Edinburgh icon, and the size of the building belies the size of the hotel.

Much of the space is devoted to top-notch facilities, and hospitality is so on the ball we’re confident you won’t feel the difference.

All of this is set off by an soft, elegant contemporary design that balances the powerfully historic vibe of the building.

For a luxurious introduction to a lot of what makes Edinburgh unforgettable, you can’t do much better.

What are the rooms like?

Rooms: 188 in total, from cozy Classics to grand Suites.
Modern elegance: Soft colors, botanical prints, and timeless style.
Variety: Classic, Deluxe, and Executive rooms with tea sets.
Views: Some of the best in Edinburgh — Old Town and Castle panoramas.
See all the rooms in detail here

Interiors in general add contrast to the heavy stone of the exterior, especially in the rooms.

They’re full modernized, more like a guest room at your nan’s than a Victorian throwback.

That is, if your nan had once hosted Laurel and Hardy and gets her interior design advice from Olga Polizzi.

We’re talking light blues and greens, warm grays and plenty of botanical prints.

The Classic rooms are Queen Singles on the smaller side, but you move pretty quickly over 25 square meters in Executive and Deluxe options.

Suites are extra roomy and beautifully decorated. There’s something less hotel-y about the furnishings, even with the same unfortunate carpeting situation.

We’ll take one moment to touch on the views. In the entire city, you’ll be hard-pressed to find something that lets you gaze out on Edinburgh in this way.

If you have a chance to spring for an Old Town or (better yet) Castle view, absolutely go for it.

If you don’t, don’t fret. You’ll happily snuggle in front of a Smart TV in a plush robe with a fresh cup of tea in any of the options.

What are prices like?

Check prices here

And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?

Fine dining: Michelin-starred Number One showcases Scottish cuisine at its best.
Casual luxury: Brasserie Prince offers elegant French fare made from local produce.
Afternoon indulgence: Traditional tea served in a grand, light-filled space.
Bar & whisky: Bar Prince and SCOTCH for cocktails and curated whisky tastings.
Spa retreat: Irene Forte Spa with Mediterranean-inspired treatments and sauna.

As previously mentioned, much of the large building is given over to restaurants, bars, and other facilities.

Restaurants include modern Scottish fine dining at Number One, with private dining options and occasional multi-course special events.

For something more relaxed but no less delicious, Brasserie Prince uses local ingredients to provide a gorgeous menu of French classics.

Afternoon Tea takes places in a confection of a dining space, all white columns, literal palms, and a fantastic chandelier worthy of the White Tower of Minas Tirith.

If you’d rather be sipping something stronger on a leather stool, stop in at the elegant Bar Prince.

Barley juice veterans and curious beginners alike should love the whisky tasting sessions at the aptly-named SCOTCH.

If you’d prefer to fight the Scottish weather with something other than whisky, head to the Irene Forte Spa.

From the lemony murals to the gorgeous tile work, it’s an exercise in Mediterranean comforts.

Whether it’s a hot stone massage, a brisk jog on one of the fitness centre’s treadmills, or 10 minutes in the sauna, you’re sure to leave warmer, and more relaxed, than you came in.

How is the neighbourhood? Anything interesting nearby?

Unbeatable location: Next to Waverley Station on the Old/New Town border.
Walk to it all: Royal Mile, Princes Street, and top museums nearby.
Semi-rural escapes: Calton Hill and Holyrood Park within easy reach.

The location is pretty much unbeatable.

The Balmoral is literal steps away from Waverley, Edinburgh’s central train station, and on the border between Old Town and New.

Most of the city’s notable restaurants (that aren’t in the hotel itself) will be walking distance, as are plenty of the top attractions.

The Royal Mile is a block away, stretching from the 16th-century era, Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament, to Edinburgh Castle.

Theoretically, you’ll take 20 minutes to walk from one end to the other, but there’s lots to distract on the city’s busiest tourist street.

Museum visits will also be easy, 15 minutes towards the University campus for the stunning National Museum of Scotland or an easy 7 along Princes Street for the National Galleries.

For something of an escape from the city, walk up Calton Hill for some stunning views.

So too, visit Holyrood Park, about twenty minutes walk away, and wander the Salisbury Crags up towards Arthur’s Seat.

And what about the reviews? What did other guests think?

Some things guests liked:

“First class location in a stunning building. The amazing staff friendly yet professional always ready to help. Excellent restaurant and bar with great cocktails of all styles. Fabulous spa, had the most amazing facial…”

“Everything! Staff so courteous and attentive to little details and so kind. Rooms immaculate; Spa area and pool is wonderful; food delicious. A perfect day and night celebrating my daughter’s 40th Birthday. We love the Balmoral – Scotland’s jewel in the crown!…”