A stay at The Balmoral Hotel is a real celebration of Scotland. Located at the centre of Edinburgh, its majestic clock tower has become a city landmark in its own right, rising above the skyline as a timeless symbol. In fact, the clock is famously set 3 minutes ahead in order to give lovers a chance to bid farewell to their partner without feeling rushed. A detail in line with the hotel’s heritage and significance.
Old-time luxury for the 21st century
Scottish Tradition meets Modernity
The Balmoral has been part of the Rocco Forte family since 1998 and was, in fact, the group’s very first international acquisition and holds. Since then, it’s become a true flagship hotel seamlessly blending Scottish heritage with the unmistakable Rocco Forte touch. The hotel even has its own personalised tartan, created exclusively for The Balmoral, combining timeless elegance with local tradition.
While the interiors are deeply rooted in Scottish calm, akin to soft tweeds, natural textures, and muted tones, Olga Polizzi’s Italian and British influence subtly shines through. It’s a delicate balance: honouring the spirit of Edinburgh while maintaining the design consistency that runs across every Rocco Forte property. From the moment you check in, you’re transported into a world that feels both authentically local and globally refined.
The Dunrobin Suite
During my stay, I had the pleasure of staying in the Dunrobin Suite, one of the hotel’s iconic Grand Suites, aptly named after one of Scotland’s major rivers. From the moment I was escorted upstairs, every detail reflected quiet grandeur and thoughtful hospitality. A welcome arrangement of complimentary fresh fruits awaited me, a lovely gesture that set the tone for the stay. The suite had breathtaking views of Calton Hill, offering a postcard-perfect scene from dawn to dusk. The décor was equally memorable with beautiful decorative molding, elegant old brass door knockers, and walls adorned in a soft, botanical green wallpaper that lent a soothing ambiance to the space. Rather than clashing with the light blue hues woven throughout, reminiscent of traditional Scottish tartans, the green worked in quiet harmony, grounding the room in a sense of place and heritage. The bed was exceptionally comfortable, with linens that wrapped you in calm, and the bathroom offered a touch of indulgence from the plush robe to the luxurious Irene Forte skincare products provided. Every element of the Dunrobin Suite seemed designed to embody refinement while remaining deeply comforting.
Once a grand railway hotel for travelers who wished to relax in a, this iconic property has long been interwoven with Edinburgh’s history. Perfectly positioned at 1 Princes Street—right beside the lush expanse of Princes Street Gardens, the property is at the very heart of Edinburgh. Over the years, the hotel has welcomed a number of notable guests, such as Sophia Loren and Elizabeth Taylor.
A family affair
Although the idea of a family-run business is nothing new, no one does it quite like the Rocco Forte family, where each member has played a vital role in shaping The Balmoral into the iconic property it is today. Sir Rocco Forte leads with vision, while his sister, Olga Polizzi, serves as Director of Design, bringing her signature touch to every detail of the interiors. His daughter Irene Forte is at the helm of the spa offering, curating treatments and products through her own award-winning brand Irene Forte, and overseeing the spa’s most recent renovations. Lydia Forte, also his daughter, heads up the food and beverage concept, combining storytelling with locally sourced ingredients to create a dining experience rooted in luxury and comfort. Meanwhile, Charles Forte, Director of Development, is responsible for identifying and expanding the group’s holdings, ensuring the family’s legacy continues to grow.
What truly sets them apart, however, is how involved they remain. The Forte Family frequently visits The Balmoral and takes a deeply hands-on approach. Their values are rooted in care, attention, and loyalty, which extend beyond the walls of the hotel, creating a warm, familial culture that includes both staff and guests. It’s this sense of continuity and personal pride that upholds the Balmoral’s exceptional standards and makes it unlike any other property.
Care in every detail
The concierge has one goal: to make your life easier. Whether you need to find the nearest pharmacy or want insider tips on where to buy the best Edinburgh souvenirs, they’re incredibly knowledgeable and always happy to help. In the evenings, enjoy a cosy turn-down service, complete with the option to unwind by the fireplace, which may be simply a decorative one in most hotels, but not the Balmoral.
Luxury made family-friendly
Over the years, The Balmoral has adapted to make the experience as family-friendly as possible, without compromising on quality or calm.
Each child will be given a personalised Rocco Forte Kids Passport as well as treats, child-size robes (which are rare), and cuddly animal toys, including Bonnie the Owl, the hotel’s mascot for its younger guests
Childcare is outsourced to trusted professionals at Little Royals, known for their professionalism and reliability. The founder, Mary-Anne, who has over 20 years of experience in the industry and is personally involved, so you can enjoy activities while knowing your little ones are in safe hands. Dog-sitting is also available if you’re travelling with a furry friend. The location makes everything easy, with top attractions like Camera Obscura, Mary King’s Close, the National Museum of Scotland, and Dynamic Earth all within walking distance—each one kid-friendly and guaranteed to keep them entertained. Plus, there’s
A unique culinary experience
The Scotch – A piece of Scottish Heritage
As Scotland’s national drink, a stop at The Balmoral’s whisky bar, The Scotch, is an absolute must. Home to over 500 varieties, you’re guaranteed to discover a whisky that suits your palate perfectly. Upon arrival, one of the hotel’s whisky ambassadors will greet you and guide you through a personalised tasting journey, recommending the perfect variety based on your preferences.
A particular practice that serves as an extension to the hotel’s warm, familial atmosphere is that guests also have the opportunity to purchase a bottle to be stored in The Scotch’s bespoke whisky cabinet, complete with a personal plaque bearing your name. It’s a charming and warm tradition, almost like staying at a relative’s home, blending understated elegance with the comfort of knowing that your bottle will be waiting for you every time you check back into the hotel.
Palm Court
Enjoying high tea at Palm Court is a must, as it’s the jewel of The Balmoral, with its décor changing seasonally to reflect the time of year. As soon as you step into the room, you’re transported into a world of elegance, greeted warmly by the manager and the ever-attentive staff. The setting is made even more magical by the soft sound of live harp music in the background, playing everything from Mozart and Beethoven to Coldplay, the Game of Thrones theme, and even Disney Classics.
The Classic Afternoon Tea is a six-course experience that begins with a surprisingly delightful beetroot, ginger, and coconut soup—an unusual combination that works perfectly. Of course, no high tea would be complete without finger sandwiches, and these are far from ordinary: roast beef with tomato, mustard mayo and watercress; Balmoral smoked salmon with avocado and pickled radish; coronation chicken with butterhead lettuce; free-range Arlington egg with Japanese mayo; and smoked Applewood cheese with pear chutney and rocket.
To finish, you’ll be treated to a selection of expertly crafted pastries, including a chocolate financier with mascarpone and praline, a vanilla religieuse, a passion fruit and dark chocolate madeleine, and a raspberry & rose Bakewell tart.
A glass of champagne sets the tone, while the extensive tea menu (88 options where you can order as many as you want with your meal) is presented with care. We personally recommend the Rose Oolang blend, which paired beautifully with the meal. And if you’re feeling adventurous, Palm Court now offers a newly added Bubble Tea menu—the only one of its kind in Edinburgh.
Every item has a story, and everything has been thought out to add meaning. The entire experience feels like coming home but with a luxurious, exclusive twist.
The Brasserie Prince
The Brasserie Prince is where French cuisine meets Scottish charm. With its cozy, softly lit decor that mirrors a true French brasserie, it’s the kind of place where you instantly feel at ease. We started off with freshly fished Scottish salmon, which is offered in two varieties, classic or gin-cured, and served with your choice of capers, échalotes, or fresh cream. A simple yet flavourful way to kick off the meal. Known for its steaks, the Lamb Rump and Aubergine à la provençale offers a classic, aromatic, and full of southern French flair, was the ideal follow-up, and is perfectly complemented with a glass of Montes Pinot Noir. To end on a sweet note, the crême brûlée was everything you’d want it to be—crackly on top, creamy underneath, and the ideal end.
Breakfast is also served here, and it is really Scottishly brilliant. You can go for the buffet or order à la carte. There’s also an extensive juice selection, which is such a nice touch first thing in the morning. The space somehow works just as well for slow mornings as it does for elegant dinners.
Number One
For a truly elevated dining experience, Number One is The Balmoral’s crown jewel, a 4 AA Rosette restaurant seamlessly weaving modern Scottish cuisine with refined flair. The Head Chef, Mathew Sherry, is a native Edinburgher who has curated a seasonal seven-course tasting menu.
This culinary experience begins with the delicate sweetness of Ullapool brown crab, accompanied by coastal herbs, almond, and dill. It continues through each thoughtfully crafted course, ranging from confit salmon with tomato beurre blanc and Greenheart herbs; roasted veal sweetbread brightened with carrot, coriander, and lime; hand‑dived scallops served with garden pea, lettuce, and Ayrshire bacon; and Scottish sirloin of beef partnered with oyster mushroom and black truffle. The savoury journey is followed by a selection of artisan cheeses, and concludes on a note of pure sweetness with Balmoral honey yoghurt and honeycomb, rounded off by a vibrant Colbeggie Farm strawberry dessert paired with lemongrass ice cream.
Number One is a celebration of Scotland’s finest produce, crafted with passion and a deep sense of place.
Overall
The Balmoral truly sets the standard for what luxury hospitality should feel like. Whether you’re here for a romantic weekend, a family getaway, or a solo escape, every detail has been carefully thought through to make your experience feel effortless. All the staff are warm, professional, and genuinely helpful, creating an atmosphere that’s welcoming without ever being intrusive. With over 70 nationalities represented on the team, there’s a beautiful sense of global perspective wrapped in unmistakably Scottish charm.
Find more information about The Balmoral here
All images courtesy of The Balmoral Hotel.