The Balmoral Hotel

Edinburgh's no. 1 luxury hotel in history

The Balmoral Hotel, also known as 'the grand old lady' of Princes Street has been one of Edinburgh's most famous landmarks for over 100 years. Its stunning clock tower dominates Edinburgh's skyline along with the City Centre's other two spires: Nelson Monument on Calton Hill and Scott Monument on Princes Street.

The original name of the Balmoral was North British Hotel -- or the NB, a name still used for the hotel's bar. The North British Hotel first opened its gates to the wealthy and discerning traveller in 1902.

Owned by the North British Railway Company, the hotel always had a sense of exclusivity enhanced by a private elevator guests could take from Waverley Station right up to the arrivals hall. Its famous and rich guests were treated with world-class luxury.

The Balmoral Hotel welcomed rich and famous visitors, rock stars, local residents and tourists from around the world for 70 years until the North British Hotel was finally sold in the 80's. The name Balmoral was given to this Edinburgh hotel in 1991 following a three year refurbishment.

In Gaelic 'Balmoral' stands for 'majestic' or 'splendid settlement' carrying forward the hotel's reputation as Edinburgh's number one place for elegant living and fine dining.

Description of the Balmoral Hotel

Today, the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh is under new management. Sir Rocco Forte acquired the Balmoral as the first in a series of luxury, five-star hotels around European capitals, a decision making Scots proud of this historic building in Edinburgh's City Centre.

The Balmoral Hotel has undergone yet another major refurbishment of its 188 rooms and 20 royal suites which was completed in 2003. Sir Rocco Forte's sister, Olga was personally responsible for choosing fabrics and furnishings.

The new interior is more contemporary in keeping with modern trends but the Scottish feel is ever present in the hotel. The old 1902 design with its chandelier, open fire and marble floor are enhanced by artwork featuring Scottish themes like stags, golden eagles and famous figures of Scottish literature

The hotel and its staff

Guests are met at the door by a kilted footman whose traditional Scottish dress coupled with his white hair and beard make him part of the Scottish experience at the Balmoral Hotel.

Staff at the Balmoral are exceedingly polite and accommodating and attend to their guests with utmost professionalism. They are warm and hospitable and room upgrades offered to guests visiting on special occasions are quite common. Customer care seems to be the hotel's strongest point.

>> Back to The Balmoral Hotel guide index