Name: The Balmoral Hotel
Address: 1 Princes Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom, Edinburgh, Scotland, GB
Price range: US$795–US$2,081 per night
Rating: 9.45

What guests think

At The Balmoral Hotel, reviews consistently praise the warmly attentive service, elegant historic setting, and central, walkable location by Waverley Station, while a number also question value for money and mention occasional room or dining shortcomings.

Many enjoy the pool, spa and gym, and several highlight relaxing spa treatments. Rooms are often comfortable and spacious, though some feel dated, small or noisy, and a few maintenance issues arise. Breakfast and Brasserie Prince draw mixed feedback, from excellent to chaotic or poor value, while Number One and the bars are widely praised. Expect classic, historic luxury in a prime location, at premium prices.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Pool, spa and gym are frequently praised; afternoon tea and spa treatments are often highlighted as relaxing. Some report limited gym hours, occasional spa or pool closures, or dated spa areas.

Related guest reviews

10

Samantha

10 Dec 2022

·

Stayed 2 nights

Lovely hotel, attentive staff, lovely pool area

10

Vadim

17 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great short stay in Edinbruh. Super clean and very helpful staff. Particularly enjoyed the pool, gym and spa area. Holiday decorations was a bonus.

10

John

14 Jan 2023

·

Stayed 19,370 nights

Loved the attention to detail and staff Pool was closed and a couple of restaurants

6

nabil

19 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

The property is amazing and the service is great; Unfortunately the gym dos not open till 7 am which was disappointing for a person like me who likes to exercise early

10

Andrew Alward

31 Aug 2023

·

The best massage table of the whole trip. Great team behind the desk and in the front. Nice dining, and amiable staff. Pleasant spa facility and staff.

10

Kris

22 May 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Please do yourself a favor and spend the extra money on staying in the nicest place in town. If you want to be treated like royalty -with the best food and service anywhere in Scotland- stay here! I cannot rave enough about the spa either. I sincerely felt like I had died and gone to heaven after my massage. The food was so good. Best of all, we were assisted with our luggage getting into the hotel from our rental car and heading out to London via the train station next door.

10

Julie

11 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 6 nights

A very central location, the concierge staff were incredibly helpful. We felt pampered the whole trip! We also received massages, facials and hand/foot treatments from the spa on premises. All were very relaxing and the staff professional. I felt there could be more preparation of tools in the room that the staff needed but it did not hinder the benefits of the treatment.

10

Sean

16 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Fantastic Hotel with amazing service. The whole property is outstanding in every way. If you want a great workout with an amazing spa afterwards this is the place. Good gym layout dumbbell and a good squat rack with bar and plate. Workout area is broken into 4 rooms giving it a spacious and private feel when working out. The steam room was wonderful with a clean fragrance of mint in the air. The breakfast was good but the service was outstanding. Every member of the staff at this hotel were outstanding. Friendly and extremely attentive. The Bar at the Prince served incredible oysters and excellent Korean chicken wings. But the true highlight was the drinks and service. This bar has a great mature vibe with extremely good staff. Lastly when you enter into the Lobby they have a huge arrangement of flowers that give this area a marvellous not overpowering fragrance that continues to add to the ambiance.

10

Nadia

10 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

I loved every single thing about this hotel, which must be one of the best in the world. My husband and I went on our honeymoon here and were met with professionalism, courtesy, and kindness everywhere. Also, the spa facilities such as gym and pool were top notch. Perfect temperatured water, the best equipment, nothing was lacking. Also, the building is gorgeous. In summary: We've been to many great hotels all over the world but this was the best we've ever been too.

6

Tatiana

7 May 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very VERY dated bathrooms. Spa area is just like past century. Toilet would not flash. Thin walls - you can hear a whisper. Breakfast was horrible. The staff is very nice though.

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Cleanliness

Most guests describe the hotel and rooms as very clean and well maintained; a few note minor issues like a smoke smell or that it could have been cleaner.

Related guest reviews

8

Richard

9 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room was beautiful very clean and lots of space

10

Jan

2 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Fabulous property in the city centre. Gorgeous room, with everything we needed, spotlessly clean, beautiful bed linen and towels. Great shower and bath. Expensive, even for Edinburgh but a great experience. Lovely breakfast, good coffee and beautiful public areas.

10

Aika

13 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The room smelled a tad of smoke, but otherwise comfortable, clean and quiet. Will definitely stay here again

10

Saina

12 Feb 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

We visited Edinburgh for the first time in February. After a recommendation, we booked our stay at The Balmoral Hotel. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by the most helpful staff who continued to provide a fantastic level of service until we checked out. The comfort and cleanliness of the rooms is second to none. If I return to the city, The Balmoral will be my first port of call.

10

Richard

23 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Could have been a little cleaner

10

Christine

6 Feb 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

A wonderful stay at this superb hotel. Room was spotless and had extra touches such as box of fudge and bottles of water on arrival. Staff are excellent and nothing is too much trouble. Very good location for the city centre facilities.

10

Vadim

17 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great short stay in Edinbruh. Super clean and very helpful staff. Particularly enjoyed the pool, gym and spa area. Holiday decorations was a bonus.

10

Joanne

7 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Had another fantastic stay at the Balmoral. Staff friendly & welcoming, beautifully clean hotel, food gorgeous & cocktail bar extra special.

10

James

27 May 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

We enjoyed staying at the Balmoral Hotel. It was in an excellent location. Room was quiet, clean, and nicely decorated. Toiletries were excellent (for the women out there!) We had afternoon tea downstairs. It was excellent except for people parading through with their luggage. For the price we paid, we expected not to see people using the room as a thoroughfare. Maybe the hotel could put signs out to direct people to another route. Overall, I would recommend The Balmoral Hotel. Really enjoyed it and would stay there again.

10

Robin

1 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beautiful 19th century building with excellent restaurants. Our room was immaculate, the entire staff was most helpful and the location in Edinburgh was perfect for sightseeing. We look forward to future stays at other Rocco Forte hotels! Chuck & Robin Bach

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are generally comfortable and often spacious, with some featuring strong showers and heated bathroom floors. Several guests found certain rooms dated, small or noisy, and reported occasional maintenance issues like loud A/C or TV problems.

Related guest reviews

4

Antony

24 Jan 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Bathroom was freezing, heated towel rail didn't work, reported it but hotel couldn't fix it TV didn't work reported it and then fixed.

8

Richard

9 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room was beautiful very clean and lots of space

10

Eric

31 Dec 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at The Balmoral. Its location is central to everything, and we walked everywhere. The heated floor in the bathroom was fantastic! We also loved that our family was given connecting rooms. Everything was easy! I would definitely stay there again and would recommend it to all my family and friends!

8

Gregory

8 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 5 nights

Beautiful old hotel, accommodating staff, large high ceiling rooms; unfortunately my room was next to the elevator & sometimes noisy. Convenient to old town, shopping & transportation; two hotel restaurants very good dining.

10

wei yen

14 Dec 2022

·

Stayed 1 night

A great one-night stay. The staff were all excellent. Room was large, very comfortable, and very clean. Shower pressure was great and hot. The only negative was that the air conditioning was very loud. It might need to be serviced.

6

Anthony

21 May 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

I appreciate the historic heritage of this hotel, however the rooms are too old and feels like you’re overpaying for what it is

6

Jackson

2 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 5 nights

Great location & gym, however overall room size & condition not commensurate with the premium price when compared with other properties in area.

6

Sonya

31 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

While the service team is very well trained and professional the property decor and rooms are not opulent as displayed online. In fact they are a bit dated and hard to justify the value for the experience.

8

Sarah

30 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The view from my room window was stunning , straight out onto the castle and princess street . Windows opened a bit as it was very warm so that’s a plus . It felt a bit cramped and I was glad I had travelled alone . Windows were double glazed and room Was quiet at night . Breakfast is phenomenal, if you are someone who can stock up and last all day then this is for you . Sadly I am a grazer !! I found the cleaning invasive , phone chargers coiled and wrapped , my dirty washing pile in the wardrobe was hung up on hangers !!! Then when I discovered they wanted to charge me for them putting those silly cushions back on the bed twice a day I felt narked . I felt I had already paid and wished I had said once a day was enough especially as things like biscuits and milk aren’t refreshed daily . Maybe I am nit picking ?!! Love the stair carpets and stained glass windows on stair well . Love Edinburgh but not sure I would the extra for here again .

10

Jens

19 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Amazing hotel overall - amazing pool, great breakfast, historic vibe. Nevertheless, I would question the value for money, especially if you can only get one of the „classic rooms“ on the top floor (under the roof with small windows). Also, don’t like that they automatically add a „discretionary gratuity“ of 5% to the final bill. Does not feel right for a a hotel at this level.

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Service

Service is widely described as exceptional, with friendly, attentive staff and standout concierge support. A few report lapses such as chaotic breakfast service, missed requests, or inconsistent bar service.

Related guest reviews

8

Alan

9 Dec 2022

·

Stayed 2 nights

The hotel was lovely but found some of the bars staff a little off!

10

Erin

8 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

From check in to check out, our stay was lovely! The staff were friendly and very helpful, and the hotel itself is beautiful. If we are in the area again, we will be back!

10

Gilad

16 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

High quality hotel with generally excellent service. Only flaw was when I tried to get them to do some laundry. Despite multiple calls, they never showed up to collect it.

10

Catherine

19 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Wow!!! What a wonderful hotel! Their attention to detail is amazing! Such kind staff! Imad at the concierge was the nicest human being ever! Super helpful, accommodating, funny and always remembered us! He made our trip more fun! The hotel is lovely!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

10

Patricia

15 Nov 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Loved everything about the Balmoral. The service was outstanding. So lovely to be personally greeted by the concierges and doormen at every instance.

10

Patricia

26 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The best service, best location. Great comfortable large room. Loved the bellman. One walked us to the train station with all our luggage. Just the best. And the bellman are what make it so great.

10

RICHARD

21 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beautiful hotel, staffed by amazing people. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. Everything was perfect, except the breakfast waiter forgot to put my order in, but the omelette was worth the wait

10

Charles

3 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Still the best in Edinburgh if not the UK! Staff are magnificent!

10

Michael

1 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

We had the most amazing stay at the Balmoral. It was faultless. The service was the best we’ve experienced anywhere. The attention to detail from every member of staff we encountered was impressive. We can’t wait to return. It was a very special visit that we won’t forget.

10

John

22 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The concierge service was excellent, they met us at the train station and escorted to the hotel, they also escorted us back to the train station when we left. The negative I have about our stay was trying to figure out how to turn the water on and off in the bath/shower. Otherwise we had a great stay.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Central location next to Waverley Station makes walking to Old and New Town sights easy and transport convenient. Some mention crowds outside and difficult car access.

Related guest reviews

10

Jacki

4 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The hotel and location was excellent. Train station and lots of nearby attractions

10

Nisrine

11 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Excellent hotel, 1 minute walk from the train station

10

John

21 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

The property is hard to access via car given all the construction and traffic.

10

Lynda

29 Mar 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

The most convenient location next to the train station. An old fashioned fabulous institution.

10

Teresa

31 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Beautiful hotel within easy walking distance of both Old Town and New Town. It is right at the exit of the Waverley Train station with many choices for shopping and restaurants nearby. The hotel itself is extremely comfortable with a great staff available to help with any request.

10

Denise

28 Jan 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

This might be my new favorite hotel! All Rocco Forte properties are great, but I thought this one was exceptional! The proximity to the train station was super convenient, yet I never heard a single train. Service was 10/10. I can’t wait to return!

10

Jeevagan

22 Jan 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Located in City centre and close to all attractions

10

Charles

9 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The history of it and it's location are excellent. The train station is next door and it's centrally located for easy walking for sightseeing, shopping, dining, etc. And the staff is superb!

10

Leland

25 Sept 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Very centrally located. However, the crowds coming and going from the train station were a bit much. I'd definitely go again!

10

Patrick

1 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

We didnt like the parking outside hotel and having to wait for the hotel to move our car and then a traffic warden put a ticket on our car.

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Dining

Breakfast, afternoon tea, and on-site restaurants earn frequent praise—especially Number One and the whisky/cocktail bars—yet several guests found breakfast or Brasserie Prince inconsistent, chaotic, or poor value.

Related guest reviews

10

Hemal

20 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The most beautiful hotel and attentive staff you could ask for. All requests were handled professionally and truly was a memorable experience. Afternoon tea at Palm court was also sublime.

10

Jan

2 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Fabulous property in the city centre. Gorgeous room, with everything we needed, spotlessly clean, beautiful bed linen and towels. Great shower and bath. Expensive, even for Edinburgh but a great experience. Lovely breakfast, good coffee and beautiful public areas.

10

Mark

8 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Fantastic stay with a great dinner in the hotel restaurant in the evening. Also a lovely breakfast with friendly, extremely helpful staff.

10

BUELL

16 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

The Balmoral is a Treasure! Superb, helpful, friendly, professional staff. Great restaurants - Number 1 is one of the best restaurants we have eaten at in Europe!

8

Timothy J

6 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Stayed at the Balmoral several times over the years. It continues to provide a timeless sense of security in a busy world. Concierge were just brilliant nothing is too much or too difficult. Brasserie Prince is described as chic and relaxed according to the website, nothing could be further from the truth. Breakfast is chaotic and shambolic, nothing like a 5 star hotel experience, more premier inn!! Dinner was shocking, noisy, poor service and average food. So bad we wouldn't stay at the Balmoral again until the hotel and Rocco forte get a grip.

10

Max

31 Mar 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Wonderful Hotel and the Afternoon tea service was sublime. They accommodate my husband's dairy and egg allergies for our meals. The morning buffet breakfast was just right to start the day. Only note is hotel is right next to Waverly Station do it's a bit crowded in front of the hotel.

10

Sean

16 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Fantastic Hotel with amazing service. The whole property is outstanding in every way. If you want a great workout with an amazing spa afterwards this is the place. Good gym layout dumbbell and a good squat rack with bar and plate. Workout area is broken into 4 rooms giving it a spacious and private feel when working out. The steam room was wonderful with a clean fragrance of mint in the air. The breakfast was good but the service was outstanding. Every member of the staff at this hotel were outstanding. Friendly and extremely attentive. The Bar at the Prince served incredible oysters and excellent Korean chicken wings. But the true highlight was the drinks and service. This bar has a great mature vibe with extremely good staff. Lastly when you enter into the Lobby they have a huge arrangement of flowers that give this area a marvellous not overpowering fragrance that continues to add to the ambiance.

10

Megan

13 Sept 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Amazing hotel! Amazing service. Fabulous bar & restaurant. Even more amazing whisky bar where the servers are super knowledgeable! Incredible experience also conveniently located

6

Tatiana

7 May 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very VERY dated bathrooms. Spa area is just like past century. Toilet would not flash. Thin walls - you can hear a whisper. Breakfast was horrible. The staff is very nice though.

10

Donald

13 May 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

What I didn't like.. The breakfast. In the states most hotels (both cheap and expensive) include breakfast. I paid 35 lbs for a breakfast that wasn't worth $3. Cold runny scrambled eggs. Nothing on the buffet table was especially inviting. Service was nice, and table clean, etc. The following days, we went down to McDonalds and had better meal for 8 lbs. For the price that we paid, you could do better and not charge so much.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	US$399
February	US$389
March	US$425
April	US$678
May	US$760
June	US$868
July	US$937
August	US$952
September	US$812
October	US$696
November	US$527
December	US$602

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5 $1,429
6 $969	7 $1,022	8 $1,148	9 $1,146	10 $1,235	11 $1,641	12 $1,480
13 $2,043	14 $1,398	15 $1,280	16 $1,146	17 $1,641	18 $2,081	19 $1,112
20 $1,273	21 $1,305	22 $1,745	23 $1,677	24	25 $1,398	26 $1,149
27 $851	28 $1,214	29 $1,074	30 $1,150

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $922	2 $1,430	3 $1,430
4 $1,360	5 $1,112	6 $1,265	7 $826	8 $1,112	9 $1,208	10 $1,208
11 $1,208	12 $1,208	13 $1,214	14 $954	15 $1,081	16 $1,081	17 $1,011
18 $1,011	19 $954	20 $795	21 $795	22 $922	23 $826	24 $954
25 $890	26 $865	27 $871	28 $846	29 $852	30 $877	31 $865

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About this property

Location

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Superb

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What guests think

Property policies

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