Rocco Forte's Edinburgh flagship — 187 keys in a 1902 railway hotel on Princes Street, with views to the Castle.
BrandRocco Forte Hotels
DestinationEdinburgh
RegionEurope
Price TierTier 2 ($2k-$5k)
SettingLuxury Hotel
Best ForRepeat Rocco Forte guests collecting properties, couples on milestone Edinburgh trips, F&B-driven travelers booking around Number One reservations.
PrivacyHigh
ServiceExceptional concierge service
ButlerImpeccable Scottish hospitality
Private PoolNo
Built1902
Renovated2018
The Balmoral opened in 1902 as the North British Hotel, built by the North British Railway Company at the east end of Princes Street. Rocco Forte acquired the property in 1997 and ran a full restoration, with the most recent renovation completed in 2018. The 167 rooms and 20 signature suites occupy
Key Features
Award-winning restaurants
Luxurious spa and wellness facilities
Stunning views of Edinburgh Castle
Convenient location near major attractions
Exceptional concierge service
Elegant event spaces for meetings and weddings
Dining
Number One
Brasserie Prince
Palm Court
Signature Experience
Castle views from the front-facing suites at dusk, when the floodlit fortress sits against the Old Town skyline — the angle from Princes Street is the postcard shot.
Rocco Forte's design discipline applied to Edinburgh's most prominent railway hotel, with Number One as the city's only four-AA-Rosette restaurant and Princes Street positioning that no other luxury property in the city can match.
Signature Suite: Grand Balmoral Suite
Size: 66 sqm, Views: Arthurs Seat and Edinburghs historic Old Town, Design: Evokes the splendour of the Scottish countryside, Ideal_For: Families
Best time: June and August are ideal due to the warm weather and vibrant festivals, especially the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Demand: Seasonal demand peaks during summer months, particularly August when the city is alive with events.
Pricing: Ultra-luxury property pricing is at its highest during summer, especially August due to festival demand. Winter sees more competitive pricing.
Insider tip: Consider booking exclusive experiences during the Edinburgh Festival to enjoy intimate performances and private events not available to the general public.
Avoid: Avoid visiting from mid-January to early March due to cold weather and limited attractions.
