Rocco Forte's Edinburgh flagship — a Forbes Five-Star property on Princes Street with views of Edinburgh Castle.
BrandRocco Forte Hotels
DestinationEdinburgh
RegionEurope
Price TierTier 1 ($1k-$2k)
SettingUrban
Best ForRepeat Rocco Forte guests collecting properties, couples on milestone Edinburgh trips, travelers seeking full-service luxury over boutique-hotel format.
PrivacyStandard
ServiceFull Concierge
ButlerOn-Request
Private PoolNone
The Balmoral anchors the east end of Princes Street, with Edinburgh Castle views from upper floors and the Scone & Crombie Suite. The property holds Forbes Five-Star recognition and appeared on the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List in 2024. Olga Polizzi's design for Rocco Forte Hotels preserves the buil
Key Features
Michelin-starred restaurant
award-winning spa
afternoon tea at Palm Court
proximity to Edinburgh Castle
elegant rooms with tartan accents
personalized service
historic charm
contemporary amenities
Dining
Number One (Scottish)
Brasserie Prince (French-Scottish fusion)
Signature Experience
Afternoon tea at Palm Court — the traditional Edinburgh ritual executed at Forbes Five-Star standard, with Castle views through the windows.
Rocco Forte's full-service city hotel discipline applied to Edinburgh's most visible Princes Street address, with Michelin-starred dining and Forbes Five-Star service standards rare in the Scottish capital.
Signature Suite: Scone & Crombie Suite
Spacious living area, views of Edinburgh Castle, luxurious furnishings, personalized butler service
Accolades
Forbes Five-Star, Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2024
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.
