Rocco Forte's Edinburgh flagship — Victorian railway hotel on Princes Street with Michelin-starred Number One restaurant.
BrandRocco Forte Hotels
DestinationEdinburgh
RegionEurope
Price TierTier 1 ($1k-$2k)
SettingUrban
Best ForRepeat Rocco Forte guests collecting properties, design-led travelers who prefer classical architecture, couples on milestone Edinburgh trips, rail travelers arriving via Waverley Station.
PrivacyStandard
ServiceFull Concierge
ButlerOn-Request
Private PoolNone
The Balmoral opened in 1902 as the North British Hotel, a Victorian railway hotel at the east end of Princes Street. Rocco Forte acquired the property in 1997 and repositioned it as the brand's Edinburgh flagship, with Olga Polizzi handling the design to preserve the building's Victorian bones while
Key Features
Michelin-starred restaurant
Palm Court afternoon tea
The Balmoral Spa
central location
Victorian architecture
personalized service
Edinburgh Castle views
cultural proximity
Dining
Number One - Modern Scottish
Brasserie Prince - French
Palm Court - Afternoon Tea
Signature Experience
Afternoon tea in Palm Court — the service draws non-guests and locals, which signals the property's position in Edinburgh's social infrastructure rather than tourist-hotel isolation.
Michelin-starred dining, Palm Court afternoon tea as a destination service, and Princes Street location with direct rail-station access. The Rocco Forte design approach preserves the Victorian architecture rather than imposing a contemporary luxury template.
Signature Suite: Scone & Crombie Suite
Panoramic city views, separate dining area, luxurious furnishings, marble bathroom
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.
