Manor Castle Hotels

  • LISTINGS BY COUNTRY
    • Austria
    • Britain
      • England
      • Scotland
      • Wales
    • Czech Republic
    • France
      • Loire Valley
      • South of France
    • Germany
    • Ireland
    • Italy
      • Tuscany
    • Portugal
    • Spain
    • Switzerland
  • BY CATEGORY
    • 5 Star Castle Hotels
    • B&B Castle Hotels
    • Castles to Rent
    • Dog/Pet Friendly Castle Stays
    • Family Friendly Castle Stays
    • Michelin Star Restaurants
    • Self Catering Castle Stays
    • Spa Facilities
  • ALL LISTINGS: MAP SEARCH

The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh

April 2, 2019 By Manor Castles

  • 186230459

    186230459

  • Balmoral-large.jp-xlarge

    Balmoral-large.jp-xlarge

  • 186230343

    186230343

  • 186234133

    186234133

  • 186234094

    186234094

  • 186230382

    186230382

  • 186234845

    186234845

  • 186234433

    186234433

  • 186230323

    186230323

  • 186230531

    186230531

  • 186230405

    186230405

  • 186230420

    186230420

  • 186235754

    186235754

  • 186235815

    186235815

  • 186230478

    186230478

  • 186230491

    186230491

  • 186230508

    186230508

  • 66798452

    66798452

  • 186235825

    186235825

  • 186233753

    186233753

  • 186234113

    186234113

  • 66810696

    66810696

  • 186234891

    186234891

  • 186241122

    186241122

  • 66811350

    66811350

  • 186234935

    186234935

  • 186235500

    186235500

  • 186235596

    186235596

  • 186235729

    186235729

  • 186235745

    186235745

  • 186235833

    186235833

  • 66806969

    66806969

Castle Categories: 5 Star Castle Hotels, B&B Castle Hotels, Castle Spa Hotels, Family Friendly Castle Stays, Michelin Star Restaurants, and Dog/Pet Friendly Castle StaysCastle Tags: Best Castle Hotels in Scotland - 2022 and Best Castle Hotels near Edinburgh in 2022

Profile
Photos
Map
Address
Some Facilities
Contact & Booking
  • Most Famous Guests: Laurel & Hardy, J.K. Rowling, Oprah Winfrey, The Queen Mother, Elizabeth Taylor.

    For over a hundred years the imposing 5 star Balmoral Hotel has sat at Edinburgh, Scotland’s most prestigious address; No. 1 Princes Street. The historic building and its grand clock tower are city landmarks and the hotel’s reputation here, as the ultimate in old fashioned sophistication and style, is second to none.

    Enjoy fine dining at its Michelin starred restaurant, sooth any strains at the award winning spa facilities, sample some Scotch at the famous Balmoral Whisky Bar which has over 500 varieties in total, and/or just relax, wander around and enjoy the delightfully civil atmosphere of this very special historic hotel.

    THE ACCOMMODATION:

    The Balmoral describes itself as the ‘perfect marriage of tradition and modernity’ and though the modern is present it is the tradition that makes the building so unique and aesthetically pleasing. It is a classic 19th century homage to Renaissance architecture with bold, broad staircases, towering columns and large windows.

    There is a total of 168 rooms and 20 suites to choose from, all of which were individually styled by the designer Olga Polizzi in more, but not overtly so, contemporary styles. Check out all your options on the booking page here.

    The walls are pastel shades, whether painted or with gently twee floral wallpaper. The soft furnishings are all nicely colour matched too and the general feel of all the accommodation choices is warmth and comfort.

    The Classic Rooms can be quite small and overlook the courtyard of the hotel so paying the extra for a city view would be worth it. If you can afford the extra better value is had with a Deluxe Castle View room which has views of Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street and almost enough space for it to be in the suite category.

    The gorgeous suites are divided between Junior and Classic, with the Classics being the larger. The junior suites should not disappoint in any way though if you are booking one you might request a city view on the booking page as one or two of them have a courtyard view, which might not be to everyone’s liking. The classics meanwhile all have city views and it has to be said are really quite lovely, the photos on the booking page don’t do them justice.

    PRICES:

    Check out all the details – prices, reviews and more photos – on the booking page here.

    FACILITIES & THINGS TO DO:

    As mentioned above there is some Michelin starred (and four AA Rosette) fine dining to be enjoyed at the Balmoral, some of the best in the city, at the appropriately named Number One Restaurant.

    If that wasn’t enough there is the more recent addition of the Brasserie Prince, where you can sample some of that famous Franco-Scots Roux family’s latest creations. Here Alain Roux, and his father Michel Roux, O.B.E. promise to pair the very best in Scottish ingredients with classic French cuisine.

    Bar Prince is the place for great cocktails while the infamous Balmoral Whisky Bar is where you can discover some of the world’s finest Scotch whiskies, over 500 varieties in total, and a civilized afternoon tea can be enjoyed in the gorgeous surrounds of Palm Court.

    The spa facilities are highly rated at the Balmoral with Turkish bath, steam room, sauna, massages and various health and beauty treatments including Rocco Forte treatment ‘rituals’ and ESPA skincare. All alongside a 15-metre lap swimming pool and a fitness room/gym.

    Children will be well looked after here with 24 hour babysitting/child minding services, play activities and organized events such as cooking lessons and treasure hunts to help keep them off your feet.

    THE LOCATION:

    The hotel is at the eastern edge of Princes Street, next to Edinburgh’s main Waverley station and about a five minute walk to the National Gallery and the heart of the old town.

    SOME HISTORY:

    The hotel opened on the 15 October 1902 after plans were drawn up seven years earlier by the architect William Hamilton Beattie for a grand palace in the Scottish baronial style. It actually started out as a ‘railway hotel’ to service the needs of passengers and crew of the North British Railway Company at their newly built Waverley Rail Station.

    The clock tower immediately became an Edinburgh icon and in a bit of city trivia you should known that from its very beginning over 100 years ago the clock has been deliberately set three minutes’ fast to encourage people not to dawdle and go get their trains. (the only exception to this is on the 31st of December, Hogmanay, when the clock is set correctly to ring in the new year)

    Perhaps the most famous guests of the early era were American comedy duo Laurel and Hardy whose cheerful meeting with fans was recorded and which remains the earliest example of the hotel captured on film.

    It was owned by the rail company and was known simply as the North British Station Hotel, remaining as a privately owned hotel up to 1948 and the nationalization of the railways. It then became the property of the government through British Transport until it was sold off to the Gleneagles Hotel Company in 1983.

    In 1990, Balmoral International Hotels bought it and after a huge renovation in 12 June 1991 Sir Sean Connery officially re-opened the hotel as The Balmoral, Gaelic for ‘majestic dwelling’. In 1997 the hotel then became part of the Rocco Forte Group of international luxury hotels.

    In February 2007 J. K. Rowling finished the Harry Potter series at the Balmoral, with the completion of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

    REVIEWS:

    “One of the best hotels I have ever stayed in!!! The staff really went above and beyond all expectations. Nothing was too much trouble. The room was stunning as was the hotel itself, the food and restaurant superb and the spa was gorgeous. It was 100% perfect. Thanks so much!…”

    “We have stayed here a few times and it is always a treat. This hotel knows how to do first class and it really shows. They go out of their way to be helpful and friendly. The service for the room is the best I’ve ever experienced – it is perfect. They leave no detail untouched and you never get the feeling they cut corners. The rooms I’ve stayed in are beautifully decorated and fastidiously clean. It is expensive to stay there for sure but you definitely are getting what you paid for in every way and I’ve never felt short changed….”

    >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO CHOOSE YOUR ROOM OR SUITE AT THE BALMORAL, EDINBURGH:


     

    Location Category:

    UK

    Scotland

    Near Edinburgh

    • 186230459
    • Balmoral-large.jp-xlarge
    • 186230343
    • 186234133
    • 186234094
    • 186230382
    • 186234845
    • 186234433
    • 186230323
    • 186230531
    • 186230405
    • 186230420
    • 186235754
    • 186235815
    • 186230478
    • 186230491
    • 186230508
    • 66798452
    • 186235825
    • 186233753
    • 186234113
    • 66810696
    • 186234891
    • 186241122
    • 66811350
    • 186234935
    • 186235500
    • 186235596
    • 186235729
    • 186235745
    • 186235833
    • 66806969
  • No Records Found

    Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.

    Google Map Not Loaded

    Sorry, unable to load Google Maps API.

  • 1 Princes St
    Edinburgh
    Edinburgh
    EH2 2EQ
    United Kingdom
    • Concierge Services
    • Spa Facilities
    • Swimming Pool
    • Sports Activities
    • Child Minding Services
  • Contact & Booking:

Recently Viewed:

   

BOOK NOW 

THE VERY LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEED FOR THE BALMORAL HOTEL:

Click here to reveal prices, availability & reviews at:

Castle Hotel at booking.com

Address: 1 Princes St
Edinburgh
Edinburgh
EH2 2EQ
United Kingdom
Category: 5 Star Castle Hotels, B&B Castle Hotels, Castle Spa Hotels, Family Friendly Castle Stays, Michelin Star Restaurants, and Dog/Pet Friendly Castle Stays
Some Facilities:
  • Concierge Services
  • Spa Facilities
  • Swimming Pool
  • Sports Activities
  • Child Minding Services
Contact & Booking:

No Records Found

Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.

Google Map Not Loaded

Sorry, unable to load Google Maps API.

OTHER LISTINGS NEARBY:

    • 9518328

    Carberry Tower Mansion House

    11.28 km
    Address: Carberry Tower Mansion House
    Musselburgh
    East Lothian
    EH21 8PY
    United Kingdom
    Category: B&B Castle Hotels and Family Friendly Castle Stays
    Carberry Tower Castle Hotel, Musselburgh, near Edinburgh, Scotland, is an award winning, luxury 4 star hotel with a history going back to the 15th century and connections to the infamous Mary, Queen of Scots. There is a superb bistro restaurant here and you can enjoy a drink at the Champagne Terrace, or some aristocratic style afternoon tea, all in beautifully elegant surroundings. The setting is peaceful and atmospheric, with flower filled gardens, ancient woodlands and the famous Carberry Hill where in 1567, after being on the wrong side of the Battle of Carberry, Mary, Queen of Scots would announce her abdication from the throne. ACCOMMODATION: They have a range accommodation from small single rooms, to a top of the range suite, the 700 square feet Royal Suite. Between those two extremes are various other classes of rooms and suites. Check out all your options on the booking page here. In some hotels there isn’t always a huge amount of difference between superior or executive rooms and junior suites but in Carberry, if you have the budget, we’d advise paying the extra for a suite. Though there isn’t much of the medieval to be felt in the rooms, they do all display a nice READ MORE
                 
    • dungeon3

    Dalhousie Castle Hotel & Spa

    12.21 km
    Address: Dalhousie Castle Hotel
    Bonnyrigg
    Midlothian
    EH19 3JB
    United Kingdom
    Category: B&B Castle Hotels, Castle Spa Hotels, Family Friendly Castle Stays, and Dog/Pet Friendly Castle Stays
    Most Famous Former Guests: King Edward I (Longshanks), Oliver Cromwell, Queen Victoria. Dalhousie Castle Hotel in Bonnyrigg near Edinburgh, has the distinction of being Scotland’s oldest continually inhabited castle, one which has now been transformed into a uniquely atmospheric luxury hotel. With 29 plush B&B rooms, a top class restaurant, excellent spa facilities and a serene woodland setting by the banks of the River Esk, it is one of eastern Scotland’s finest hotels. It can also boast an incredible amount of local and national history (see the history section below) that few hotels, castle hotels or otherwise, can easily match. THE ACCOMMODATION: The castle has a great selection of luxury B&B bedrooms and suites, all of them with modern comforts and facilities but with classic styling and warm inviting colours. Some of the suites, though obviously expensive, are the last word in grandeur and opulence. 29 of the units are within the castle while six of them are located in the lodge, a nice old style country house hidden in the woods. Guests of either though can of course enjoy full access to the common areas of the castle and the grounds. PRICES: Check out all the details – prices, READ MORE
                 
    • castle-hotels-near-glasgow-scotland

    Glenapp Castle Hotel

    148.81 km
    Address: Glenapp Castle Hotel
    Girvan
    South Ayrshire
    KA26 ONZ
    United Kingdom
    Category: 5 Star Castle Hotels, B&B Castle Hotels, Family Friendly Castle Stays, Michelin Star Restaurants, and Dog/Pet Friendly Castle Stays
    Most Famous Guest: Sir Winston Churchill. Glenapp is an extremely charming luxury castle hotel hidden away in the forests of South Ayrshire, near Glasgow, Scotland. It has, since its inception in the year 2000, offered the best in five star luxury with consistently high levels of hospitality and friendly service. Designed by renowned architect David Bryce in the 1860’s, it is to this day one of the finest examples around of the Scottish Baronial style of architecture. It is filled with elegant period features and furnishings, has a world class, Michelin Star winning, restaurant, and with acres of landscaped gardens, sea views and a secluded forest setting it makes for a wonderfully romantic hideaway. ACCOMMODATION: There are seventeen B&B rooms and suites to choose from at Glenapp Castle. Many of them (on the upper floors) have sea views where you can look out upon the famous volcanic rock of Ailsa Craig, the Isle of Arran and Holy Island in the distance, and on clear days it’s even possible to catch a glimpse of the hills of Antrim far across the water in Ireland. These are more expensive, naturally, than the ground floor rooms but you will find all of their rooms super comfortable, spacious READ MORE
                 
    • 11482185

    Inverlochy Castle Hotel

    151.66 km
    Address: Inverlochy Castle
    Fort William
    Highland
    PH33 6SN
    United Kingdom
    Category: 5 Star Castle Hotels, B&B Castle Hotels, Family Friendly Castle Stays, and Dog/Pet Friendly Castle Stays
    Most Famous Guests: Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth II & Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh. In 1873 curiosity led Queen Victoria to forgo her usual holiday home at Balmoral, Scotland and instead spend a week at Inverlochy Castle near Fort William. “I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot” she noted in her diary and this is as true today as it was then. The 5 Star Inverlochy Castle Hotel is truly a very special place; an imposing loch side baronial mansion near Fort William and in the foothills of the highest peak of the Scottish Highlands, Ben Nevis. In later years, in its present incarnation as a hotel, it would also play host to the present Queen; HM Queen Elizabeth and her husband HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, as well as a long list of foreign dignitaries and royalty, and various celebrities including the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Sean Connery, Elton John and Anthony Hopkins. The 5 Star Inverlochy Castle is the ultimate in old fashioned sophistication and luxury and it has the added attraction of having one of Scotland’s finest restaurants, with food from the renowned father and son chef team; Albert and Michel Roux Jnr. ACCOMMODATION: There are READ MORE
                 
View all

ABOUT US:

About Manor Castles

Partner Sites:

dreamoverwater.com
wereviewresorts.com

COVID-19:

Covid-19 Help Center

LEGAL STUFF:

Terms & Conditions-Privacy Policy

In Partnership With:

English Heritage & Manor Castles
Manor Castles & Booking.com

Copyright © 2018-2022 manorcastles.com | All rights reserved

Change Location
Find awesome listings near you!