The Balmoral

After years of visiting this hotel, it has unfortunately declined significantly. Recommend staying elsewhere in Edinburgh. Please note the hotel restaurant cause our family to get food poisoning for an evening which the manager responded to us saying they did extensive research and found this not to be true. I’ve never heard of a response in this fashion linked to a tray of bad oysters.

Picked up by the chauffeur Alistair at Edinburgh Airport at 08:30 in a lovely Mercedes. Arrived at the hotel and were greeted by a few members of staff who took our bags and escorted us to check in. Check in was 5 minutes and the room was ready. Ben took us up to our room, which was room 252 the Sterling suite for two nights. The room had an entrance hallway with a wardrobe. Bathroom with seperate bath and walk in shower. Living room and separate bedroom. The living room had its own fireplace (gas) which Ben lit for us. It had views out to Princes Street/Leith Street and North Bridge. It had its own dining table which you could have breakfast at in the mornings for no extra charge. Two armchairs, a writing desk and chair, sofa and coffee table. On the coffee table were a selection of magazines, large bowl of sweets and box of whisky chocolates. It also had a complimentary minibar with bars of chocolate, soft and alcoholic drinks. Small touches like your initials embroidered on your pillowcases in the bedroom were a welcome surprise. Fresh flowers were delivered on the first day and snacks throughout the day and early evening. They included different plates of shortbread, almond financier, sliced boar sausage and pickles, bowls of oranges, chocolate macarons and more.. A trip to Edinburgh Castle was also complimentary. The turndown service in the evening was nice to come back to. All the curtains closed, the fire was on and slippers next to your bed. Breakfast was either off the menu or from the buffet. The doorman, who always time for a chat greeted you by name every time you went out of the hotel or returned. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at The Balmoral and look forward to returning.

Arrived with an evening booking. We were ignored when waiting at the cold door and snapped when trying to get staff attention. Over all, the staff looked aloof and unfriendly. Will not be back.

We had an amazing Christmas lunch in Prince Brasserie on the 10th Dec. A special birthday for my husband. The food was delicious and the staff were so amazing every need catered for. Special thank you to Piere and Carly in the dining room and to Giovanne in the bar for his warm welcome and the lovely table he got for us. We shall definitely return. Regards Sandra M

I was staying with my husband and my 2 teen age kids. The hotel is centrally located on the busisest corner of Edingburgh. Yet, it is nicely protected, no annoying noise, relaxing ambience in the hotel. The Doormen, Concierge, Reception were very nice and helpful. Room was cozy but nicely designed with very high ceiling, which we loved!! The Bar, Scotch is a must to experience as well.