The Balmoral

Spent 4 nights at The Balmoral Hotel recently on a trip to Scotland. It was hands-down the best hotel experience I’ve ever had in my life. I’ve stayed at the Beverly Wilshire in Los Angeles, the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego, Hilton’s Conrad properties all over, JW Marriott’s and Four Seasons. Never have I had the combination of Service, History, and Location that I had at the Balmoral. It blows them all away and is my new gold standard. On the service front, when housekeeping tidied up our room or did turn-down service they put our eyeglasses on lens wipes and put a bookmark in our books. I know that might sound silly, but the level of attention to detail like that was the type of thing that really stood out. Another thing: being a guest at the hotel entitles you to use of their spa facilities, namely the steam room and sauna. That is a benefit that is typically reserved for spa guests only. At the daily included breakfast they had an incredible spread and menu options. I got eggs benedict or avocado toast. So good. The staff were all wonderful, from bellmen at the door to front desk to the restaurant and whiskey room, and of course the aforementioned housekeeping team. Their whiskey room must have had a selection of over 500 bottles from across Scotland. We did a flight and had a great experience. Finally, location cannot be beat. Right in the heart of the city, next to the largest train station, walkable to everything, with unbostructed views from all sides. Incredible. 10/10, will stay again.

A great place. Classy and delicious. Yes, it is a bit expensive, but it was worth it. I will go back there when I return to Edinburgh again.

Absolutely loved this hotel, for such a big hotel it feels like coming home...how they do that I do not know but they do. The housekeeping is excellent, the bar menu is amazing, the bar staff second to none! The main star of the show is the front desk staff, I swear they treat you like family/old friends and we had never been before. Tereza on reception, I don't know what they are paying her but pay her double she is outstanding! Best sleep EVER..we will be back, thank you for a wonderful stay.

An absolute gem of a hotel. I don’t think I can go back to Edinburgh again and not stay here. A prime location to the tourist attractions near the Royal Mile, with just the friendliest staff you can want. We ended up staying a whole day in the hotel because of a sudden change of plans and enjoyed it all immensely. Afternoon tea is well worth it for the two hours. Number One is delicious and the staff are awesome. Prince Bar staff are so friendly. The valets helped us figure out how to manage our car! The room was just what we needed, with an beautiful en suite. Oh! Make sure to check out the spa! The massage tables are amazing and its a lovely heated pool area! So relaxing. Loved it all.

The experience at the Balmoral is Excellent and it would not be the same staying in Edinburgh if we did not stay at the Balmoral. The Wellness Centre is now back in operation which is Super ! The rooms are a real treat with super soft bedsheets and pillows, a turndown service, great mini bar and shower and bath facilities. Breakfast should not be missed especially the kippers and haggis ! The concierge are helpful and informative and there is nothing that they will not assist you with. The only let down is the food other than breakfast which needs improvement.