The Balmoral Hotel is an iconic landmark in Edinburgh, renowned for its majestic clock tower and elegant Scottish architecture. Situated at the corner of Princes Street and North Bridge, it provides stunning views of the Old Town and Edinburgh Castle. The hotel features luxurious rooms and suites, decorated in a classic style with modern amenities. Guests can indulge in fine dining at its Michelin-starred restaurant or relax at the stylish bar. With a lavish spa and proximity to major attractions, The Balmoral is a premier destination for travelers seeking both comfort and sophistication.
What each source says
- Tripadvisor 4.5 5,319
- Google 4.7 3,087
- Expedia 4.9 1,006
- Priceline 4.7 789
- Michelin 4.8 29
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Exceptional Staff Service Guests consistently praise the staff for being warm, professional, and attentive. From the concierge to housekeeping, they provide personalized touches and make guests feel welcome and valued throughout their stay.
- High-Quality Breakfast The hotel offers a world-class breakfast experience featuring a wide variety of high-quality hot and cold dishes. Many reviewers consider it a highlight, noting the excellent presentation and attentive service.
- Luxurious Historic Atmosphere Housed in an iconic building, the hotel perfectly blends historic grandeur with modern comfort. The stunning architecture, elegant decor, and opulent interior design create a truly memorable and upscale environment.
- Prime City Location Perfectly situated in the heart of Edinburgh, the hotel is directly adjacent to Waverley Train Station. Its central position makes walking to major attractions, shopping, and dining incredibly easy and convenient.
- Thoughtful Personalized Amenities The hotel excels at small, special touches that delight guests, such as complimentary treats for children, personalized welcome notes, and a high-end evening turndown service that adds to the overall experience.
Criticised
- Booking and Communication Issues A number of travelers reported complications with reservation modifications, upgrade requests, or difficulties in securing specific room types, leading to disappointment regarding promised amenities or communication from management.
- Hazardous Bathtub Designs Several reviewers mentioned the deep, high-sided bathtub-shower combinations are difficult and dangerous to navigate. Seniors and those with mobility issues find the high step-in barrier a significant safety hazard.
- Inconsistent Room Quality While many rooms are beautiful, some guests encountered dated, dusty, or noisy accommodations. Those facing inner courtyards or near elevators often reported less desirable experiences compared to the hotel's premium suites.
- Opaque Service Charges Multiple guests reported frustration regarding discretionary service charges automatically added to their bills. Some felt blindsided at checkout and suggest clarifying these policies upfront to avoid confusion and discomfort.
- Premium Price Point As a luxury establishment, the hotel is very expensive. Some guests felt the value did not always align with the cost, especially regarding room size or food prices compared to city alternatives.
The longer read
The Balmoral Hotel stands as an iconic landmark in the heart of Edinburgh, offering a quintessential luxury experience that is difficult to surpass. Its location is arguably its greatest asset; situated directly adjacent to Waverley Station, it provides unrivaled access to the city’s major sites, including the Royal Mile and Old Town, making it ideal for travelers who prioritize walkability. The service is consistently lauded by guests as the hotel's true differentiator; from the kilted doormen to the proactive concierge and housekeeping teams, the staff are widely regarded as exceptionally professional, warm, and accommodating, often going above and beyond to personalize stays for special occasions. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's atmosphere, which strikes a successful balance between old-world historic charm and modern convenience.
The culinary offerings are a significant highlight of the property. The breakfast service is frequently described as "out of this world," offering a vast, high-quality buffet and cooked-to-order options that set a gold standard for hotel mornings. The on-site restaurants, including the Brasserie Prince and the Michelin-starred Number One, receive consistent praise for their quality, while the Scotch whisky bar is celebrated as a must-visit destination, boasting a vast selection and knowledgeable, passionate staff. The attention to detail is evident in small, thoughtful touches such as turndown service, personalized treats for children and birthdays, and well-maintained fitness and spa facilities. The hotel succeeds in creating a feeling of "home away from home" for many repeat visitors who appreciate the classic, opulent decor and the sense of exclusivity.
However, travelers should be aware of a few consistent points of friction to ensure the best stay. The most notable concern is the configuration of the bathrooms; many rooms feature a high-sided shower-over-bath arrangement that several guests have found difficult to navigate. If you have mobility concerns or simply prefer ease of access, it is highly advisable to request a room with a separate walk-in shower. Furthermore, room size and views vary significantly. While many guests enjoy large, suite-style accommodations, others have found entry-level or courtyard-facing rooms to be small and underwhelming. If a view of the castle or the city skyline is a priority, be sure to confirm this at booking. Finally, be mindful of the automatic service charges applied to restaurant bills and room charges. While these are discretionary and removable upon request, the practice of adding them automatically has caused confusion and annoyance for some guests. Approaching the hotel with these nuances in mind will help ensure you maximize the value and enjoyment of this undeniably prestigious Edinburgh destination.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +4401315562414
- Website
- -
- Check in
- 15:00 · out 12:00
| Mon | 24 Hours |
|---|---|
| Tue | 24 Hours |
| Wed | 24 Hours |
| Thu | 24 Hours |
| Fri | 24 Hours |
| Sat | 24 Hours |
| Sun | 24 Hours |
Facilities
- 24 Hours
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Accessible
- Activities
- Additional Bathroom
- Air Conditioning
- Airport Transportation
- Allergy Free Room
- Baggage Storage
- Banquet Room
- Bar
- Bath Shower
- Bathrobes
- Bottled Water
- Bridal Suite
- Butler Service
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.6 against a median of 4.4 across the 93 venues we hold for Edinburgh, where the most-reviewed is Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh.
Booking
Still deciding?
- What types of rooms and suites does The Balmoral Hotel offer and what amenities are included?
- What dining options and restaurants are available at The Balmoral Hotel and are any highly recommended?
- How close is The Balmoral Hotel to Edinburgh's main attractions and public transportation?
- What unique experiences or services does The Balmoral Hotel provide that set it apart from other Edinburgh hotels?
- What do recent guests say about their stay at The Balmoral Hotel and how does it rate compared to other luxury hotels in Edinburgh?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.