My Luxurious Stay at The Balmoral Edinburgh

Upon arriving at The Balmoral, I was greeted by a doorman in traditional tartan and sharing a warm smile. As soon as I set foot inside, the hotel's grand interior and stunning floral display shows why it is recognised as one of the UK’s best hotels. My room was not quite ready when I arrived, so the staff graciously offered to store my bags and I headed to one of the hotel's many dining options for a quick bite.

The Balmoral is home to several dining venues, including the Michelin-starred Number One restaurant, where guests can indulge in Scottish cuisine prepared with the finest local ingredients. While I didn’t add another Michelin star on my visit, the front desk staff shared that Number One is a popular special-occasion experience for locals and guests.

I spent the most time in Brasserie and Bar Prince, which serves French cuisine with a Scottish twist. The relaxed yet stylish atmosphere is also where daily breakfast is served. If afternoon tea is on your list, make a reservation at Palm Court during your stay. I indulged in tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones and desserts while sipping tea. They even accommodated a gluten-free menu for my travel partner.

Into whiskey? Scotch Whisky Bar located within the hotel has over 500 unique varieties from all over the region. The collection of whiskeys is one of the largest in Scotland and the knowledgeable staff is second to none.

After a bit, it was time to check into my room with a view. The Balmoral offers 167 rooms and 20 suites, each designed with a blend of traditional Scottish elements and contemporary luxury. Guests can expect comfortable bedding, elegant furnishings and state-of-the-art amenities, ensuring a comfortable and stylish stay. Thanks to Fora’s preferred partners, I was awarded a room upgrade with a stunning view of Calton Hill and Arthur’s Seat. My room was on the top floor of the property with stunning wallpaper, a luxurious, large marble bathroom and large windows.

If you’re a fan of Harry Potter like my kids are, you might want to book yourself into the J.K. Rowling suite where the author wrote The Deathly Hallows.

With a quick stay at the end of my UK adventure, I didn’t get a chance to enjoy the Balmoral Spa, which features a sauna, steam room and a variety of treatments. There is also a state-of-the-art fitness center.

Staying at The Balmoral places you at the doorstep of Edinburgh's top attractions. I was able to grab my umbrella (a must-have accessory for Scotland in the spring) and take a leisurely stroll up the Royal Mile to explore. I also braved my way to the top of Calton Hill, in the rain, of course, for stunning views of the entire city. If you’re visiting in August, you can immerse yourself in the world-famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe — the largest arts festival in the world.

What truly sets The Balmoral apart is its commitment to exceptional service. The dedicated staff go above and beyond to ensure that every guest's stay is nothing short of perfect. From personalized recommendations to meticulous attention to detail, the service at The Balmoral is second to none. A stay at The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh is more than just a visit — it's an immersion into the city's rich heritage and culture, wrapped in the luxury and elegance of one of the finest hotels in the world. Book your stay with me today and discover why The Balmoral is the crown jewel of Edinburgh.

Read more about my journey as a travel advisor with Fora here.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Edinburgh. In need of further inspiration? Check out Abby Rieb's guide, Scotspired: Exploring the Enchantment from Edinburgh to Glasgow.