The Balmoral

My husband and I have had the most wonderful stay to mark my retirement and to explore the city. We were inspired by a documentary on the history and ownership of this iconic hotel, well worth a watch. On arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the doorman in his traditional clothing as per the documentary! Reception staff, equally welcoming, especially Front Desk Manager Jack Howlett who chose one of his favourite rooms for us. He was equally attentive when a few issues were raised and got them resolved. Thank you to the housekeeping team, in particular Chummy whom I understand spent a considerable amount of time to ensure the room was to perfection. This was further acknowledged by Greg Leat Guest Relations Manager. It is the staff that make this hotel so welcoming and ensure the quality of service; certainly a credit to Rocco Forte. We also treated ourselves to The Number One Restaurant within the hotel. Absolutely amazing; delicious food cooked to perfection and catered for a fussy vegetarian. Again the staff add to the overall experience and ambience. It is our first experience of a Rocco Forte Hotel, and look forward to trying out others.

A perfect located hotel with perfect service. The hotel is a central located luxurious one with excellent staff eho are all friendly, sincere and smiling. The room was very clean and comfortable, breakfast was super, tea room was unique. The best option that I can recommend in Edinburgh.

We had a fabulous one night stay at the Balmoral Hotel. This was our first visit but won’t be the last . Everything about the hotel was wonderful and faultless from the welcome by the concierge and the reception staff who were so very pleasant and efficient . We arrived around 11am and two of our bedrooms were ready which we checked into early, this was wonderful and allowed us time to freshen up before the day ahead . The rooms were exceptionally comfortable and clean . The bathrooms very well equipped, clean and very up to date . We enjoyed cocktails in the bar area before heading out for dinner. A wonderful night sleep was had in the bed and breakfast was one of the best I have experienced with excellent service .. it was wonderful ! A friendly goodbye from reception and the concierge and we were on our way and looking forward to our next visit . A truly 5* experience .

I went here for my 50th birthday as a surprise from my wife. When we arrived we was very looked after by Brain from concierge he was absolutely lovely. The room was amazing, absolutely spotless with everything we could ever need and great views. During are stay all staff was so welcoming, polite and very knowledgeable especially Mark the doorman. We would really like to thank Elena for showing us around the hotel it is truly a beautiful amazing hotel. We definitely stay here again not just for the hotel but also the amazing staff. Thank you all so much for making a very memorable birthday.

I would say good but not as good as it's made out to be sadly. I booked a suite for my husband's 50th last August. Three of us stayed. The cost was significant and it was something I had budgeted for as we had always wanted to stay here. Service was excellent and it was certainly friendly as you would of course expect from an establishment of its standing and pricing. On arrival in our suite whilst the bathroom had been cleaned, the small toiletries had not been replaced so we had half opened bottles of shampoo and shower gel and no hand soap. Perhaps in another hotel this wouldn't be cause for noting but I paid €6,000 for three nights so I expected better. The carpet in the room was beige and I noted wear and some small stains on it. The windows overlooking the Castle had a decent amount of dust and bird poo on them. The room cleanliness was good apart from that. I brought a silk pillowcase with me as I always do but somehow it was "accidentally" taken away with the main sheets and never returned. I emailed to follow up as it had cost me just under €100 and I was told that it was unlikely that it would be found as the linen is handled by an outside company. But I was promised a contact back. Now nearly a year on and I never received said contact. Was it a waste of money? I would say a resounding yes. Glad to have seen it but I wouldn't return.