Edinburgh’s Iconic Grand Dame
For over a century, The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte hotel has stood proud at Edinburgh’s most prestigious address, No. 1 Princes Street. Positioned where the historic medieval Old Town meets the refined neoclassical New Town, its majestic Victorian clock tower has dominated the Scottish skyline since 1902—traditionally set precisely three minutes fast so that guests never miss their train at neighbouring Waverley Station (except on Hogmanay, when it strikes midnight exactly with the bells of Edinburgh Castle).
Awarded a coveted Forbes Five-Star rating for six consecutive years, The Balmoral offers 187 rooms and suites masterminded by renowned interior designer Olga Polizzi. Incorporating bespoke Scottish tartans, Hebridean wools, Italian marble bathrooms, and sweeping vistas over Edinburgh Castle and Calton Hill, each room reflects the romance and pride of Scotland. Among its most celebrated accommodations is the J.K. Rowling Suite, where the acclaimed author completed Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
The hotel is a beacon of Scottish gastronomic excellence. Number One, holder of 4 AA Rosettes, serves inventive modern Scottish cuisine under Head Chef Mathew Sherry. Brasserie Prince celebrates fresh Scottish seafood and Highland produce through classic Parisian bistro techniques, while Palm Court offers Edinburgh’s most famous afternoon tea beneath a glittering glass dome with live harp music. In SCOTCH, kilted Whisky Ambassadors guide guests through one of the nation’s largest whisky libraries, featuring more than 500 single malts and rare blends.
Property Gallery
Rooms & Signature Suites
Executive Room
Elegantly appointed room with contemporary Scottish decor by Olga Polizzi, Queen or twin bedding, Italian marble bathroom, and Irene Forte skincare amenities.
Deluxe Old Town View Room
Spacious room featuring comfortable sitting lounge, bespoke Scottish tartans, and picturesque vistas over Edinburgh’s historic Old Town rooftops.
Deluxe Castle View Room
Commanding elevated vistas of Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street Gardens, complete with a plush King bed, elegant sitting area, and lavish bath retreat.
Junior Suite Castle View
Generous open-plan suite offering uninterrupted castle panoramas, expansive sitting salon, walk-in wardrobe, and marble bathroom with soaking tub.
The J.K. Rowling Suite
The historic suite where J.K. Rowling completed Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Features her signed antique marble bust of Hermes, owl door knocker, and writing desk.
The Scone & Crombie Suite
The Balmoral’s grandest presidential residence spanning over 1,500 sq ft, boasting an antique working fireplace, grand dining salon, master bedroom, and private butler.
Gastronomy & Whisky
Number One
Awarded 4 AA Rosettes, Head Chef Mathew Sherry crafts contemporary Scottish gastronomic masterpieces celebrating hand-dived scallops, Highland venison, and local artisan purveyors.
Brasserie Prince
Chic Parisian brasserie celebrating the very best Scottish produce with classic French cooking, serving succulent steaks, fresh oysters, and hearty breakfast spreads.
Palm Court
Edinburgh’s most celebrated afternoon tea salon, featuring a Venetian crystal chandelier, glass dome, live harpist, fine loose leaf teas, and vintage Champagnes.
SCOTCH & Bar Prince
Home to over 500 varieties of single malt and blended Scotch whiskies guided by kilted Whisky Ambassadors, paired with bespoke cocktail creations at Bar Prince.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guests booking The Balmoral through Vincent Vacations receive exclusive Signature Travel Network privileges: complimentary daily full breakfast for two at Brasserie Prince, a $100 USD food and beverage credit per room per stay, room category upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, and flexible early check-in and late departure privileges.
The Balmoral is located at No. 1 Princes Street (EH2 2EQ) in the very heart of Edinburgh, positioned where the medieval Old Town meets the neoclassical New Town, directly adjacent to Edinburgh Waverley railway station.
Since 1902, the iconic clock atop The Balmoral has been kept precisely three minutes fast to help Edinburgh residents and travellers catch their trains on time at Waverley Station. The only day it is set to the exact time is Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve).
Author J.K. Rowling stayed at The Balmoral to write and complete Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in 2007. The suite where she stayed is now named The J.K. Rowling Suite and features her writing desk and the antique bust of Hermes she signed upon finishing the book.
SCOTCH holds one of Edinburgh’s premier collections of over 500 whiskies from all regions of Scotland (Speyside, Islay, Highlands, Lowlands, Campbeltown, and Islands). Guests are guided by kilted Whisky Ambassadors who tailor personalized tasting flights.