THERE are classic historic hotels so grounded in their locations that their name and the city are inseparable – the Waldorf Astoria, New York; The Peninsula, Hong Kong; La Mamounia, Marrakech – and up there with the likes of these is The Balmoral, Edinburgh.
Opening as a railway hotel in 1902, the clock on its tower is famously inaccurate, still set three minutes fast so travellers wouldn’t miss their trains (with the exception of the last day of each year for the city’s New Year celebrations).
Palm Court tearoom
Now part of the Rocco Forte group of luxury hotels, The Balmoral does not go in for kitsch and you can forgive the doormen in kilts and occasional tartan drapery, tweed sofa or prints of moors and heather.
While the bar with some 500 different malt whiskies from every corner of the country is authentically Scottish, the fabulousness of Palm Court, with its glorious colours, murals, glass dome and Venetian chandelier, appeals more to the imagination.
Afternoon Tea at Palm Court, with a harpist playing live on a small overhead balcony so that the music seems to be descending from heaven, is a wonderful escape into whimsy of the most elegant kind.
One of the twenty suites at The Balmoral
The décor of all of the 187 rooms, including twenty suites, is successfully designed to create a tone of sophisticated calmness and those with elevated views down the unshabby side of Princes Street to Edinburgh Castle and the Scott Memorial are deservedly the most prestigious.
For dining, Number One (The Balmoral’s address is 1, Princes St) has an intimate character, with a menu reflecting the strength of Scottish ingredients, while Brasserie Prince brings a French touch with bistro classics without forgetting scallops and salmon from the isles and highlands
The Balmoral from Princes St Gardens
Its tower clock may be unreliable but punctual attention to detail and service is the hallmark of The Balmoral in Scotland’s capital city.
by Sean Sheehan
The Balmoral, 1 Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2EQ.
During low season, a double room with breakfast starts from £450; high season, from £750. For more information visit roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/the-balmoral-hotel