Stand at the east end of Princes Street and you cannot miss it. A clock tower rising 190 feet into the Edinburgh sky, sandstone turrets that look pulled straight from a fairy tale, and doormen in full Highland dress guarding the entrance.
That’s The Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh, and if you’re planning a trip to Scotland’s capital, you’ve probably got a dozen questions about it. Is it worth the price tag? What’s the deal with the JK Rowling suite? Can you just pop in for a drink or afternoon tea without staying the night?
Grab a coffee, because we’re covering everything. History, prices, rooms, dining, the spa, the famous guests, and every single question people search about this place. This is your one stop shop for Balmoral hotel Edinburgh Scotland.
Quick Specs: The Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh
- Star Rating: 5-Star Luxury (Flagship of Rocco Forte Hotels)
- Address: 1 Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2EQ. [Google Maps]
- Phone: +44 131 556 2414
- Best For: Luxury stays, iconic afternoon tea, J.K. Rowling Harry Potter fans.
- Nightly Rates: ~£350 – £1,000+ per night (varies heavily by season).
- Standout Feature: Historic 190-ft clock tower set 3 minutes fast.
- The Balmoral Hotel Booking link: AGODA (Booking from this affiliate link helps me run the website at no extra cost to you!)
Contents of this Article
What Kind of Hotel Is The Balmoral?
Let’s start with the basics. The Balmoral hotel is a five star luxury hotel, part of the Rocco Forte collection, sitting right at 1 Princes Street in the heart of the city.
It’s not just a hotel though. It’s a genuine Edinburgh landmark. The clock tower alone makes it one of the most photographed buildings in Scotland, and its position directly above Waverley Station means it’s practically the first thing many visitors see when they step out of the train.
Think grand Edwardian architecture on the outside, and a thoroughly modern five star operation on the inside. Marble bathrooms, fireplaces in some rooms, and views out over Edinburgh Castle or Arthur’s Seat depending on which side of the building you’re on.
Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh History: From Railway Hotel to Icon
This is where things get genuinely interesting, because Balmoral hotel edinburgh history is really the history of how Edinburgh itself grew up around its railway.
What Was The Balmoral Hotel Called Before?
Believe it or not, the hotel wasn’t always called The Balmoral. The previous name of The Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh was the North British Station Hotel, built by the North British Railway Company right next to their newly rebuilt Waverley Station.
Construction ran from 1895 to 1902, designed by architect William Hamilton Beattie, who sadly died before the project finished. His assistant, Andrew Robb Scott, completed the job, and the hotel opened its doors on 15th October 1902.
For decades it operated simply as a first class railway hotel, hosting everyone from Prime Ministers to Hollywood stars. Ownership shifted a few times over the 20th century, from the railway company to British Rail, then to the Gleneagles Hotel Company in 1983.
In 1990, Edinburgh based Balmoral International Hotels bought the building, closed it for a major refurbishment, and reopened it in 1991 under its current name. Then in 1997, Sir Rocco Forte purchased the hotel as the very first property in his new Rocco Forte Hotels collection, and it’s remained the flagship of that brand ever since.
The Clock Tower: Edinburgh’s Favourite Little Lie
You cannot talk about the balmoral hotel clock tower without mentioning its most famous quirk. Since it was installed in 1902, the clock has always been set three minutes fast.
The reason is wonderfully practical. Back when this was a working railway hotel, the fast clock gave travellers just enough of a nudge to sprint for their train rather than miss it. Some like to add a more romantic spin too, that those extra three minutes gave couples a little longer to say goodbye on the platform.
There’s only one day of the year when the clock tells the actual time, and that’s the 31st of December, so the city’s Hogmanay crowds ring in the New Year at the correct moment.
Where Is The Balmoral Hotel In Edinburgh?
The Balmoral hotel edinburgh address is 1 Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2EQ, right at the point where the New Town meets the Old Town.
This location is genuinely unbeatable. You’re directly above Waverley Station, footsteps from the Royal Mile, and a short stroll to Princes Street Gardens, the Scott Monument, and Edinburgh Castle. If you’re arriving by train, the hotel entrance connects almost straight to the platforms.
Handy distances from The Balmoral:
- Waverley Station: right beneath the hotel.
- Edinburgh Castle: around a 15 minute walk.
- Princes Street shopping: right outside the door.
- Edinburgh Airport: roughly 25 to 30 minutes by car.
For the balmoral hotel edinburgh phone number, you can reach the hotel directly on +44 131 556 2414.
Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh Rooms: What to Expect
With 167 rooms and 20 suites, spread across a building that’s well over a century old, no two stays here feel quite the same.
Interior designer Olga Polizzi led the design, working in blues, greys, and heather tones meant to echo the Scottish landscape outside the windows. Some rooms look out over Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town, others face the quieter side of the building.
The Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh JK Rowling Suite
No balmoral hotel edinburgh harry potter guide would be complete without Room 552.
Back in 2006, JK Rowling checked into this room, and quietly spent six months finishing off Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the final book in the series. Almost nobody at the hotel knew she was there until she’d already left.
The room has since been renamed the JK Rowling Suite in her honor. The door is painted deep purple with a gold owl knocker, and inside you’ll find the desk she wrote at, along with the famous marble bust of Hermes on which she signed her name in black marker pen. It reads:
“J.K. Rowling finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in this room (552) on 11th Jan 2007.”
Other Notable Suites
Beyond the JK Rowling Suite, the hotel’s grander rooms include the Balmoral Suite, the Bowes-Lyon Suite (named for the Queen Mother, born Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon), and the expansive Scone & Crombie Suite, one of the largest and most lavish in the building.
Room Types at a Glance
| Room Category | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Classic Rooms | Entry level rooms, still fully appointed with marble bathrooms and premium bedding |
| Executive Rooms | More space, often better views |
| Junior Suites | A step up in size, elegant sitting areas |
| Castle View Suites | Around 55 sq m, facing Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street Gardens |
| Signature Suites (JK Rowling, Balmoral, Bowes-Lyon) | 55 to 70+ sq m, individually themed and decorated |
Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh Prices: What Will It Actually Cost?
This is one of the questions everyone wants answered, so let’s be straightforward about it.
Balmoral hotel edinburgh prices vary hugely depending on the season, how far ahead you book, and which room category you choose. As a rough guide, classic and executive rooms typically start somewhere in the £350 to £700 per night range during quieter periods, climbing well past £900 to £1,000 a night during peak summer, festival season, or Hogmanay.
The grander named suites, like the Scone & Crombie Suite, sit at the very top end and can run into several thousand pounds a night, particularly during the busiest weeks of the year.
A few things that affect balmoral hotel edinburgh room prices:
- Festival season (August) and Hogmanay are the most expensive times to book.
- Weekday stays are generally cheaper than weekends.
- Booking well in advance tends to get better rates than last minute.
- Rates and availability change constantly, so treat any number here as a ballpark rather than gospel, and always check current pricing directly with the hotel or a trusted booking site.
- Edinburgh Visitor Levy: Starting late July 2026, the City of Edinburgh Council applies a 5% Visitor Levy (tourist tax) on overnight stays (capped at the first 5 nights). Keep this in mind when calculating your total room bill!
Where to Eat and Drink at The Balmoral
The balmoral hotel edinburgh restaurant scene is one of the real highlights of a stay here, and honestly worth experiencing even if you’re not booked into a room.
Number One
Tucked downstairs, Number One is the hotel’s fine dining flagship, led by Head Chef Matthew Sherry. It currently holds four AA Rosettes and Michelin Guide recommended status, having previously held a Michelin star, first awarded back in 2003.
The room itself is a moody, glamorous space with red lacquered walls and plush banquettes, and the food leans hard into Scottish ingredients done with real technical precision, think hand dived Orkney scallops and other seasonal, local produce. Expect a three course or five course tasting menu format, with wine pairings available for those who want to make a real night of it.
Brasserie Prince
For something more relaxed, Brasserie Prince serves classic French cooking built around Scottish produce. It handles breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and functions as a proper all day dining room rather than a special occasion only spot.
Palm Court and Edinburgh Afternoon Tea
If you only do one thing at The Balmoral without staying overnight, make it afternoon tea at Palm Court. This is consistently ranked among the best edinburgh afternoon tea experiences in the city, and won Best Traditional Afternoon Tea at the 2026 Afternoon Tea Awards.
When you step into Palm Court under its soaring glass dome, surrounded by potted palms and the soft acoustic sounds of a live harpist playing from the balcony, the bustle of Princes Street completely melts away. The balmoral hotel edinburgh afternoon tea prices currently start from around £70 per person for the classic tea, or £86 per person with a glass of Champagne, served daily from noon to 5pm.
The balmoral hotel edinburgh afternoon tea menu includes a rotating spread of sandwiches, fresh scones, and pastries, alongside a tea list of around 88 different loose leaf blends. Booking ahead is strongly recommended, since it’s popular with both tourists and locals.
Bars: Bar Prince and Scotch
For a drink, Bar Prince offers a relaxed, glamorous setting for cocktails, while Scotch is the hotel’s dedicated whisky bar, home to more than 500 varieties of Scottish whisky. So yes, if you’re wondering can you have a drink at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh without booking a room, the answer is absolutely, both bars and Brasserie Prince welcome non-residents.
The Spa, Pool, and Wellness at The Balmoral
The hotel’s wellness offering got a serious upgrade recently. The balmoral hotel edinburgh spa is now home to the Irene Forte Spa, the first of its kind to open in the UK, following a major renovation completed in stages through 2024 and 2025.
Inside you’ll find five treatment rooms, a thermal suite with sauna and steam room, a Technogym equipped gym, a dedicated movement studio for reformer Pilates, and a Wellness Bar serving food and juices.
As for whether the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh has a pool, yes, it does. There’s a 15 metre indoor lap pool as part of the spa complex, and use of the facilities is complimentary for hotel residents during their stay.
Practical Info: Parking, Check-In, and Dress Code
Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh Parking
There’s no self-parking directly on site, but the hotel does offer valet car parking. As a guest, you’re guaranteed a space and there’s no need to pre-book. The charge is £40 per night, added automatically to your room account, and it isn’t charged for your departure day.
If you’d rather self-park, there’s a multi storey Q-Park about a five minute walk from the hotel. Worth noting too that the hotel sits within a Low Emission Zone, so check your vehicle qualifies if you’re driving in.
Check-In, Check-Out, and Dress Code
Check-in is from 3pm, and check-out is at 12 noon.
As for the dress code for the Balmoral Edinburgh, there technically isn’t a strict one. The hotel’s own guidance simply asks guests to avoid sportswear, shorts, and beach shoes in the restaurants, and most guests naturally lean smart casual for dinner or afternoon tea. You won’t be turned away in dark jeans and a smart top, but you’ll feel more at home dressed a little sharper.
Is The Balmoral Hotel Dog Friendly?
Yes. The hotel welcomes dogs, and the front desk can even help arrange a dog sitter if you need one during your stay. Just keep your dog on a leash anywhere outside your room.
Christmas and Hogmanay at The Balmoral
Balmoral hotel edinburgh Christmas season turns the hotel into one of the most festive spots in the city, with seasonal menus across the restaurants and the kind of decor that makes for excellent photos.
But it’s Hogmanay where The Balmoral really comes alive. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay street party is one of the biggest New Year celebrations in the world, and the hotel sits right at the heart of it, with the clock tower finally telling the correct time as the city counts down to midnight. If you’re planning to be in Edinburgh for New Year, expect this to be one of the most in demand and expensive periods to book.
Famous Guests Who Have Stayed at The Balmoral
Part of what makes this hotel so iconic is the guest list it’s built up over more than 120 years. Reported visitors over the decades include the Queen Mother, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor, Paul and Linda McCartney, Mick Jagger, Bill Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, Beyoncé, and Tom Hanks, who reportedly stayed while filming The Da Vinci Code nearby.
One fun bit of trivia while we’re here. If you spot a gold “RF” monogram high on the building’s exterior and wonder if it’s a nod to tennis great Roger Federer, it isn’t. It actually stands for Rocco Forte, the hotel’s owner, a coincidence that trips up more visitors than you’d think.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Balmoral Hotel famous for?
The Balmoral is famous for three big things: its landmark clock tower overlooking Princes Street (deliberately set three minutes fast), being the hotel where JK Rowling finished writing the last Harry Potter book, and its award winning afternoon tea at Palm Court. It’s also simply one of Edinburgh’s most recognisable pieces of architecture.
What is the most expensive hotel in Edinburgh?
The Balmoral is consistently ranked among the most expensive and prestigious hotels in Edinburgh, particularly for its top tier suites, though exact rankings shift depending on season and which competing five star properties you compare it against, such as The Caledonian or Gleneagles Townhouse. Its most exclusive suites can run into the thousands of pounds per night during peak periods.
Which hotel did JK Rowling stay in Edinburgh?
JK Rowling stayed at The Balmoral Hotel, specifically Room 552, where she spent six months finishing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in 2006 and 2007. The room has since been renamed the JK Rowling Suite in her honour.
Who owns the Balmoral hotel in Edinburgh?
The Balmoral is owned and operated by Rocco Forte Hotels, a collection founded by Sir Rocco Forte. He purchased the hotel in 1997 as the very first property in his portfolio, and it remains the group’s flagship hotel today.
How old is the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh?
The hotel opened its doors on 15th October 1902, which makes it well over 120 years old. It originally operated under a different name before becoming The Balmoral in 1991.
What kind of hotel is the Balmoral?
It’s a five star luxury hotel, part of the Rocco Forte Hotels collection, combining Edwardian era architecture with a fully modern five star operation, including multiple restaurants, bars, a spa, and an indoor pool.
How many rooms are in the Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh?
The Balmoral has 167 rooms plus 20 suites, bringing the total to around 187 rooms and suites in the building.
What was the Balmoral Hotel called?
Before becoming The Balmoral, the building operated as the North British Station Hotel, named for the North British Railway Company that built it in 1902.
Can you have a drink at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh?
Yes. Both Bar Prince and Scotch, the hotel’s whisky bar with over 500 varieties, are open to non-residents, along with Brasserie Prince for a more relaxed setting.
What is the number one at The Balmoral?
Number One is the hotel’s signature fine dining restaurant, led by Head Chef Matthew Sherry. It currently holds four AA Rosettes and Michelin Guide recommended status, and previously held a Michelin star, first awarded in 2003.
What is the Balmoral hotel known for?
Beyond the clock tower and its Harry Potter connection, The Balmoral is known for being Edinburgh’s grandest railway era hotel, its central location right above Waverley Station, and its long history of hosting royalty, politicians, and international celebrities.
Does the Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh have parking?
There’s no self-parking directly on site, but the hotel offers guaranteed valet parking for £40 per night, charged to your room. A public multi storey car park is also available a five minute walk away if you’d rather self-park.
What is the dress code for the Balmoral Edinburgh?
Smart casual is recommended throughout the hotel. While there isn’t a rigid suit-and-tie rule, sportswear, athletic shorts, and flip-flops are restricted in the main dining rooms and Palm Court. Dark jeans paired with a collared shirt or dressy top will fit in comfortably.
When was Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh built?
Construction ran from 1895 to 1902, with the hotel officially opening on 15th October 1902 as the North British Station Hotel.
How much is a room at the Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh?
Prices vary a great deal by season and room type, but classic and executive rooms generally start somewhere between £350 and £700 per night in quieter periods, rising well beyond £900 to £1,000 during peak summer, festival season, or Hogmanay.
How much does it cost to stay at the Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh?
Costs depend heavily on timing and room category. Expect entry level rooms to start in the low hundreds of pounds per night during off peak times, with prices climbing significantly for suites or high demand dates like August’s festival season and New Year.
How much is it to stay at the Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh?
Similar to the above, there’s no single fixed rate. It’s genuinely worth checking live prices for your specific dates, since festival season and Hogmanay can push nightly rates several times higher than a quiet January weekday.
What are the amenities at the Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh?
Guests get access to three restaurants, two bars, a full service spa with a 15 metre indoor pool, a gym, valet parking, 24 hour room service, and concierge services, all within a building that’s a genuine architectural landmark.
Does the Balmoral Hotel have a spa?
Yes. The Irene Forte Spa opened at the hotel following a major renovation completed by mid 2025, featuring five treatment rooms, a thermal suite, a Technogym gym, a movement studio, and the hotel’s indoor pool.
What was the previous name of The Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh?
It was originally called the North British Station Hotel, built and operated by the North British Railway Company from 1902 until the name changed to The Balmoral in 1991.
What are the dining options at The Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh?
There are three main dining venues: Number One for fine dining, Brasserie Prince for relaxed all day French Scottish cooking, and Palm Court for afternoon tea. There are also two bars, Bar Prince and the whisky focused Scotch.
Does the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh have a pool?
Yes, a 15 metre indoor lap pool, part of the newly renovated spa complex, is available complimentary to hotel residents.
Where is the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh?
It’s located at 1 Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2EQ, right where the New Town meets the Old Town and directly above Waverley Station.
Is the Balmoral Hotel 5-star?
Yes, The Balmoral is a five star hotel, and it was also the first hotel in Scotland to receive a Five Star Rating from Forbes Travel Guide, a distinction it has held onto in subsequent years.
How many rooms does the Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh have?
Combining standard rooms and suites, the hotel has around 187 rooms in total, made up of 167 rooms and 20 suites.
What is the afternoon tea at Balmoral Edinburgh?
It’s the hotel’s signature Palm Court experience, served daily under a glass dome with a live harpist, featuring sandwiches, scones, pastries, and a choice of around 88 loose leaf teas. Prices start from roughly £70 per person, or £86 with a glass of Champagne.
Does the Balmoral Hotel have a Michelin star?
Number One, the hotel’s signature fine dining restaurant, held a Michelin star for 18 consecutive years (from 2003 to 2021). It currently holds 4 AA Rosettes and Michelin Guide Recommended status, continuing to deliver high-end, contemporary Scottish dining.
That’s about as deep as you can go on one hotel. Whether you end up booking the JK Rowling Suite, popping in for afternoon tea, or just grabbing a dram at Scotch on your way past, The Balmoral earns its reputation as one of Edinburgh’s true landmarks. Go see that clock tower up close, you’ll understand the fuss.
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