UK Vacations

Scotland Luxury Hotels & Resorts Vacations

Rocco Forte The Balmoral Hotel Resort, Edinburgh Vacations, Honeymoons and Luxury Travel Packages

A luxury hotel in the true sense of the word, The Rocco Forte Collection's Balmoral, with its majestic clock tower, is a stylish five-star property in the very heart of Edinburgh. While many Edinburgh hotels claim to have Edinburgh's landmarks on their doorstep, few can say their doorstep is a landmark. Located on Princes Street, in Edinburgh's main shopping area and next to Waverley Station, The Balmoral is close to the leading luxury department stores and within striking distance of many Edinburgh attractions.

Edinburgh International Airport is just 25 minutes by car from the hotel, and its convenient location makes The Balmoral the ideal hotel accommodation in Edinburgh from which to enjoy the many events held in the city, including the Edinburgh Festival.

The Balmoral offers 188 opulent suites and stylish rooms with views towards Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town, or the hotel's internal courtyard. All the bedrooms were fully refurbished in the hotel's recent £7 million refurbishment programme. The refurbishment also included The Balmoral's signature conference and banqueting suite, the Sir Walter Scott Suite, as well as seven further conference and banqueting suites, Hadrian's Brasserie, number one restaurant and the hotel lobby.

All 168 rooms and 20 suites combine contemporary elegance with The Balmoral's strong sense of history and charm. Each bedroom has its own characteristics borrowed from our Scottish heritage, which offers a true refuge in which to relax or escape.

The striped carpets and paint colours in the bedrooms have the earthy colours of the moors, mists and heathers that one associates with Scotland. Natural fabrics were used throughout: linens, silks, wools and leather and introduced on headboards, valances and comfortable armchairs. The artwork has been selected to reflect Scottish themes and includes artists such as Donald Campbell and his Bluebird, the Skerrymore Lighthouse and a Circular Tour of the Highlands by Richard Long. The blankets, on the end of every bed, are exclusively designed for The Balmoral by Johnston's of Elgin.

Rooms

Classic Bedrooms

Choose from either king or queen-sized bedroom configurations. These rooms are mostly internally facing and are, on average, a spacious 28 square metres.

Executive Rooms

Choose from king- or queen-size or continental twin bed configurations. These large rooms are, on average, 32 square metres and have city or internal views.

Deluxe Rooms

Choose from king-size or continental twin bed configurations. These spacious rooms are, on average, 36 square metres with lovely views of the city. Some of the largest are internally facing, the additional space gives you the feeling of being in a suite.

Superior Deluxe Double

These luxurious rooms offer stunning views of Edinburgh Castle with the additional space giving you the feel of being in a suite.

Superior Deluxe King

These castle facing rooms offer some of the largest and most spacious rooms in Edinburgh, giving you the feel of being in a suite.

Suites

You are spoilt with a choice of 20 suites, from one to three bedrooms with castle or city views. 16 suites are all named after Scottish castles and the remaining four suites are named after Scottish rivers. Each is individual in style with an eclectic mix of antique and modern furnishings.

Royal Suites

The most luxurious suite in Scotland, the Scone & Crombie, is an impressive 140 square metres. The suite is named after Scone Palace, which is located in Perthshire (central Scotland) and is the home of the Earls of Mansfield and a major attraction to visitors from all over the world. Crombie Castle is in Moray, in north east Scotland. The Scone & Crombie suite can be reserved with one or two bedrooms and has breathtaking views over the historic Old Town of Edinburgh. The suite is filled with antique and modern furnishings, luxurious fabrics and a feature living-flame fire in both the lounge and main bedroom. An individually commissioned mosaic and marble bathroom allows you to enjoy a traditional free-standing bath and double walk-in shower.

The Balmoral Suite

This suite is named after Balmoral Castle, which is the Queen's Scottish residence in Royal Deeside (north east Scotland). Balmoral Castle is a favourite residence for the Queen and her family during the summer months. This suite can be reserved as a one- or two-bedroom suite and offers the added luxury of a separate dining or boardroom. Filled with antique and contemporary furnishings, the suite has magnificent views over North Bridge, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Arthur's Seat.

The Glamis Suite

This suite is named after Glamis Castle, which is the official site of the home of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne, near the village of Glamis in the Angus region, in the north east of Scotland. Glamis was also the childhood home of HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, the birthplace of Her Royal Highness The Princess Margaret and the legendary setting of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'. This suite is positioned above the main entrance of the hotel and can be reserved with one, two or three bedrooms. The suite is opulently decorated with antique and contemporary furnishings and luxurious fabrics. With a feature living-flame fire, bay window and window seat, this is by far one of the most elegant sitting rooms in Edinburgh.

Grand Suites

These suites are spacious and luxuriously decorated with antique and contemporary furnishings and fabrics and many have living flame fireplaces. Four of the Deluxe Suites have feature turret-style alcoves offering picture views over the city.

Deluxe Suites

These suites offer the space and luxury of a Grand suite with striking views of Edinburgh Castle. The suites are decorated with antique and contemporary furnishings and fabrics and many have living-flame fireplaces.

Classic Suites

These suites are traditionally decorated in muted creams, greens and reds, reflecting the traditional colours of the Scottish countryside. These spacious suites are ideal for guests staying for multiple nights.

Number One

For an outstanding culinary experience, Michelin-starred number one is recognised as one of Scotland's best restaurants, with Chef Jeff Bland providing outstanding cuisine. He places emphasis on creative dishes whilst promoting the best of Scotland by using only the finest and freshest Scottish ingredients.

Number one was awarded a Scottish Thistle Award within the Flavour of Scotland category in October 2005. It was number one's dedication to immaculate service and outstanding cuisine that gave the culinary landmark its winning edge. Jeff Bland, The Balmoral's Michelin-starred Chef was also applauded for his exquisite craftsmanship and subtle and innovative menus.

Hot News! The Balmoral is delighted to announce that its number one restaurant has secured a third AA Rosette, one of the AA's most prestigious accolades.

Hadrian's

Hadrian's is The Balmoral's chic and stylish brasserie, which serves delicious cuisine in an informal ambience. Jeff Bland has created a cosmopolitan menu offering a mix of Scottish dishes and innovative European cuisine.

Its stylish interior has a distinct 1930s Art Deco influence, with walnut floors and a palette of lime plus a splash of African violet. The combination of colours was inspired by the natural landscapes of Edinburgh, taking the Salisbury Crags, sea and sky as influences.

The Bollinger Bar

he Bollinger Bar at Palm Court - Scotland's only Bollinger Bar - is the ultimate Champagne Bar and a hot-spot for guests and Edinburgh locals alike.

The Bollinger Bar is known for offering guests a sample of the finer things in life, from an extensive range of single malt whiskies and vintage champagne to innovative cocktails, including a range of non-alcoholic cocktails.

he Bollinger Bar at Palm Court - Scotland's only Bollinger Bar - is the ultimate Champagne Bar and a hot-spot for guests and Edinburgh locals alike.

The Bollinger Bar is known for offering guests a sample of the finer things in life, from an extensive range of single malt whiskies and vintage champagne to innovative cocktails, including a range of non-alcoholic cocktails.

Afternoon Tea

Tradition has it that Afternoon Tea was 'invented' by Anna Maria, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, who in 1841 started drinking tea and having a bite to eat in the mid-afternoon, to tide her over during the long gap between lunch and dinner. This swiftly developed into a social occasion, which is as popular today as it was back then.

A Variety of Sandwiches:

Fresh Salmon, Cucumber and Crème Fraiche on Brown Malted Bread
Honey Roast Ham on Oatmeal Bread
Egg Mayonnaise, Chive and Piqullo Pepper
Vine Tomato, Basil, Brie de Mieux and Ground Pepper
Scottish Beef, Red Onion Marmalade on Malted Brown Bread

A Variety of Scones:

Home-made Fruit Scones, Heather Honey Scones, Mini Chocolate Scones with Devon Clotted Cream, and a selection of Preserves

Traditional Balmoral Shortbread

A Selection of Tea Pastries from our Bakery: Dundee Cake, Classic Sponge Cake, Chocolate Tiffin

NB's Bar

NB's has a new, clean, fresh look. It has recently launched a brand-new menu with an excellent selection of cocktails, wine, beer, spirits and whiskies.

As Princes Street's No 1 Bar, NB's provides an informal venue with award-winning service to meet friends or enjoy drinks after work. NB's is well known for its outstanding selection of innovative cocktails.

The Balmoral Spa is the ultimate urban spa experience. A retreat in the heart of the city, The Balmoral Spa offers a sanctuary of personal comfort and total escapism, with the highest levels of personalised service.

The Balmoral's highly trained therapists will take you on a journey, awakening your senses in this haven as you revive, relax and rejuvenate. Before every treatment your therapist will guide you through a thorough consultation, assessing your treatment needs and requirements.

Enjoy all the facilities The Balmoral Spa has to offer - our Finnish sauna and Turkish steam room, 15-metre crystal-clear pool, air-conditioned fully equipped cardiovascular gymnasium and exercise room.

End your spa journey by winding-down in our Relaxation Suite. Lie back and relax on one of our luxurious loungers, and succumb to the sensuous scents and sounds. Or simply flick through your favourite glossy magazine.

The Balmoral Spa's facilities:

• Five-star luxury treatment rooms
• Candle-lit, scented Relaxation Suite, with a range of glossy magazines and complimentary refreshments
• A wide range of products
• Finnish dry sauna
• Turkish steam sauna
• 15-metre crystal-clear pool
• Candle-lit "lazy feel" poolside relaxation area
• Complimentary towels, fruit juices and coffee
• Fully air-conditioned changing facilities
• Fully air-conditioned unique quad layout gym
• Fully air-conditioned wooden sprung group exercise studio
• Will Power Personal Training
• Complimentary health checks, programmes and re-assessments

Hot News : The Balmoral Spa was voted Scotland's top Urban Day Spa (UK category) in the Conde Nast Traveller Readers' Spa Awards 2007.

Most companies make promises to conference specialists and their clients. The difference with The Rocco Forte Collection is that my name is over the door and I am making the promise personally.

These are our promises:

• Respond to your enquiries within 24 hours
• Offer 24-hour and day delegate packages that are consistent across the brand
• Provide stylish meeting layouts that reflect the design of our hotels
• Treat you as individual guests, providing the highest levels of five-star service
• Meet the unique needs of conference clients and organisers
• Provide you with a single point of contact within the hotel at each stage of your event
• Ensure that messages are passed on to you quickly
• Deliver your room service orders on time
• Service your rooms in the morning and evening

“A MODERN DAY FAIRYTALE”

Key highlights for the ultimate wedding:

• Set in a stunning city centre location, the iconic Balmoral Hotel has been the setting for the city’s most glamorous weddings since 1902
• The Balmoral’s lavish banqueting suites are unrivalled in the city, with breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle and the historic Old Town. Suitable for all sizes of weddings, the wedding packages cater for 40 to 260 people
• The signature Sir Walter Scott Suite is the most romantic Ballroom in the city, featuring ornate cornicing, original chandeliers and magnificent castle views
• The Balmoral’s professional Wedding Planner, Tracy Clark, has ten years’ experience in co-ordinating bespoke weddings. Tracy, who was a finalist in the Wedding Co-ordinator of the Year category at the Scottish VOWS 2006 Awards (Voted Outstanding Wedding Supplier) will oversee all aspects of the wedding
• The Wedding breakfast menus have been designed by Michelin–starred Executive Chef, Jeff Bland, who will be delighted to create bespoke dishes
• The Balmoral’s award-winning Sommelier will guide couples through the extensive wine list
• The Balmoral is licensed for both civil and religious ceremonies
• Personalised Services for the Bride and Groom include a Rose-Petal Turndown and a Champagne Breakfast-in-Bed in a magnificent suite
• “Thai-ing the Knot”– Ytsara at The Balmoral Spa offers a fabulous range of pure, organic bridal spa packages:
  - Bridal Package – The Princess of Siam Bridal Ceremony
  - Groom’s Package – Lemongrass Groom’s Retreat
  - Mother-of-the-Bride Package – Asian Botanical Garden
  - Bridesmaid’s Package – The Lotus Flower Secret
  - Exclusive Girls’ Package – Party at The Balmoral

VH

These hotels are Virtuoso members and offer special amenities and upgrades that are ONLY available when you book with us. Our Virtuoso travel consultants will assure you incredible value and recognition on your luxury vacation.

Rocco Forte The Balmoral Hotel Resort, Edinburgh Vacations

Book or Plan Your Rocco Forte The Balmoral Hotel Resort, Edinburgh Vacation or Tour Here