When it comes to Edinburgh landmarks, there are few quite as luxurious as the iconic Balmoral Hotel. Situated at 1 Princes Street, it’s one of the city’s grandest hotel, and has played host to the great and the good of those visiting the capital for the past century or so. Previously a railway hotel, it’s nestled up against the Waverley Steps – incredibly convenient for travellers, and it’s central location means your only a short walk from most of Edinburgh’s best-loved shops, restaurants and attractions.
Despite the convenient location, guests might find it hard to tear themselves away from the luxury of the hotel. With a fully equipped gym, a luxe spa and even a swimming pool to enjoy, there are days’ worth of relaxing to be enjoyed, and when you’re peckish, there is the much-loved Prince Brasserie or the Michelin-starred Number One at The Balmoral to savour.
We checked in to one of the Castle View Suites – potentially my favourite way to enjoy the best bits of Edinburgh. Perched on the corner of the hotel, our room enjoyed stretching views down Princes Street, across Princes Street Gardens up to a postcard-perfect view of the castle, and even up North Bridge heading towards the city’s Old Town.
Rather ingeniously, the room comes equipped with binoculars, so you can sit and people watch to your heart’s content. The beautifully drawn map highlighted all of Edinburgh’s top spots, and it is such lovely little momento to enjoy after your visit too!
As if spending a rainy evening tucked into a cosy suite wasn’t enough, we were treated to an absolute buffet of treats. From a bottle of Baile Mhoireil – the hotel’s own signature blend gin, to macarons and whisky fudge, it felt akin to Christmas.
The bathroom was the stuff of dreams – all deep baths and marble tiles. Stocked with Irene Forte toiletries (the hotel is owned and run by the Forte family), I couldn’t resist running the biggest, fluffiest bubble bath, grabbing a book and spending an hour enjoying a little r&r.
As the evening got darker, the city lit up, and the view was absolutely glorious. Despite spending so much time here, it’s still such a treat to be able to enjoy all the sights from such a perfect bolthole.
After enjoying a seriously comfortable night’s sleep, it was time to enjoy some breakfast – we opted to have ours in the room (is there anything more enjoyable?!) and we savoured it alongside our castle views. Piping hot coffee, fluffy eggs and zesty green juice were all absolutely to die for, and we’re already plotting a return.
More information about the Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh is available here