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The Balmoral Hotel: Traveler Reviews


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Traveler Reviews

90% Recommend
4.5 of 5 stars 258 reviews
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Disappointing

The Balmoral Hotel

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2 of 5 stars
Elaine_8 9 contributions
Kent
Mar 14, 2005
6/10 found this review helpful

Stayed 2 nights. Told we had been upgraded to a Superior room - what a disappointment. I think the hotel staff need to look up the meaning of the word "superior" - rusty bathroom floors, cracked bath panels, the shower screen rubber seal hanging down on to the floor, stained bedside tables and shabby furniture is not what I would class as superior?

The hotel is a beautiful old building, to turn it in to a contemporary hotel inside, is beyond me. The interior seems to be a mish-mash of old and new, with neither winning.

The Spa is excellent and the staff very attentive and pleasant.

When checking out we raised our concerns (particularly, having to move rooms) and were told "we got the room at a good price" and were then charged another £30 a night for being moved to a bigger room!
At the time we were complaining about the charge I noticed the two other people at the reception desk were also complaining about their rooms.

This hotel is not 5*!


  • My ratings for this hotel
    • 2 of 5 stars Value
    • 2 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 3 of 5 stars Service
  • Date of stay February 2005
  • Member since July 07, 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Average price*: $410 (year-round)
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A Royal Experience (ten stars if I could)

The Balmoral Hotel

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5 of 5 stars
TheOracle 71 contributions
London, United Kingdom
Mar 1, 2005
10/10 found this review helpful

I arrived at this hotel on the 23rd December for a four day stay over the Christmas period. I went with my brother and parents and booked into the Scone & Crombie Suite. This is a two bedroom royal suite and is noted for being one of the most luxurious suites in Scotland, with such guests as Rocco Forte himself and Mick Jagger, I must say I was stunned. I have never recieved such perfect service before.
Upon arrival, champagne was dutifully handed out with no more than half a glass left before top up service. The room was of course a wander to behold, with an astounding view over the old town, christmas tree in place, fresh fruit and beautiful flowers upon entry. There were 4 phone lines in the suite, each call was handled immediately and personally.
Lunch in Hadrians was as one might expect from a 5 star brasserie restaurant with an ecclectic mix of national and european food.
I did not venture into the spa but was informed that the masseuse was very thorough and friendly.
Christmas Lunch at Number Ones was pure indulgence and a marvel to behold. The setting was perfect and you really felt like you were at home. The michelin award speaks for itself when enquiring about the food which was faultless and delicious.
If you are to stay in any luxury top suite in Edinburgh I would recommend (without a doubt), the Scone & Crombie Suite as it is the largest two bedroom suite around at 177 square meters it makes light work of any other suite in Scotland.
Well, enough said, if you want perfect service, personal touches, mouth watering food and an experience that you will never forget, I highly recommend this hotel (so do Conde Nast for that matter).
I cannot thank the staff enough, thankyou for a truly magical, surreal and unforgettable experience.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Very nice, but...

The Balmoral Hotel

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4 of 5 stars
A TripAdvisor Member
Paris, France
Feb 28, 2005
2/3 found this review helpful

I booked with a £104 internet promotional rate. Of course, I had not a street view, but everything else was what I expected from a deluxe hotel. However, even though the room was recently refurbished, the bathroom was already showing some signs of fatigue.
Overall, very nice staff, and very stylish interior.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Abosultely Fantastic

The Balmoral Hotel

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5 of 5 stars
jonniewl 1 contribution
London, UK
Feb 7, 2005
3/3 found this review helpful

We booked an online promotional rate of £120 including taxes and fees. We were upgraded to a deluxe room with a window overlooking The Scott Monument and the Castle. The room was spacious and nicely decorated with a somewhat modern feeling but still retaining the old charm of the historic hotel. Service was impeccable. The hotel is primely situated close to everthing--tourist sites of old town + restaurants and shopping of new town.

  • My ratings for this hotel
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
  • Date of stay February 2005
  • Member since March 07, 2005
  • I recommend this hotel for An amazing honeymoon, Tourists
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Average price*: $410 (year-round)
Call now to book: 1-800-45-HOTEL from hotels.com
Balmoral Excellent

The Balmoral Hotel

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5 of 5 stars
A TripAdvisor Member
Jan 24, 2005
6/7 found this review helpful

If you dont stay at the Balmoral, you will not experience the true Edinburgh. The minute you walk in the door you are welcomed, they greet you by name your entire stay. The rooms are exceptional and are designed for your comport. If you need anything during your stay they will do anything to accomodate you. The food and spa are both excellent.......... We could not have asked for more.. Donna K.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Average price*: $410 (year-round)
Call now to book: 1-800-45-HOTEL from hotels.com
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The Balmoral Hotel Also Known As

Address: 1 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ, Scotland