To describe a hotel as really quite good may for most establishments be considered high praise indeed. For a 5 Star hotel with rates which can (at certain times of the year) cause palpitations in the heart of even the most decadent traveller, it may, however, be seen as more of a slamming indictment. The Balmoral is rather akin to a Victorian dowager duchess outwardly dressed to the nines in all her finery but secretly wearing underwear purchased in the bargain basement of Miss Selfridge.

There can be no doubt that as you glide down Prince's Street (Edinburgh's main shopping thoroughfare) you will be immediately impressed with this landmark building which looks more like a Victorian North-of -England City Hall than a hotel. Its clock tower is one of the main landmarks on the Edinburgh skyline and its titanic, boldly carved stone facade would grace any building embodying the civic pride of Victorian Britain. You shall be met at the door by a jolly porter dressed in a modern take on full Highland dress. This gentleman opens the huge mahogany Victorian door into a world perhaps more at home on a BBC makeover programme than in a fine old railway hotel. In what seems to be an attempt to shroud the hotel's embarrassment at its outward Victorian riches and splendour, the interior of the Balmoral is most definitely contemporary and minimal. In hues of pale blue and cream and much helped by the afternoon harpist playing in the Palm Court, the atmosphere is one of contrived calm restfulness. The staff are extremely friendly and helpful but can be rather too attentive - even for one more used to the provincial countryside, being shown how to use a television really is taking hospitality that one step too far.

Having checked in, you will be accompanied to your lodgings. My room (on the 6th floor) was decorated in a similar style to the public areas and had a wonderful view across to the National Monument through a rather sad little window high on the facade. Having stayed recently in the Imperial Hotel in Vienna (another 5 Star but perhaps the most spectacular I have seen), I must say I found the room somewhat unimpressive on the whole though the comparrison is hardly fair I suppose. That said however, the room was of splendid proportions, comfortable and adequately equipped and the bathroom was (perhaps rather unnecessarily) gargantuan in size and complete with all necessary accoutrements.

The hotel is very well equipped with a spa (pool, steam room and sauna) and gym which were apparently voted one of the best in Scotland. This facility was well kept and again the staff were very helpful and friendly. However, at certain times of the day the spa seemed to be more a day care centre for frazzled parents than a place of adult rest and relaxation and the entire area was often overrun with noisy children whilst their parents slumped exhausted on recliners - this may not be to everyone's taste.

Breakfast is served in the ultra-modern Hadrian's Brasserie and was very fine indeed if somewhat costly. During my stay it seemed that it was served buffet style at weekends and waitress service during the week. The Hotel also contains a Michelin starred restaurant and the reputedly famous Palm Court. The latter is a good place for a pre-dinner cocktail or a traditional afternoon tea (if you manage to get a table) although in decor it is less cream tea and fine china at the Ritz and more pint of lager with the lads in the Airport departures lounge. Certainly during my stay I spent most of my time therein wishing I could have torn down the garish red fabric wall hangings and hideous "modern art" and called for a few pots of paint in hues of pale green, pink and cream. Certainly the splendidly elegant glass roofed Court seemed to be worthy of better design than that currently attached to it.

The trump card of the Balmoral is however its location. On the edge of Prince's Street, it is the perfect base from which to explore the old town with its Castles, Palaces and Cathedrals whilst still leaving time to dash into Jenner's or the myriad of stores in the New Town before closing time. There is no better placed hotel in the city.

Overall, it may well be that I am hideously outmoded and old fashioned but I felt that the Balmoral, whilst a very fine establishment indeed, just lacked that certain something which should mark a good five star hotel out from its peers. However, on the other hand it serves as a very comfortable (if not opulent should you secure one of their famous suites) base from which Edinburgh can be explored at leisure. The staff are without exception friendly, helpful and efficient and even its standard rooms are well proportioned and exceedingly comfortable. I would commend this establishment to all seeking a luxurious (though not a traditionally opulent) stay in the heart of this vibrant and beautiful city.

We have just returned from a great weekend at The Balmoral. From arrival to departure the staff were fantastic and nothing was too much trouble for them. Our room was in an excellent position, with views of the Scott Monument, Princes Street and the castle. We stayed in a deluxe king sized, which was quite large and well laid-out, with an enormous bed. The bathroom was however a little tired.

The common areas and bars are all very comfortable and well-presented, but the staff (particularly Andy the Concierge) really made our stay.

The valet parking is particularly good and the position of the hotel is perfect for exploring the city. We wholeheartedly recommend this hotel.

There's a terrible smell in the room.
You cant relax in the spa. I found it dirty everywhere.Kids played in the swimming pool and I couldn't swim. Nobody told them anything.

I stayed here in March 2006 for two nights to attend a work conference in Edinburgh. The hotel is one of the best regarded hotels in Edinburgh and the reason is location. Its right at the east end of Princess Street which if you are intending to visit for sight seeing is where you want to be based.

For a work trip its just ok. Simple things are missing like coffee making facilites. I spent an annoying 15 minutes searching the room three times for the kettle before phoning reception embarrassed to say I could not find it, only to be told there was no kettle. The room is comfortable with good beds and a fair size considering the age of the building. It would probably seem a bit small to a visitor from America

The staff are excellent, very polite, courteous and attentive.

5 star prices for dining or drinks but plenty old style charm.

Just try and ensure you are not in one of the rooms facing Waverly station as you can almost hear what the platform announcer is saying through the window most of the night.

I would suggest elsewhere for business but this is good for the better off tourist who can afford to enjoy the 5 star service.