The Balmoral

Located at the most prestigious address in Edinburgh, the five-star Balmoral Hotel combines the noble character of a Scottish baronial home and the classic sophistication of an international hotel. Conveniently located in the heart of the city, close to the shops and next to the central Railway Station. The Balmoral is only 20 minutes by car from Edinburgh Airport, making it the ideal accommodation from which to enjoy the many events held in Edinburgh, including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, or simply to relax and unwind.

Directions: The Balmoral is situated in the heart of Edinburgh, and is well serviced by all means of transport. Edinburgh Airport is 8 miles west from The Balmoral and will take approximately 30 minutes by car. When departing the airport follow signs for the A8, Edinburgh city centre. This will take you through the suburb of Corstorphine, passing Edinburgh Zoo on your left hand side and Murrayfield Stadium on your right. You will then be approaching the Haymarket district of the city. Keep following city centre signs into the West End junction of Princes Street. You will then come into a one-way system that takes you through Charlotte Square and onto Queen Street - follow Queen Street to its full length. This leads into York Place, passing the National Portrait Gallery on your right and eventually coming to a roundabout. Take your second exit and keep in your right hand lane. This is Leith Street. At the end of Leith Street you will come to a set of major traffic lights - at this point you will see The Balmoral on your right. At this set of traffic lights take a right hand turn onto Princes Street. You will now be at The Balmoral were our Doorman will welcome you and look after your vehicle. The Hotel is situated next to the Waverley Train Station, where we will meet you from your train, taking you to the Hotel by taxi.

Concierge:

A warm welcome to The Balmoral, in the heart of Edinburgh from myself, Kendal Matthews - Head Concierge at the Hotel and my team.

Number One: In keeping with our objectives to pick only the best chefs to work for us, we appointed Michelin star chef Jeff Bland to preside over "Number One" restaurant. Number One is one of Scotland's most highly acclaimed restaurants and is famous for the award-wining cuisine and elegant setting. He places emphasis on using local produce and the best of British ingredients to produce highly creative Scottish dishes.

Hadrian's: Hadrian's is an alternative to Number One, a restaurant for chic, cosmopolitan dining at reasonable prices. In many ways, Hadrian's emulates the fashionable restaurant culture currently being enjoyed in London's Mezzo, The Criterion, L'Odeon, Quaglinos and The Canteen. It is the first restaurant in Edinburgh to be truly influenced by the London scene in terms of image, atmosphere and cuisine. The interior has a distinct 1930s art deco influence, decorated with a palate of lime and walnut, with 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. Leading London designer, David Collins, worked on the design with Olga Polizzi, sister of Sir Rocco Forte.

The Bar At Palm Court:

For all day dining and afternoon tea in luxurious refinement you can choose The Bar at Palm Court, the Hotel's principal lounge. Here you can enjoy morning coffee, traditional afternoon tea, light snacks and refreshments. A harpist plays during afternoon tea and a jazz pianist plays in the evening on selected dates.

NB' S Bar:

For a pint of ale, hearty local fayre and live music with Scotland's top performers. N.B.'s Bar, named to maintain a historical connection with the North British, is a lively place to meet friends for lunch and in the evening. Designed as the hall of fame for Scottish sportsmen and women, the bar is decorated with interesting memorabilia from Scottish sporting events. Delicious, good value bar meals are on offer throughout the day with live music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.