THE ROYAL TREATMENT

We’ve worked with The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh since 2017, developing a close connection with its history and heritage over the years. So, strap yourself in for a quick journey back in time as we traverse through its stories and traditions.

The five-star luxury landmark opened its doors in 1902 as the The North British Station Hotel, and soon became regarded as one of the world’s great railway hotels. It was a magnet for the rich and famous, attracting stars including Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor and Paul McCartney, the Queen Mother, and the UK Prime Ministers Edward Heath and Harold Wilson to name a few.

Did you know?

The hotel’s iconic clock is set three minutes fast, so you won’t miss your train! The only day the clock runs on time is on 31st December (Hogmanay) for the city’s New Year celebrations.

It is the only residential building ever erected on the south side of Princes Street.

The hotel started blending and bottling its own whisky, wine and port in 1922.

In 1932 the legendary Laurel and Hardy visited as part of their visit to Edinburgh, with crowds gathering outside to catch a glimpse of the comedy duo.

The hotel closed for a major refurbishment in 1988. £23 million and three years later it reopened as The Balmoral Hotel – looking more magnificent and majestic than ever before.

Its flagship Number One restaurant is one of only a handful in Scotland to have attained 4 AA Rosette standard.

On the 11th January 2007, J.K. Rowling finished writing ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’ (the seventh and final instalment in the Harry Potter series) at the hotel. Before leaving, she signed an antique bust in the room in which she stayed.

In 2024, The Balmoral received a coveted five-star award from the renowned Forbes Travel Guide for the fourth year in a row.

We’re proud to be a long-term partner of this palatial icon.