The Balmoral

The Balmoral opened in 1902 as the North British Hotel, long before referring to Scotland as North Britain became an outright slander. Today it’s a thoroughly modern operation, run by Rocco Forte, but this majestic old Edwardian landmark is still one of Edinburgh’s most elegant hotels, every bit as grand as it was a century ago. It’s obvious at a glance that this is the classic Edinburgh hotel, as doormen stand guard in full Highland regalia.

Rooms, all recently redesigned, are outfitted in a smart contemporary style, with striped carpets, robust modern furniture, and only isolated outbreaks of tartan. Colors are muted, reflecting the creams, greens and purples of the Scottish countryside. Despite the hotel’s historic pedigree, the rooms are on the spacious side, many with gas fireplaces — some overlook a central courtyard, and others the city and Edinburgh Castle.

And the conveniences are absolutely modern; expect broadband internet access, satellite television, and spacious bathrooms with decadently thick towels and robes. Some twenty suites are available, in configurations from one to three bedrooms—it’s no exaggeration to say that the 140-square-meter Scone & Crombie suite is among the most luxurious in the UK. And the spa downstairs features a fitness center and a 15-meter pool, should you need even more space to stretch out, plus an array of treatments by ESPA.

The downtown location is absolutely central, at the east end of Princes Street and adjacent to Waverley Station, with the luxury shops close at hand. Of course any number of restaurants and pubs are within a short walk, but the hotel’s own spots are worth a visit — the Balmoral Bar is a classic, the newer bar Scotch has the largest collection of Scottish whiskeys in Edinburgh; and the restaurants include Hadrian’s, the London-style brasserie, and Number One, the Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant.