Scotland is a wild and windswept nation whose dramatic mountains, craggy coastlines, and remote islands appeal to rugged adventurers. But there’s more to it than that. In the capital city of Edinburgh, you can find some of the most high-end experiences to be had in the UK, including luxurious hotels. Among those are the Balmoral Hotel, Gleneagles Townhouse, and 100 Princes Street – all historical properties, too. Their decor, amenities, and incredible service easily rival London’s most deluxe establishments and deliver an undoubtedly Scottish experience. And from their central locations you also have access to outstanding places to eat and first-rate activities. What’s not to like?
The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel
One of the most famous edifices in the Scottish capital, The Balmoral Hotel is located on Princes Street, in the very heart of the action. The Balmoral Hotel, however, isn’t only renowned for its ideal geographical location. The five-star hotel’s classic and tasteful decor, with high-quality furnishing, rich textiles, nature-inspired wallpapers, and tartan touches is a lesson in quiet luxury. While the exterior of the property is ostentatious in all its Victorian glory, inside, it’s all about simple elegance. There’s not a gaudy neon sign or tacky modern art piece in sight.
The property offers a variety of gorgeous rooms, but it’s the Junior Suite with Castle View that takes the cake. Not only is it big enough for you to practice your cartwheels, but the vistas are exceptional. Waking up to a centuries-old castle built on top of an extinct volcano will earn you some serious bragging rights.
Unfortunately, the hotel’s spa is currently undergoing renovations and is mostly closed. That said, a large variety of treatments, including massages, facials, body wraps, and more remain available.
Where to eat if you’re staying at The Balmoral
When you decide to leave your upscale private quarters, you can enjoy an ultra-chic afternoon tea in the gorgeous hotel’s Palm Court. Afternoon tea is served between 12 pm and 5 pm daily and consists of a selection of loose-leaf teas, pastries, savory canapés, and petite sandwiches. If tea isn’t your beverage of choice, why not ask to take a look at the extensive Champagne menu?
The Balmoral is also home to two excellent restaurants, and two bars, including SCOTCH. The whisky bar has the largest collection of Scottish whiskies in Edinburgh – it’s worth visiting even if you know nothing about what the locals call the “water of life.”
If you’d rather venture outside The Balmoral for a meal, try out The Pompadour. The fine-dining restaurant is located eight minutes away from the hotel by taxi, or 15 minutes on foot along Princes Street. At The Pompadour, renowned Scottish chef Dean Banks works with the best of the country’s seasonal and local products to offer guests an incomparable sensory experience. We guarantee that it’s a meal you won’t forget any time soon.
What to see and do around The Balmoral
The historical hotel and its legendary clock tower are just a few minutes on foot from the city’s main attractions: Edinburgh Castle, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Easy peasy.
For a comprehensive visit of the castle, take one of the official guided tours. Expert guides take groups of 20 visitors around the site for a 1.5-hour thorough excursion. If you want a more in-depth day at the site, you can also book the Edinburgh Castle Afternoon Tea Experience to take place before or after your tour. Expect cakes, scones, and sandwiches served alongside a glass of prosecco and gin made on the castle’s ground. It is recommended to book all tours and experiences well in advance of your visit.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of King Charles III in Edinburgh, is best enjoyed via one of their private exclusive tours. When the palace is closed to all other visitors, a knowledgeable guide will take you on an all-encompassing visit.
Gleneagles Townhouse
Located on the edge of St. Andrew Square and its immaculate gardens, Gleneagles Townhouse is a one-Michelin key property that opened in June 2022. While the hotel is new, the building isn’t. For a few hundred years, the neoclassical edifice used to be home to the headquarters of both the British Linen Company and the Bank of Scotland – and it’s a sight for sore eyes.
Inside, it’s even more impressive. The building’s grand historical features have been restored to perfection, including a glass-domed ceiling, columns, floor tiles, cornices, gold details, and more. But the vibe is far from old-fashioned and stuffy. The decor is a colorful, and is a modern take on Art Déco that makes for a fab Insta background.
Gleneagles Townhouse has only 33 rooms and suites, so you can expect an intimate stay. While all the rooms are beautifully designed to be both cozy and lavish, it’s the Master Bedroom that is the most eye-catching. The views of the square, the free-standing bath, and the velvet curtains around the king-size bed are sure to win your heart.
As a modern hotel, Gleneagles Townhouse is home to a state-of-the-art gym. Although it is located in the former bank vault, all the gold has been removed so you can focus on your sweaty endeavors. And sweat you will – there are more than 40 classes on offer every week in the two studios. For those who prefer to relax, there’s a wellness center equipped with the latest treatments and equipment – think infrared saunas, cryotherapy, and microneedling.
Gleneagles Townhouse also operates as a select members club. Members benefit from discounts on rooms, dining, drinks. They also have access to the gym, the wellness facility, and members-only spaces. Membership starts at £1850 ($2360).
Where to eat if you’re staying at Gleneagles Townhouse
Gleneagles Townhouse is home to one restaurant, The Spence, and a rooftop cocktail bar, The Lamplighters. Both of them are very much worth your time – if only for the gorgeous decor. The Spence is open all day and serves breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. The Spence’s dessert menu is famous throughout the city for being decadent, so don’t hold back. The custard tarts are not going to eat themselves after all.
If you want to stray from the hotel, make your way to The Rhubarb restaurant at Prestonfield House. Open for both lunch and dinner, The Rhubarb serves gourmet Scottish cuisine in a prestigious setting. Make a reservation in advance to secure a spot – this place gets booked up by foodies in the know. The Rhubarb is less than 10 minutes away from Gleneagles Townhouse by taxi.
What to see and do around Gleneagles Townhouse
While Gleneagles Townhouse is located on St. Andrew Square, it’s just around the corner from Princes Street, the city’s main thoroughfare and shopping street. Visit Isle of Tweed for a typically Scottish souvenir and make sure to go into Jenners. The large and beautiful department store is home to many high-end clothing stores. If you don’t want to walk away from St. Andrew’s Square for your shopping frenzy, head over to Harvey Nichols, another luxury department store that sells designer fashion for men and women, beauty products, wines, and luxury foods. Retail therapy has never been so easy.
For art lovers, the Scottish National Gallery is the place to check out. It’s free to enter and you’ll get to see some incredible pieces of Scottish and international art, some dating back as far as the 14th century. “Saint Bride” by John Duncan is sure to leave you in awe, and the portrait of Lady Agnew of Lochnaw by John Singer Sargent will have you weak in the knees. Go and while away an afternoon there – you won’t regret it.
100 Princes Street
It isn’t difficult to know where 100 Princes Street is located – the clue is in the name. From this location, not only can you access the lovely Princes Street Gardens and the Scott Monument in less than a minute, you also get some amazing views of Castle Rock.
But location isn’t everything. Looks matter in the world of luxury hotels and 100 Princes Street delivers in spades. The exterior of the 1879 building is striking in its Victorian grandeur, making it an iconic fixture of the city’s main thoroughfare. But the facade doesn’t let transpire the extravagant decor inside. Expect a lot of colorful tartan, an abundance of leather, dark wood aplenty, many oil paintings, and low lighting – much like what you’d find in a private, men-only members club. And because the building used to house the Royal Overseas League, you’ll also find a lot of maritime-themed items.
100 Princes street is on the small side with only 30 rooms and suites, all of which are decorated differently so that every guest feels unique. The Executive King – Castle View suite, with its green tartan walls, king-size bed, large marble bathroom, and views of Edinburgh Castle is spectacular.
Where to eat if you’re staying at 100 Princes Street
100 Princes Street’s on-site restaurant, The Wallace, serves gastronomic delights with a view on the castle. Ghillie’s Pantry, also part of the hotel, can accommodate no more than 12 guests and is home to more than 100 whiskies. Don’t try to taste them all. Or do. It’s really up to you.
For those who want to leave Princes Street behind, head over to Heron, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Leith, just 10 minutes away from the hotel by taxi. Book a table and enjoy the unpretentious atmosphere and the delicious Scottish cuisine. Making a reservation in advance is highly recommended — this place is popular.
What to see and do around 100 Princes Street
100 Princes Street is across the street from two of Edinburgh’s must-see attractions: Princes Street Gardens and the Scott Monument. While you can walk around the gardens at your leisure, you do need a ticket to visit the iconic 19th-century monument and its museum. The site is open daily and tickets can only be purchased on site with cash. The Scott Monument, dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, is an impressive sight and one of the largest monuments ever erected to honor a literary figure.
If you want to take part in an exclusive organized tour, however, 100 Princes Street has you covered. The luxury hotel offers its guests authentic Scottish experiences. You can book a whisky tasting, a fishing expedition, a Harry Potter insider tour, or even a visit to a weaving mill renowned for its luxury textile creations via the hotel. Just make sure you do so in advance to avoid any disappointments.
FAQs:
Q: What is the address of The Balmoral Hotel?
A: The address of the Balmoral Hotel is 1 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ, United Kingdom.
Q: How many rooms and suites are there at Gleneagles Townhouse?
A: There are 33 rooms and suites at Gleneagles Townhouse.
Q: Does 100 Princes Street have a spa?
A: No, 100 Princes Street does not have a spa.
