The Balmoral opened in 1902 as the North British Station Hotel, built by the North British Railway Company above Waverley station, at the east end of Princes Street. It took its present name in 1991; operated by Rocco Forte Hotels, it has kept its place as the landmark luxury hotel in Edinburgh.
History
The hotel was built for travellers arriving by train in the Scottish capital. Its clock has always been set three minutes fast so that passengers would not miss their trains, a tradition broken only on Hogmanay, New Year’s Eve. In 2007 J.K. Rowling finished the last Harry Potter novel in one of its suites, now named after her.
Architecture and design
The Victorian building, in sandstone, is topped by a clock tower that dominates the east end of Princes Street. It is a listed building. Inside, the Palm Court, under its glass dome, serves afternoon tea, and the whisky bar keeps a collection of around 500 malts. The hotel has ten rooms for meetings and events.
Location
The hotel looks over Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town and the Scott Monument, and stands directly above Waverley station.
Weddings and events
The Balmoral’s ballroom and private dining rooms host weddings, dinners and conferences at the centre of Edinburgh.
At a glance
What sets it apart
- 01Opened in 1902 as the North British Station Hotel
- 02Clock tower set three minutes fast
- 03Where J.K. Rowling finished the last Harry Potter novel
- 04Above Waverley station, facing the castle
Chronology
Dates that matter
1895
The North British Railway begins building its station hotel above Waverley.
1902
The North British Station Hotel opens on 15 October.
1988
The hotel closes for a three-year refurbishment.
1991
The hotel reopens as The Balmoral.
1997
Rocco Forte's hotel group acquires The Balmoral.
2007
J.K. Rowling finishes Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in suite 552 on 11 January.
