By Royal Approval (Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh)

Member Name: honey000

Product:	Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh
Date:	30/03/09 (108 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Pure luxury

Disadvantages: Not the cheapest!

My husband and I visited Edinburgh for a few days with friends. We found a serviced apartment a mile out of city centre for the first three nights and then splashed out £150 for bed and breakfast at the Balmoral for our last night of the trip.

We had heard that it was an amazing hotel and we were, overall not disappointed. The Balmoral is one of the two most famous hotels in Edinburgh - the Scotsman being the other. Royalty apparently often stay here, but we didn't get to see anyone famous. I had been told to expect a traditional, but beautifully decorated hotel with great service and this is what we got.

LOCATION: It is located in Princes St which is one of the most famous streets in Edinburgh. You can walk very easily to the shops in Princes St, to the Royal Mile or to the Castle. There are also lots of busses going from nearby. Perfect for a city break!

RECEPTION AND CHECK IN: The hotel staff were very friendly and welcoming. They took a card for any extras and then checked us in very quickly and efficiently. We were shown to our room by a porter who was very sweet and insisted on asking us about our trip to Edinburgh and recommending places to eat. He also gave suggestions for the best places to visit and the best way to get around.

BEDROOMS: One word - A-MAZ-ING - there is a superking sized bed which was beautifully designed and so comfortable it is unbelievable. Of course there is sky TV (very large) and a desk and sofa too. Additional touches include a fruit bowl with complementary fruit and magazines about the local area. The décor looks very fresh as if the hotel has been recently re-decorated. Nothing tired or out of date here!

BATHROOM: This is the best bathroom in the world - it is enormous - there is a sunken bath (perfect for sharing on the romantic weekend away from home) and lovely cosmetics. There is also a great view of the city from the window and the location means that you cant be seen from the windows. There is also a great power shower and toilet and bidet. My recommendation would be to buy a bottle of bubbly from an off licence (the hotel is way too expensive), run a long bubble bath and I will let your imagination do the rest.

CLEALINESS: The hotel is spotless. Staff will come in and clean your room - there is also an evening turn down service.

STAFF: Are friendly and meet your every need.

FOOD: Expect the best cooked breakfast that you possibly can get and prepare to be stuffed full of food so that you cant move. There is an amazing selection of items on the menu including porridge and a full scottish breakfast.

OVERALL: Brilliant place to stay - worth splashing out (look on Last Minute.com or Expedia for a good deal!). I would probably not recommend this for a long break unless you are very wealthy but everyone deserves a treat!

Summary: Worth the expense.