Following the COVID pandemic, Scotland has experienced a surge in international visitors eager to explore the country’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty. While many tourists use Edinburgh as a starting point for their Scottish adventures, the city itself has become a beloved destination, offering a diverse range of attractions and experiences. During a recent visit to the capital, we had the opportunity to explore the hotel scene and were delighted to discover a magnificent display of Scottish design, gastronomy, and hospitality.
One standout hotel is The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel, which has been a prominent fixture in the city since its opening in 1902 as a majestic railway hotel adjacent to Waverley Station. Its iconic clock tower, intentionally set three minutes fast to ensure travelers make their trains on time, makes it instantly recognizable. Upon entering the hotel, guests are greeted by kilt-clad doormen, and the bustling concierge team can be seen skillfully attending to phone calls and conversations with visitors. Led by head concierge David Musk, who holds the esteemed Clef d’Or title, the team of five brings decades of collective experience to their role. One of the most popular requests from guests is for private themed city tours, such as the “Royal Edinburgh” experience, which includes visits to The Royal Yacht Britannia and Holyrood Palace. The hotel can also arrange trips to explore the Cashmere Tartan and Tweed Trail, Outlander filming locations, and renowned golf courses across the country.
The design and decorative details of The Balmoral reflect its deep sense of place and connection to Scottish heritage. Director of Building & Design for Rocco Forte Hotels, Olga Polizzi, drew inspiration from the Scottish landscape when selecting colors and fabrics for the hotel’s interior. Each of the 187 guestrooms offers sweeping views of Edinburgh, including sights such as Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat, and the Scott Monument. The hotel also features 20 individually decorated suites, with highlights including the J.K. Rowling Suite, where the author wrote the final book in the Harry Potter series, and the Glamis Suite, which pays homage to the childhood home of The Queen Mother.
Wellness is a focal point at The Balmoral, aligning with Rocco Forte Hotels’ commitment to promoting guest well-being. The fitness center is equipped with state-of-the-art Technogym equipment, and there is a separate yoga studio for those seeking tranquility. Guests can indulge in the spa’s wet facilities, which include a 50-foot swimming pool, Finnish sauna, and Turkish steam room. The spa offers a range of treatments using products from Kingdom Scotland, the country’s first fragrance house, which is known for crafting scents inspired by Scotland’s unique geology and using sustainable and ethical ingredients.
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For whiskey enthusiasts, a visit to SCOTCH, the whisky bar at The Balmoral, is a must. With an extensive collection of 500 varieties of whisky, guests can enjoy tastings while soaking in the bar’s atmospheric ambiance, complete with kilt-wearing bartenders and comfortable tweed sofas. The hotel’s Palm Court is also a notable attraction, offering a grand afternoon tea experience featuring a wide selection of teas and stunning porcelain and floral centerpieces.
In June 2022, the Gleneagles Townhouse made its highly anticipated debut, introducing a new hospitality model to Edinburgh. Housed in a meticulously restored 19th-century bank building, the townhouse combines the charm of a boutique hotel with the amenities of a members club. The property features 33 elegantly appointed guestrooms, a popular restaurant called The Spence, a vibrant rooftop bar, and private event spaces that host various special events.
Gleneagles, a world-renowned sporting resort in Perthshire, celebrates its centenary in 2024. The Gleneagles Townhouse serves as a complementary urban destination to the countryside retreat, offering comfortable and grand guestrooms. The property’s wellness area, The Strong Rooms, is located in the former bank vault and boasts top-of-the-line facilities such as an infrared sauna, a spin class studio, and Scotland’s first cryotherapy room. The fitness program includes 40 complimentary classes, led by professionals, and guests can also indulge in the culinary delights of The Spence, a stunning glass-domed space showcasing Scotland’s natural bounty.
Another dining experience not to be missed is Grazing by Mark Greenaway at the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian. Launched in the summer of 2023, the restaurant offers a 100-Mile Menu, celebrating locally sourced seasonal ingredients in a four-course meal paired with expertly crafted cocktails.
With its captivating history, breathtaking landscapes, and exceptional hospitality offerings, Edinburgh has firmly established itself as a captivating destination for travelers. Whether exploring the historic sites, indulging in world-class cuisine, or pampering oneself in luxurious accommodations, visitors to this remarkable city are sure to be enthralled by its charm and allure.
