The Balmoral Hotel
At a glance: 5-star · Since 1902 · Renovated 2015 · 187 rooms
Near: The Edinburgh Dungeon · 3 min walk
Guests love: Service · Location
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The Balmoral has its own dining options, including the Brasserie Prince for French-Scottish dishes, the Palm Court for afternoon tea, and the SCOTCH whisky bar. For a fine dining experience, Number One offers a contemporary Scottish menu. Nearby, Rose Street is known for its pubs, and George Street has restaurants and bars. The St James Quarter, just across the road, also has eateries and food trucks. You can walk to the Royal Mile in 4 minutes to find more cafes and restaurants.
The Balmoral sits right where Edinburgh's Old Town meets the New Town, so you are steps from both. The Royal Mile is a 4-minute walk, with St Giles' Cathedral 5 minutes away and the Scott Monument just 3 minutes from the door. Princes Street Gardens and the shops of George Street and Rose Street are close by, and Calton Hill is about a 5-minute walk for city views. The hotel's own Bar Prince and SCOTCH whisky bar are on site, and the area is well served by Edinburgh Train Station next door. It is a central, walkable spot for exploring the city's historic core.
From Edinburgh Airport, take the tram to Edinburgh Princes Street or St Andrew Square, about 35-39 minutes, then walk a few minutes to the hotel. The Airlink 100 bus stops at Hanover Street, a short walk away, with departures every five minutes. A taxi or ride-hailing trip takes about 20 minutes. If arriving by train, Edinburgh Train Station (Waverley) is right next door, just a few minutes' walk from the front steps. Haymarket Train Station is also nearby, and Ocean Terminal is another station option. The hotel is at 1 Princes St, where Old Town meets New Town.
In the evening, you can stay at the hotel's own Bar Prince for a drink or SCOTCH for a whisky, with over 500 varieties. For dinner, the hotel's Brasserie Prince and Number One restaurant are right there. A short walk away, the Royal Mile is 4 minutes and St Giles' Cathedral 5 minutes, both atmospheric after dark. The Edinburgh Dungeon is 3 minutes away for a lively evening experience. For more options, George Street and Rose Street are nearby, known for their bars and restaurants. You can also walk to the Old Town's pubs and venues, with the Underground Vaults Walking Tour and ghost tours starting from the area.
Yes, The Balmoral is an excellent base for exploring Edinburgh. You can walk to the Royal Mile in 4 minutes, St Giles' Cathedral in 5, and the National Museum of Scotland in 8. The Edinburgh Dungeon and Scott Monument are each just a 3-minute walk away. For farther sights like Edinburgh Castle, you can walk up the Royal Mile or take a short taxi or ride-hailing trip. The hotel's central location on Princes Street puts you close to the New Town's shops and the Old Town's historic streets. With the train station nearby, you can easily head out on day tours to the Highlands or St Andrews.

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