What Is The History Of The Balmoral Hotel In Edinburgh?

The Balmoral was called the North British Hotel when it opened in 1902. Adjacent to Waverly station in Edinburgh, it was a traditional railway hotel. It's majestic clock tower is easy to spot as soon as you exit the station; the building has been nicknamed 'the grand old lady' of Princes Street. The clock is set two minutes fast in order that travelers don't miss their trains (except on New Year's Eve.) When it was built, the Balmoral was owned by the North British Railway and was called the North British Hotel, or NB for short. Its wealthy guests could take a private elevator from the rail station straight up to the hotel!

In 1981 British Rail sold the hotel. From 1988-91, the hotel underwent a £23 million refurbishment. It reopened with a new name - The Balmoral.
Balmoral is Gaelic for `majestic dwelling`- an apt name for a hotel with 188 luxurious bedrooms. In 1996 the businessman Rocco Forte bought the Balmoral, which became part of a portfolio of 5-star hotels throughout Europe. He put another £10 million into decorating. The Balmoral is today world-famous for its stunning Edwardian architecture and fine accommodation.