[Hope0805, 06.08.2005] The hotel was nominated "Edinburgh Hotel of the Year 2005" and the author is of the opinion that the hotel more than deserved this award. Starting with the hotel's "competition-winning design" he goes on to admire "the powerful Victorian architecture", which makes the Balmoral "one of the grandest Scottish hotels".
Throughout the hotel the interior design and artworks used reflect "Scottish themes". The foyer is described as "elegant" with a "softly toned" gallery overlooking it.
From the "helpful and kind kilted footman" to the "hands-on" manager and the rest of "the smartly attired staff", they all had their input in winning many prestigious awards.
The praise goes on when describing the recently (in 2004) renovated "elegant" rooms as examples "of modern good taste and classical excellence" with their "immaculate marble finished bathrooms".
The "Deluxe Rooms and Suites look out over the magnificent picture-postcard panorama of Princes Street Gardens and Edinburghs world-famous castle". As far as room service is concerned the hotel offers an innovative "Bath Butler Service: the epitome of luxurious service".
"Scotlands first Bollinger Bar" can be found in the Balmoral, which is described as "the ultimate venue for drinking Champagne", whereas the other bar "Palm Court" had already been "famous and popular".
The 2 restaurants are "recommended by all the leading guides". The writer points out that Number One, "one of the citys top restaurants", is also one of their "favourite hotel restaurants". The other restaurant,Hadrians Brasserie, "offers informal, smart, quality dining" at "reasonable prices".
As far as other hotel amenities are concerned they are as impressive: The "just revamped Leisure Club" is described as "one of the best-feeling of hotel spas" with "a pleasing and warm ambience".