The WitcheryvsThe Balmoral Hotel
Both hotels are praised by professionals. Overall, The Balmoral Hotel is the choice of most writers compared to The Witchery by the Castle. The Balmoral Hotel ranks #2 in Edinburgh with endorsements from 16 reviews including Hideaway Report, Lonely Planet and DK Eyewitness.
The Witchery
The Royal Mile, Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NF, Scotland
From $499/night
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Free Breakfast
- Concierge
- Restaurant
- Smoking Rooms
Fodor's
"This lavishly theatrical lodging promises a night to remember." Full review
Rough Guide
"Seven riotously indulgent suites grouped around this famously spooky restaurant just downhill from the Castle."
Time Out
"Each of them is dark, theatrically gothic and lavishly furnished with antiques, leather and velvet, Victorian baths and grand beds, complementing the magical atmosphere at the Witchery dining rooms." Full review
Frommer's
"This flamboyant and fabulously gothic bolthole is all your historical fantasies rolled into one. If it doesn't make your pulse race, quite frankly you haven't got one." Full review
Oyster
Upscale
"Essentially a restaurant ... with some suites attached, there are few communal spaces -- the hotel is a favorite among those seeking seclusion." Full review
The Telegraph
9.0
"This extraordinary collection of fantasy suites near Edinburgh Castle is the ultimate romantic hideaway: sumptuous, indulgent, and slightly (delightfully) mad." Full review
Fodor's
"A Gothic fantasy in an ancient collection of stone buildings twisting around each other...one of Edinburgh's most hauntingly atmospheric places to stay, and it's next level luxurious to boot." Full review
Independent
"Wake up in a mixture of camp four-poster boltholes straight from a costume drama or more intriguing Gothic suites filled with playful nooks, crannies and creaky furniture."
Independent
"Forget comparisons to Hogwarts, The Witchery is so overflowing with grown-up Gothic decadence it would make passing Harry Potter tour groups blush"
Independent
"Situated in a 16th-century building, the luxurious Witchery is gothic, glamorous and utterly beguiling. It’s also home to an award-winning restaurant – book ahead."
The Balmoral Hotel Show All Reviews
1 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ, Scotland
From $227/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
Michelin Guide
"Classically styled bedrooms with rich fabrics and a subtle contemporary edge... Highly detailed service."
Frommer's
"Almost directly above Waverley railway station, The Balmoral's soaring clock tower is a city landmark, famously set a few minutes fast for the benefit of those on the way to the train." Full review
Concierge
"It could not be more central or more subtly beautiful... on the other hand, its rates could hardly be higher."
Insight Guides
"Edinburgh's classic five-star hotel located at the east end of Princes Street in a large and imposing building. Excellent service, sublime restaurants and a luxurious atmosphere."
Jetsetter
"Impressive historic hotel that combines Edwardian finery with up-to-date luxury in the heart of Edinburgh." Full review
i
Choose from the chic Art Deco brasserie Hadrian’s — designed by Olga Polizzi — or the refined Michelin-starred Number One. Book ahead for a corner banquette and a tasting menu experience amid reimagined Edwardian sophistication.
Lonely Planet
"The sumptuous Balmoral – a prominent landmark at the eastern end of Princes St – offers some of the best accommodation in Edinburgh." Full review
DK Eyewitness
"Boasting the best known address in Edinburgh, The Balmoral is favoured by those who are accustomed to the very best in life."
Star Service
"This establishment is one of the few grand railway hotels remaining in the U.K, and a prime address for demanding commercial and leisure travelers." Full review
Gayot
"The hotel location couldn't be better... top notch dining can be found downstairs at Number One, the stylish hotel-restaurant featuring Chef Jeff Bland."
Condé Nast Traveler
84.4
""You can easily walk into the Old Town" from this "spectacular historic hotel in a fabulous location" on Princes Street, the city’s main shopping drag." Full review