At the epicentre of Edinburgh, The Balmoral has welcomed families at Christmas for over a century, drawing on a wealth of experience to create cherished festive memories. With all the traditional details taken care of, and a few seasonal surprises sprinkled in, here’s why the most wonderful time of the year is best spent with us.
The entire family is welcome
Our award-winning suites are the ideal size for a family to share. Our signature suites are even more spacious, with sumptuous sofas to curl up on for a festive film, a roaring fire crackling in the hearth, and a private dining area for in-room family feasting. The warm welcome extends to four-legged guests, too – it wouldn’t be Christmas without the whole family, pets included. Our resident dog Lucy has put together a welcome pack for furry guests, including a bed, water bowl, treats, a list of pet-friendly Edinburgh venues and a range of dog walkers and sitters, which our Concierge is happy to arrange.
We’ve set the scene…
Glittering tinsel, gleaming baubles, and an immense, twinkling fir tree ensure you’re met with Christmas magic from the moment you come in from the frosty streets. Enthral little ones with our three Wishing Trees, upon whose branches children (and parents) are invited to attach paper ‘leaves’ inscribed with festive wishes. Up in your suite, the atmosphere of good cheer continues: we can arrange for decorations, including stockings hung from the mantelpiece and a beautifully decorated tree, to await your arrival.
…laid the table…
After taking in Edinburgh’s festive atmosphere and Christmas markets, refuel with a tiered Afternoon Tea, served in our elegant Palm Court and enhanced with delicious seasonal favourites such as homemade Christmas cake. Come the big day itself, take a seat in Brasserie Prince for a jovial atmosphere and four-course feast by celebrated chef Alain Roux, featuring fresh Dover sole, succulent turkey and an array of truly decadent desserts.
…And invited the guest of honour
Unwrapping gifts and tucking into a delicious festive banquet isn’t the only thing for children to look forward to on Christmas Day. Santa Claus stops in at The Balmoral every year, and this year is no different. After a festive breakfast, bring your little ones to meet Father Christmas himself. He will have a little something special for them to open as a souvenir of their stay.
To book your suite family Christmas at The Balmoral, please email reservations.balmoral@roccofortehotels.com or call +44 131 556 2414.
Maestro Salvatore Calabrese and Federico Pavan, Director of Mixology at Brown’s Hotel, discuss the creative process behind Happily Ever After, the Donovan Bar’s new fairytale-inspired cocktail menu, launching on 28th May.
This summer, Masseria Torre Maizza turns up the volume on a cause that needs our attention. Save the Olives, a non-profit organisation championed by Dame Helen Mirren, whose mission is to raise awareness of Xylella fastidiosa, a bacterium devastating Puglia’s olive trees and impacting the local economy and ecosystem. In support, we have devised an incredible calendar of music and art amidst our Masseria’s olive groves – a poignant setting, grounded in the cause.
Yet, just a short journey from the city’s cobblestone lanes, Edinburgh’s sandy shores offer a serene, and salty, escape. Within just an hour’s drive from The Balmoral, discover our selection of Edinburgh’s finest beaches, and whittle away those languid summer days with cool dips, fish and chips, and stirring sea views.
