Edinburgh Hotel - Balmoral, Howard or Scotsman?
 

We will be in Edinburgh for just three nights in early March and I just cannot decide on where to stay. I had booked a room at the Balmoral, but now I am considering staying at one of the smaller hotels, namely the Howard or the Scotsman. Is any one of these hotels better in terms of location? We are only going to be in the city for a short time (actually a Monday to Wednesday stay and then a one night stay on a Sunday before we fly home to NY) and location is important. I have a feeling that location is not going to decide it for me. Which would you choose? The Balmoral is more more expensive than the other two and also the rate does not include breakfast. But it looks wonderful. Susan

What about the Bonham? I have got to decide!
Susan

I don't understand. Why would you make a booking if you don't plan on staying.

Well rogeruktm, when I made the booking I was convinced that the Balmoral was the right choice. I have since done more reading and now I am not so sure.

We have stayed at the Balmoral. It is the only hotel in Edinburgh with the perfect location just in the middle between Old Town and New Town.

The Scotsman has almost the same location, so it is equally good.

Strangely, I have not noticed a hotel called Howard in Edinburgh.

Balmoral is a nice hotel, with atmosphere, good service and a pool. The rooms are not very spacious, but tastefully decorated (in the colors of the Highlands - green, beige, brown) - and the bathrooms are very good.

They have buffet breakfast (including haggis, which I liked very much), but if you are not willing to take breakfast at the hotel you have lots of opportunities for cheap breakfast just a few steps away.

I was at the Balmoral having afternoon tea..and I really won't miss the chance to stay there !
Have a great time in Edinburgh, it's beautiful !!

Look into the Glass House - the location is an easy walk to the Golden Mile. My husband and I really enjoyed it.

The Balmoral and Scotsman are very centrally located but the Howard is slightly less so - it's several streets north (i.e. downhill) from Princes Street, in the New Town - which means about an uphill walk or a short bus ride to anywhere you are likely to be going. It is supposed to be very posh, though - offputtingly so, to me, in that a butler unpacks for you. I've only been there for tea, though.

I've stayed at the Balmoral & the rooms are as traveller1959 describes - tastefully decorated in muted tweedy shades. It does have the full grand hotel ambience, with a grand lobby, afternoon tea, a cocktail bar, etc - it would probably be my choice out of those your list, for someone here for sightseeing. I also used to be a member of the health club and the pool is rather small but nice when it's not crowded.

I've only been in the public areas of the Scotsman, have seen photos of the rooms & know people who've stayed there (including Sheila) - They all liked it. From photographs the rooms look similar to the Balmoral's - tweedy. The stainless steel pool is supposed to be very groovy. Also an excellent location for sightseeing.

I've not stayed at the Bonham but I've eaten there & seen photos of rooms. It is very modern & funkily decorated in bright colours - it might be my own choice (for design reasons), but the location in the West End is not quite as convenient for sightseeing.

I would not recommend eating at any of the above.

I been inside the Glasshouse & seen through the windows into the top floor rooms which are arranged around a roof garden. They looked a bit beige & dull, plus not very private. I also think it's in a horrible position, on top of a leisure centre (multiplex, cafes, etc) on a big and busy roundabout (which is currently being dug up). The rooms at the back face Calton Hill which is a nice green space, the rooms at the front face one of the major roads into the city centre.

Thank you all. Last night I was undecided between the Scotsman and The Balmoral. I was only leaning to the Scotsman becuase the price is slightly less and the price includes breakfast. But, I had been in touch with the concierge at the Balmoral regarding car rentals and restaurant suggestions and this morning that got back to me and were so responsive and helpful that I am thinking I should just stay there.

Cannot be the wrong decision.

(BTW, the Balmoral is Rocco Forte's flagship - he would not spoil his reputation)