Introducing our latest Walpole Member, The Balmoral

For over a century, The Balmoral has made a home at Edinburgh’s most prestigious address, No 1 Princes Street. A landmark Rocco Forte hotel set in the heart of Scotland’s capital city, The Balmoral combines stunning views and warm hospitality with world-class facilities, creating the perfect luxury urban retreat. Standing proud since 1902, the historic building’s majestic clock tower dominates the Edinburgh skyline.

To find out more about our latest Walpole Member, we speak to Richard Cooke, Cluster Managing Director for Rocco Forte Hotels, United Kingdom.

Walpole: Tell us about the history of your brand.

Richard Cooke: The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte hotel, is an icon of Scotland’s capital and its landmark clock tower is a symbol of the city. Located where the Old Town meets the New Town at an unparalleled address, No 1 Princes Street. The Balmoral opened its doors on 15th October 1902 after architects W Hamilton Beattie and AR Scott won a competition to design the hotel – known then as The North British Station Hotel - and owned by the North British Railway Company.

In search of respite following a long train trip, guests arriving at the North British Station Hotel in 1902 gasped at the grandeur and ambitious scale of the building. The building immediately became an architectural symbol. Named The Balmoral since 1991, the hotel is indeed a“majestic dwelling” (the translation of "balmoral" in Gaelic), and was founded in the golden era of steam. Since opening, the hotel has attracted a regular galaxy of film stars, politicians and royalty, from Laurel and Hardy, Sophia Loren and Elizabeth Taylor to the Rolling Stones and Oprah Winfrey.

Sir Rocco Forte purchased the iconic property on 1st March 1997 as the first in his new collection of hotels. Today, the iconic Rocco Forte property continues to play an integral part in Edinburgh’s history and culture, attracting international guests all year round.

What is your brand best known for?

The Balmoral is Edinburgh’s iconic five-star hotel offering 187 rooms and 20 suites, and was named the 2022-23 AA Hotel of the Year Scotland. A welcome in bespoke Balmoral tartan; Hebridean blues, heather hues and classic Scottish art; whisky ambassadors with 500 malts at Scotch – The Balmoral is a love letter to Scotland. Looking up to Edinburgh Castle, savour four AA Rosette dining at Number One, French-Scottish bistro fare at Brasserie Prince and traditional Afternoon Tea in Palm Court.  

What has been a significant achievement in your company’s timeline?

The Balmoral celebrated its 120th anniversary in October 2022 and has been an integral part of the city skyline since 1902. In 2023, The Balmoral achieved Forbes five-star status for the third consecutive year and it remains the only Forbes five-Star hotel in Scotland. The significance of this award resonates with our visitors from the US, where a large proportion of our room business comes from. We hope to be joined soon by many others as Scotland’s hospitality competes on the world-stage.

Why do you love the brand?

I respect Sir Rocco Forte and the way he does business. I value his values. He always does the right thing. I respect his family and the fact that it’s a family run business. I love working with Olga Polizzi - she has an impeccable sense of feel. She has undulated through the building and captured the lovely spirit which makes people feel comfortable and regal without being intimidated.  

I fell in love with Edinburgh, and the architecture first and foremost. It’s a truly beautiful city – understatedly majestic and quietly elegant. I think Edinburgh is up with Vienna and Rome as an incredible destination. With The Balmoral, I’m just a custodian – it transcends time. I love the reverence the Scots have for their own culture. There’s something to being Scottish that you don’t find anywhere else: it anchors people, but It doesn’t weigh them down. It keeps them strong.

I walk up to the hotel every morning and I still think how beautiful The Balmoral is. It’s a wholesome place - it’s a strong product and the company has invested in it, continuing to improve what we offer for our guests.

Why does your brand represent the very best in British luxury?

We aspire to represent the very best in British luxury - it’s the guest who determines that. We’re very proud to be Scottish and British, and we genuinely try the very best to make it better.

What attracted you to becoming a Walpole Member?

The collection of the good and the great, and the interesting people . To be associated with really inspirational people and iconic British brands. Having worked all over the world, I still remain British and I’m proud of it.

If you could collaborate with another Walpole member, which one would you choose (and what would you like to do)?

We are already working with some other excellent Walpole Members: Araminta Campbell, The Macallan, Gordon & McPhail, and Johnstons of Elgin to name a few. We are always interested in emerging British luxury brands and collaborating on creative new ideas.

Tell us about an exciting development or new launch for your brand in the coming months?

We have a very unique suite proposition coming in 2023. Walpole will be the first to know!

roccofortehotels.com