Balmoral Hotel

The Balmoral, Edinburgh’s five-star Rocco Forte Collection Hotel, has created a magical Festive Calendar, featuring decadent party nights, luxurious overnight experiences, Michelin-starred gourmet delights and the ultimate Hogmanay Gala Ball.

Christmas Experiences at The Balmoral:

• The Festive Season is a most magical time at The Balmoral, where the fires are blazing, the Christmas lights are twinkling and the mulled wine and champagne are flowing. Tucked up in the luxury of your room, soak in a hot bath, order the unique Bath Butler experience and enjoy the pure enchantment of a Christmas at The Balmoral. Bedroom rates start at £145.00 per room on a room only basis, including use of The Balmoral Spa (from 2nd December, subject to availability).

• Book into The Balmoral Spa to ensure that you’ll look your sparkling best for the party season. Unwind in the steam room and sauna; have a gentle workout in the fully-equipped gym; relax by the poolside with your favourite glossy, and cap a perfect day with an indulgent Ytsara “Kamala” – The Balmoral Spa’s signature luxury treatment.

• Feel every bit the celebrity as you glide up the red carpet for The Balmoral’s ever-popular Christmas Party Nights, which are held in a Castle-view Banqueting Suite with stunning views of the city’s sparkling Winter Wonderland. Highlights include  a Balmoral Fizz drinks reception, sumptuous three-course menu created by Michelin-starred Executive Chef, Jeff Bland, before you disco-dance the night away. The Christmas Party Nights guarantee an outstanding festive night-out at only £45.00 per person.

• Get all dressed up and head to The Bollinger Bar for a sophisticated night out in Scotland’s only Bollinger Champagne Bar. Try a festive cocktail from our seasonal “Hot-Tails” collection, then head to Michelin-starred number one restaurant for a truly exquisite, gourmet experience. Or bring your party to Edinburgh’s latest and chicest hot-spot – The Balmoral Bar - for a stylish festive celebration before dining in Hadrian’s Brasserie.

• Prepare your post-festive recovery plan! Sign up for membership at The Balmoral Spa before January, and your joining fee will be waived. Book a personal training session and, in return, receive a 10% discount on a detoxifying spa treatment.

A Family Christmas:

• Leave the marigolds at home this Christmas Day and head to award winning number one restaurant for the ultimate Christmas culinary experience. Jeff Bland has created a beautiful three-course menu, which includes a glass of champagne on arrival and tantalising dishes such as Isle of Skye Crab, Marinated Scallops, with a Caviar Foam, Roast Scottish Halibut, and Balmoral Christmas Pudding with Armagnac Sauce, as well as the Traditional Farmhouse Turkey with all the trimmings. This “must-do” Christmas Lunch costs £165.00 per person.

• Book a luxurious suite for the ultimate family Christmas. The Balmoral’s unique “Five-star Kids” Christmas programme includes a visit from Santa Claus on Christmas Morning. Suites are from £550.00 per room per night.

• Experience the amazing array of activities on The Balmoral’s doorstep including ice-skating in Princes Street Gardens, a magical ride on the Edinburgh Wheel, and Christmas Shopping at the traditional German, French and Highland Markets. Alternatively, book into a castle-facing bedroom and marvel at the beauty of the city from the comfort of your room.

A Scottish New Year:

• The Balmoral hosts the most sophisticated and glamorous black-tie Hogmanay celebration in Edinburgh. Highlights include a glittering champagne and canapés reception, followed by an exquisite four-course menu accompanied by a selection of fine wines which have been hand-picked by our dedicated Sommelier, pipers, a live band and outstanding service. The highlight, however, has to be the magnificent fireworks display over Edinburgh Castle, which marks a truly memorable start to 2008. The Hogmanay Experience costs from £575.00 per room per night (based on a minimum of two nights), attendance at the Gala Ball for two and complimentary use of The Balmoral Spa. For those wishing to attend the Gala Ball only, the cost is £225.00 per person.

• Alternatively, The Balmoral’s two outstanding restaurants are offering a bespoke Hogmanay Dining Package. number one’s gourmet experience includes champagne and canapés on arrival and a stunning five-course menu (£175.00), while Hadrian’s plays host to the chicest Hogmanay celebration in Edinburgh, with a glass of champagne on arrival and a delicious four-course menu (£125.00). Guests from both restaurants are invited to a Castle-view suite to enjoy a glass of champagne while they watch the fireworks on the stroke of midnight.

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Essential Booking Details:
• To receive a copy of The Balmoral’s Christmas Brochure, please call: 0131 622 8843
• The Balmoral’s Hogmanay Experience and Christmas Accommodation: 0870 460 7040
• Christmas Party Nights and Gala Ball bookings only: 0131 622 8843
• number one bookings: 0131 557 6727

• Hadrian’s bookings: 0131 557 5000
• The Bollinger Bar bookings: 0131 556 2414
• Full details on Christmas and Hogmanay, including menus are on www.roccofortecollection.com

NOTES FOR EDITORS
The Rocco Forte Collection was established in 1996 to create a group of luxury hotels in Europe. The hotels have individual styles, with each hotel reflecting its nationality and location. The properties are linked together under The Rocco Forte Collection, which guarantees attention to detail, quality and service delivery.

The Rocco Forte Collection includes:
Hotel de Russie, Rome
Hotel Savoy, Florence
The Balmoral, Edinburgh
The Lowry Hotel, Manchester
Hotel Astoria, St Petersburg
Hotel Amigo, Brussels
Le Richemond, Geneva
Brown’s Hotel, London
Villa Kennedy, Frankfurt
Hotel de Rome, Berlin
The Charles Hotel, Munich

Future openings: 

Prague - 2008
Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, Sicily – 2009
Marrakech - 2009

For further information and online reservations, please visit The Rocco Forte Collection website: www.roccofortecollection.com

Angleterre Hotel, St Petersburg, is a deluxe four-star sister to Hotel Astoria.  For information and reservations, please visit www.angleterrehotel.com.