The Balmoral

We spent five nights at The Balmoral and had a great time. We tried the spa and fitness facilities, along with the different bars and restaurants. Palm Court bar was nice for afternoon tea, and dinner at Number one restaurant was fantastic. For breakfast or dinner, Prince brasserie was our favourite option. Everyone was friendly, and Laura was especially welcoming and professional. We also had several delicious whiskies at Scotch, the hotel’s whiskey bar. Ross and Curtis were great, and Mr Edoardo, an outstanding expert who clearly knows his whiskies, explained the different ones to us in our own language. It all made for a really enjoyable stay.

Breakfast was absolutely superb, with lovely service and little jars of jam on the table. We were always asked if we wanted fresh cutlery after eating, too. The afternoon tea room is beautiful and so pretty. After a cold day outside, the fire in reception made everything feel cosy. Our room was spotless, with complimentary water and tea and coffee facilities. The bed was comfortable, hooray for plug sockets beside it, and the marble bathroom was just as nice. We ordered room service and the food was brilliant, with 10/10 service from the staff. The welcome was excellent from the start. A lovely doorman in a kilt helped with our luggage, then Jack checked us in, explained everything we needed to know, and showed us to the room. He was professional, polite and friendly, and made a great impression. Checkout was easy, and I can’t recommend the hotel and its wonderful staff enough.

We dropped in for a few drinks and were made to feel welcome straight away. The bar was busy and lively, and for a while it felt like we were rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous. Drinks were about £10 a pint and £17 for a medium glass of wine. Definitely expensive, though the venue, location and experience were part of it. I spent the afternoon chatting with a lovely gentleman at the bar. Would love another cosy afternoon there.

We didn’t stay at the hotel, but we did have a meal at the Grill. The staff were amazing, and the set lunch was great value, whether you choose two courses or three. You can see why the late Queen’s mother liked this place. A tip: if it’s the off season and the hotel is quiet, ask whether you can come in for the breakfast buffet. It might be an option if a room is out of budget, and you get to feel like royalty without spending a fortune.