April 26, 2018
Balmoral Hotel
A view of the lobby from the 2nd story where we were treated to a harpist playing while you sit, relax, have a drink, etc.
While enjoying the harpist, we began speaking with an employee, who told us about this hidden gem. He told us that JK Rowling, after becoming famous, could no longer sit in the public coffee shop undisturbed. So, she came to the Balmoral Hotel (she had money now!) and holed up in Room 552 where she penned her last few novels in the HP series. They have since renamed this the J.K. Rowling Suite, complete with purple door and owl knocker. We were also told that the inside of the suite is decked out in all things Harry Potter and that, as long as it's not occupied, they will show you inside. Sadly, the room was occupied when we visited, but we still had fun getting this close to it.
The Balmoral Hotel is an old railway hotel built in 1902. You are greeted at the entrance by kilted doormen and is open to non-hotel guests for afternoon tea or a visit to the Palm Court Bar.
Verdict: No. It's a beautiful hotel and the staff was very gracious. The HP connection was a bonus and if we had actually been able to stay in that suite, my no may have been changed to a Yes - I mean really, how cool would that be?! So, if you're a JK Rowling fan, stop by here while in Edinburgh. Otherwise, rest easy if you pass to the other side without seeing Balmoral Hotel.
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