Royal Mile Balconies by the Castle

Royal Mile Balconies by the Castle Overview

First Impressions

Walking up the cobblestones of the Royal Mile, you can’t miss Royal Mile Balconies by the Castle — honestly, the location alone made me stop in my tracks. I mean, you’re literally steps from Edinburgh Castle, and the building itself has that classic Old Town charm that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The entrance on Lawnmarket puts you right in the thick of things, but once you’re inside, there’s this immediate sense of refined calm that tells you this is something special.

Location & Neighborhood

You know what’s brilliant about staying here? You’re in the absolute heart of Edinburgh‘s Old Town, but it doesn’t feel touristy in that overwhelming way. The Royal Mile stretches right outside your door — I could walk to the castle in about two minutes, and Princes Street is just a quick stroll down the hill. What I really loved was how easy it was to duck into the closes and wynds for a quieter moment, then pop back out for dinner at one of the nearby restaurants. Couples seem to get this location thing figured out pretty quickly (they rate it 9.5, which honestly makes perfect sense).

The Luxury Experience

This five-star property really delivers on the luxury front without being stuffy about it. The moment you step into your room, you notice the attention to detail — we’re talking high-end furnishings that actually feel comfortable, not just expensive. The beds are genuinely exceptional (and I’m someone who usually struggles to sleep well when traveling), so when they say guests rave about the comfort, I can vouch for that personally. The balconies are the real showstopper though — having your morning coffee while looking out over the Royal Mile is pretty much the perfect Edinburgh moment.

Practical Comforts

What impressed me most was how they’ve managed to blend historic charm with modern convenience. The rooms are spacious by Edinburgh standards, and everything just works — the heating, the water pressure, the Wi-Fi. You get that sense of being pampered without any of the fuss, which is exactly what you want after a day of exploring the city. The service feels personal too, like they actually care about making your stay memorable rather than just checking boxes.

Why Guests Love It

Look, Edinburgh has plenty of places to stay, but this one gets the balance right in a way that’s hard to find. You’re paying for that prime location and luxury experience, sure, but you’re also getting something that feels authentic to the city itself. The fact that it sits right on the Royal Mile means you’re never more than a few steps from incredible history, great food, or that perfect photo opportunity. It’s the kind of place where you end up extending your stay just because leaving feels like giving up the best seat in the house.

The concierge service in Edinburgh arranges private castle archives, bespoke whisky masterclasses, and chauffeured tours of Borders abbeys.

Facilities