The Balmoral awarded five stars in Forbes guide

The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte hotel in Edinburgh, has been named as the first hotel in Scotland to receive a Five-Star award from the world-renowned Forbes Travel Guide.

Forbes Travel Guide, the expert in genuine Five-Star service and only global rating system for luxury hotels, spas and restaurants.

The Balmoral joins the world’s finest hotels, flying the flag for Scotland on the Five-Star award list for the first time.

A gold standard in the hospitality industry since 1958, Forbes Travel Guide’s luxury travel rating recognises the “world’s finest properties”. Anonymous inspectors check into a hotel for at least two nights, then test up to 900 objective standards with an emphasis on exceptional service.

The Balmoral’s GM, Richard Cooke, said: “Receiving this amazing accolade is an honour for my team and I. Forbes Travel Guide is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after hospitality awards in the world and an independent measurement of success.

“Every day we strive to evolve and improve by working together to create memorable experiences for our guests. We have been working towards this goal since Forbes Travel Guide arrived in Scotland and to be the first hotel in the country to be awarded Five Stars is truly humbling.”

The Balmoral was also recently awarded a AA 5 Red Star award; one Michelin star and 4 AA Rosettes for the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant, Number One.

Filip Boyen, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide, added: “We extend huge congratulations to the entire team at The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel, for achieving the first ever Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating in Scotland.

“It is difficult to earn a Forbes Travel Guide Star Rating, but the team demonstrated sheer excellence and dedication, delivered in a uniquely friendly manner. It’s no surprise that they achieved a perfect score in ‘Courtesy and manners’ and we’d also like to extend a nod to the housekeeping staff who are exceptional.”