Check-in and check-out takes on new meaning at The Balmoral, and you'll be hard pressed to find better lodging anywhere. It's classically beautiful, while still cutting edge. If you can ante up and afford the huge room rates here, you'll be treated to the best service and highest degree of luxury in the Scottish capital, with views that are nothing short of breathtaking.

It’s in a great location, convenient to the Royal Mile and Princes Street. The room was very nice and the bathroom was great, especially for Europe! Our only problem was that we requested a 6am wakeup call to make our return flight back to the States and never got it, which is not very good service in my opinion. (I happened to wake up anyway by chance, so we were okay.) I informed the front desk about this and emailed a complaint. They are offering us a room upgrade for our next stay, which we may take them up on, as we plan to return to Edinburgh in the future!

You must pick one special night - an anniversary, birthday, or Valentine's celebration - and reserve a room that overlooks the castle and Princes' Street. Yes, it is super expensive during festival time, but the luxury, service, view, and pampering - even food - are once in a lifetime during the festival.