Balmoral Hotel, Railway hotel at Princes Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
The Balmoral Hotel is a railway hotel on Princes Street in Edinburgh, Scotland, marked by its 190-foot clock tower at the eastern end of the street. The sandstone structure combines Victorian elements with Scottish baronial architecture, forming a prominent landmark in the city skyline.
The establishment opened in 1902 as the North British Railway Hotel, offering a direct elevator connection from Waverley Station to the reception. The link allowed travelers to reach the building without passing through the street.
J.K. Rowling completed the final Harry Potter novel in room 552, leaving a signed message on a marble bust in the room. The suite later became a literary pilgrimage site for fans who want to see where the series reached its conclusion.
The establishment offers five dining spaces, including the Michelin-starred Number One restaurant and the Palm Court tearoom. Guests also have access to a spa with a swimming pool located inside the building.
The clock tower deliberately runs three minutes ahead throughout the year to help railway passengers catch their trains. The timepiece is set to the correct time only during New Year celebrations.
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