The Balmoral Unveils a New Look for the Scone & Crombie Suite

Looking for luxe lodgings in the Scottish capital? The Balmoral, A Rocco Forte Hotel has unveiled a new look for its presidential suite. Named for the Scone Palace in Perthshire, the Scone & Crombie Suite stretches over 220 square meters (nearly 2,400 square feet)—making it one of the biggest suites in Scotland. Since the hotel’s debut in 1902, this suite has hosted a roster of royalty, heads of state, and Hollywood stars such as Sophia Loren and Elizabeth Taylor.

The Scone & Crombie can be booked as a two- or three-bedroom suite. A large entrance hall has been added to enable private check-ins. There’s a meetings/dining space plus a sitting room with fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows affording views of Edinburgh’s Old Town. The master bedroom was completely redesigned with a color palette reflecting the Scottish countryside.

This extensive renovation—part of the hotel’s multimillion pound upgrade—was overseen by Olga Polizzi, Rocco Forte Hotels director of building and design, and sister to Sir Rocco Forte. She aimed to preserve the authentic character and heritage of the space, distinguished by high ceilings, cornices and grand fireplaces, while imbuing it with modernity and a deep sense of place. A highlight is the bespoke tapestry style wallpaper called Devonshire Swans that’s in the entrance and dining room. British fabric house Watts of Westminster printed it on canvas paper to resemble a traditional tapestry.

The presidential suite’s makeover follows the 2017 renovation of all the castle-facing suites, including the famous J.K. Rowling Suite. 

In other news, The Balmoral will be showing off a highly anticipated new restaurant concept in June. Michel Roux, O.B.E., the famous chef and restaurateur, will be teaming up with his son Alain Roux, Chef Patron of The Waterside Inn, Bray-on-Thames, on the project. What’s on the menu? Expect French classics prepared with locally-sourced Scottish ingredients. 

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