The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel

What the classifiers highlight

Built in 1902 as the North British Hotel beside Waverley Station, this Scottish Baronial landmark carries turrets and ornate columns that still dominate the Edinburgh skyline. MICHELIN awards it the city's only Two Keys among its 187 rooms. Forbes highlights the spa's indoor pool and five treatment rooms, rare for a hotel in a European capital.