Edinburgh's prestigious Balmoral Hotel to star in Channel 5 documentary series

Many hotels can claim to have landmarks on their doorsteps, but few can say that their own doorstep is a landmark.

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Perhaps Edinburgh’s best known hotel, The Balmoral occupies the Capital’s most prestigious address at number 1 Princes Street and began life as a grand railway hotel in 1902.

Over the past 119 years it has welcomed the likes of stars including royal family, actresses, rockstars, renowned authors, Michelin-starred chefs and visitors of Edinburgh into its 187 contemporary rooms and opulent suites.

Inside The Balmoral: Scotland's Finest Hotel, airs on Friday 21st May at 7pm on Channel 5

But now, the Balmoral is set to open its doors for an exclusive look inside Scotland’s finest hotel as it becomes the star itself in a brand new Channel 5 documentary series featuring never-before-seen access to one of the most iconic hotels in the world as staff deliver 24/7 luxury.

The four-part series, Inside The Balmoral: Scotland's Finest Hotel, which premiers on Friday May 21 at 7pm, follows the team at The Balmoral throughout 2020 as they navigate through the challenges and triumphs of a truly extraordinary year.

The first episode commences with a flurry of activity, including hosting some mighty sporting rivals, with the entire French national rugby team and its 100-strong entourage.

Throughout the series the team prepare for VIP arrivals, travel across glens and dales in search of the finest products and celebrate world recognised achievements in one of the most challenging years in the hotel’s history.

We meet many characters from the kitchens to concierge and see visits from Sir Rocco Forte, chairman of Rocco Forte Hotels which the Balmoral operates under, and his sister Olga Polizzi, director of design at Rocco Forte Hotels as they support the team throughout some exciting projects.

Richard Cooke, general manager of The Balmoral, said: “Over the past year we welcomed a film crew into the hotel to capture a year in the life of The Balmoral. Along with the hospitality industry throughout the world, we could never have imagined what was ahead.

“For me, this documentary is about the people who give The Balmoral personality - our guests, the many suppliers who work with us and our incredible team, the custodians of our beautiful property. I’m truly delighted to see their genuine character shine through each episode, demonstrating their love for hospitality and world-class service.”

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