Scottish Serenade - 2
After a great night’s sleep at The Balmoral, it was time for the gym, which opened at 7 (here was a first, the attendant needed a photo). The entire basement is devoted to wellness. Oh, the gym, very latest Technogym equipment, just one of everything, but well sited - and statement wallpaper, of 1930s cartouche type gymnasts. The wallpaper is out of this world. The equipment is the latest, and there's automatic Technogym interactive support.
The breakfast buffet is absolutely outstanding. It doesn't look very big, but it is very clever. It’s really good on different berries, other fruits, breads, cheeses, all cold cuts, some hot dishes on the buffet, but they bring whatever you want a la carte very quickly. Although we’re north o’the border it’s a bit English, Wedgwood, Tiptree.
But the people here are lovely Scots, friendly folks who assimilate foreigners as their own. The concierge from Mumbai insisted on coming up personally to open the curtains in suite #324: they're more than very heavy, and trying pull them across is akin to strong men dragging a London bus. Mr Mumbai was wearing a snazzy jade green jacket - yes, there are hints of eccentricity around, which just adds to The Balmoral’s character. The Palm Court, for instance, has central illuminated trees that are straight out of A Midsummer Night's Dream – imagine it’s midsummer, and thanks to the caring of the management team and the people working with them, the whole thing is rather dreamy. This is Edinburgh’s city-style hotel, temporary home for tip-tops in global business, and fashionistas and anyone who warms to whimsy. And whisky.
