Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh

The Balmoral, originally known as the North British Railway Station Hotel, is a prestigious five-star establishment and a well-known landmark in Edinburgh. Situated at the heart of the city's east end on Princes Street, which is the primary shopping district beneath the towering Edinburgh Castle, it also marks the southern boundary of the New Town.

Since 1902, the hotel's clock has intentionally been set three minutes ahead of the actual time to prevent Edinburgh residents from missing their trains. This practice continues today, except on December 31st (Hogmanay), when the clock is synchronized with the correct time for the city's New Year celebrations. The clock tower itself, standing at a height of 190 feet (58 meters), stands out prominently in the center of Edinburgh.

In February 2007, it was confirmed that the renowned author J.K. Rowling completed the final book in the Harry Potter series, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," while staying at this hotel. Rowling left a signed note on a marble bust of Hermes in her room, stating, "J.K. Rowling finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in this room (552) on 11th Jan 2007." Subsequently, the room was renamed the "J.K. Rowling Suite," and the marble bust is now displayed in a protective glass case. This suite, with a nightly rate of nearly £1,000, has become a place of pilgrimage for dedicated Harry Potter fans.