In 2007, The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte luxury hotel, implemented a program specifically designed for children in an attempt to dispel the myth that Five-star hotels are stuffy and "boring" for younger crowds.

After the success of its "Five-star Kids" program (ages 3-12), The Balmoral has extended the five-star program to include infants and teenagers.

Now, parents can relax and enjoy all the hotel and city of Edinburgh have to offer without having to worry about keeping their infants comfortable and their teenagers entertained.

For families traveling with infants, The Balmoral tries to make their stay easier by providing all of the extra comforts of home. The "Five-star Babies" program (ages 0-2) includes such luxuries as wooden cots with high quality linens, a toy-box, and bottle warmers and sterilizers. Infants will delight in The Balmoral's Teddy Turn-Down Service (keep the teddy as a souvenir!), with a complimentary bottle or glass of milk.

Teenagers will feel all grown-up when they are greeted with Mocktails upon their arrival at The Balmoral, a feature of the "Five-star Teens" program (ages 13-18). Also as part of the program, girls can receive manicures in the Balmoral Spa and take home their own bottle of nail polish, and boys can stay in style with a complimentary baseball cap. Available upon request for no extra fee are a Playstation II with games and headphones, a variety of board games, and a range of Scottish-themed books, including the popular Harry Potter series. The concierge will also customize a teen-friendly itinerary.

Kids in between and readers of all ages, will appreciate knowing that J.K. Rowling finished writing the last installment of the series, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" at the hotel. To mark the occasion, the author signed an antique bust in the room in which she stayed.

Located in Edinburgh's main shopping district, The Balmoral is not only close to the city's luxury stores, but also many cultural attractions such as Edinburgh Castle and Old Town.

Enjoy dining in the hotel's premiere Michelin-starred number one for fine Scottish cuisine, Hadrian's Brasserie for informal dining, Palm Court for snacks and afternoon tea, or at a local pub.

Voted 'Scotland's Top Urban Day Spa' in Condé Nast Traveler's 2008 Readers' Spa Awards, The Balmoral offers five treatment rooms (with ESPA and Ytsara treatments) a 15 meter swimming pool, sauna, steam room, gymnasium and exercise studio.  The Balmoral has also recently won a place on Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List (US edition) within "The best hotels in the world for location".

The Balmoral claims 168 rooms and 20 suites, each designed to emulate the feel of Scotland (for example, earth-colored walls and carpets evoke the misty moors). Many of the rooms have views of the Castle, the Old Town, or the surrounding hills.

Exclusive offers add significantly to the family experience.  The Balmoral Family Affair Package allows families to receive an extra bedroom for their children (ages 16 and below) absolutely free.

Besides overnight accommodations in two rooms, the package also includes a full Scottish breakfast for two adults, and complimentary food and beverages for children under the age of 3.

For more information, visit The Balmoral online. To make a reservation, call 44/(0) 870 460 7040.