The Rocco Forte Hotels-owned Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh is about to conclude the first phase of a two-year refurbishment which began last November.

As part of the development, the hotel’s conference centre, the Walter Scott Suite has been fully renovated. It will re-open in February and will be able to accommodate up to 350 delegates theatre style and 450 people for cocktails.

By March, the first phase will reach its completion when four floors of new bedrooms and six conference suites will be made available. By the end of 2005, all the bedrooms will have undergone a total redesign.

The Balmoral, with its 168 rooms and 20 suites, intends to strengthen its market position in the business travel sector.

Murray Thomson, marketing director for the chain, said: “We aim to increase the hotel’s share of the conference and incentive market by 10 to 15 per cent over the next year. To achieve this, we are constantly updating and improving our product.”

The hotel has experienced considerable success in the past year and was the first Rocco Forte hotel to receive a Michelin star.

Balmoral’s executive chef, Jeff Bland, was also given the Drambuie Scottish Chef of the Year 2003 award for his work at the hotel’s Number One restaurant. Details: www.thebalmoralhotel.com