Pottering Around Room 552
Fans of the Harry Potter books have found a new place of pilgrimage – and a luxurious one at that.
J K Rowling completed her phenomenally successful series of novels in a suite at the five-star Balmoral Hotel in the Scottish capital, Edinburgh. Now Room 552 has, with the author’s permission, been re-named after her.
Since the venue for her final chapter was revealed, the wealthier of the Potter fans have been arriving and specifically requesting the suite. The rooms include the writing desk she used and the queen-size bed in which she slept.
There’s also a marble bust of the Greek god, Hermes, on which Rowling wrote in black marker pen: “J K Rowling finished writing Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows in this room (552) on 11th Jan 2007.” A brass plaque has been put on the door and the door knocker’s been replaced by a brass owl in homage to those featured in the books.
Rowling’s background was famously a lot more modest than the plush surroundings of the Balmoral – she wrote the first of the novels in several Edinburgh cafés.
The Balmoral is, of course, on Luxique’s list of luxury hotels in Edinburgh. We can’t promise you’ll get Room 552, but we can promise the best rates with no booking fees.
by Andy Moreton
