Stay at the Apex City Hotel
How Good Is This Modern Luxury Hotel in Edinburgh?
Are you considering a stay at the Apex City Hotel in Edinburgh? This contemporary hotel, part of the Apex Group of hotels is a tempting choice as it's located in the vibrant Grassmarket area, perfect for those looking for excellent nightlife and historic attractions close at hand. It is a contemporary hotel offering modern and clean accommodation, with many amenities unusual for a 4-star hotel. But is the Apex City Hotel a better choice than other 4 star hotels close to the City Centre? And is it good value for money?
I've read hundreds of reviews from guests who have stayed at the Apex City over the years and the following is a clear and unbiased summary of what these guests really thought of their stay at this hotel.
What's special about the Apex City Hotel?
- Wide range of amenities and extras in the guest rooms which are more usually associated with a 5-star hotel, such as slippers and bathrobes.
- The Apex City hotel is home to the Agua bar and restaurant featuring the Crustacea Seafood Bar.
- Location: The Apex City Hotel is in the heart of the lively Grassmarket area, perfect for those who intend to make the most of the nightlife, and it enjoys excellent views over Edinburgh Castle.
Read Apex City Hotel reviews or check for discounted room rates.
What do guests really think?
Although there were some criticisms of the hotel, the majority of reviews were positive and many guests said that they would happily return to the Apex City Hotel.
- Most loved the location of the hotel, right in the middle of Grassmarket. However some guests would have preferred a more peaceful location, as some of the rooms are very noisy, especially when the nearby bars close.
- Many reviewers found it to be very good value for money thanks to its location and range of services and amenities.
- Many guests found the parking arrangements inadequate and felt that this was a drawback to staying at the hotel.
My Recommendation
Although the reviews were mixed, the majority of guests said had enjoyed their stay and would return again. The two problems that were mentioned most often were street noise and the lack of temperature control in the guest rooms.
However, the positive comments far outweighed the negative ones, and if you are looking for clean, modern and comfortable accommodation at a reasonable price in the centre of edinburgh then it appears that the Apex City Hotel could be a good choice.
Book the Apex City Hotel or find other luxury hotel deals in Edinburgh.
In Depth Review of the Apex City Hotel in Edinburgh
Contemporary, good value hotel. Located in the vibrant Grassmarket near the Royal Mile.
Average room price per night: £79-£185 ($124-$291)
What is the Apex City Hotel like?
The overall impression I got was that the Apex City Hotel is good value for money, providing some very good amenities and services. There seem to be some areas that could be improved further, especially in the level of service provided by staff. However, the rooms are clean, modern, comfortable and well-equipped.
Apex City Hotel vs Apex International Hotel in Grassmarket Comparison
This is the smaller of the two Apex hotels located in the Grassmarket area of Edinburgh. The Apex International, the Apex City's sister hotel, is the larger of the two hotels and offers more facilities and is located less than a hundred metres away.
However, guests of the Apex City can make use of the Yu-Time leisure suite at the Apex International free of charge. The reviews for the Apex City Hotel were, on the whole, more positive, however the Apex International seems to be a better choice for families with children.
Building and room design
- The Apex City hotel offers 119 guest rooms, including standard rooms as well as superior ones. Most guests agree that the rooms were clean, modern and functional although several said that they were too small.
- Some of the hotel's rooms have stunning views over Edinburgh Castle and the city skyline.
- There were several complaints about the level of noise in the guest rooms, especially those in the front of the hotel facing out over Grassmarket.
- The rooms are well equipped with CD/DVD player and widescreen TV, however there were some guests who were not happy with the limited range of channels on offer, and others who complained about bad reception on the TV.
- Wireless internet access is available free of charge throughout the hotel but there were several complaints that it was not working properly.
- Many reviewers commented on how comfortable the beds were.
- Many people found the bathrooms spacious and clean and liked the fact that there was both a bath and a walk-in shower.
- Some guests were pleasantly surprised about the extras in the rooms such as free bottled water, jelly beans and cookies.
- There does not seem to be any air conditioning in the rooms, and many reviewers found the heat unbearable, although reception will supply fans upon request.
Staff and level of service
- Many reviewers were very complimentary about the service received, and there were many comments that the staff were efficient, friendly and helpful.
- Many Apex City staff were mentioned by name in the reviews, as they were particularly helpful.
- However, there were some guests who found some members of staff rude and unhelpful. Some also mentioned a lack of assistance with luggage.
- Some guests reported a lack of attention to detail by housekeeping in replacing toiletries and toilet paper.
- There was a lot of criticism about the service at breakfast, with many guests commenting that the service was slow and that they had also had to wait for a table to become free.
Food and drink
- The Agua bar and restaurant serves seafood, and there were some very good reviews on the quality of food and exceptional level of service. Some people felt, however, that it was too expensive.
- The breakfast reviews were quite mixed, however, many reviewers said that the breakfast was good value for money, well cooked and with plenty of choice.
- As the hotel is situated in the Grassmarket area, there are many restaurants nearby, and many guests chose not to eat at the hotel.
- Guests who book breakfast or dinner in advance receive discounted rates.
Location and parking
- For those in search of Edinburgh's nightlife, the Apex City Hotel is right in the middle of the Grassmarket area, which is renowned for its pubs and clubs. It is also well located for those visiting attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, as well as being close to Princes Street.
- There is limited parking available at the hotel and also at its sister hotel, the Apex International which is close by. This seems to become full very quickly, though, and some guests felt that the lack of adequate parking was a drawback.
- Although the Apex City Hotel is approximately half a mile from Waverley station, some recommended taking a taxi due to the hilly nature of the area.
Nice touches
- The Apex City hotel seems to cater very well at breakfast for vegetarians and those with food allergies.
- In addition to tea and coffee in the rooms, the Apex City offers hot chocolate sachets which were appreciated by some guests.
- Guests of the Apex City Hotel can enjoy the swimming pool and gym facilities of its nearby sister hotel, the Apex International.
- 24h room service and dining is available at the Apex City Hotel.
Book the Apex City Hotel or find other four and five star hotels in Edinburgh.
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