Stay at the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
How Good Is This Modern Luxury Hotel in Edinburgh?
Are you considering a stay at the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel in Edinburgh? You will not be alone as it is one of the best-rated hotels in the city, a modern and comfortable hotel with historic roots. Renovated and reopened in March 2009, it still retains many of its original Georgian features.
The Apex Waterloo Place Hotel is situated in a quiet area off Princes Street, close to the bars and restaurants of the centre of Edinburgh. It's perfect for exploring the city attractions as the Old Town is just a short walk away. But is it better than other 4-star hotels in the city centre and does it represent good value for money?
I've read hundreds of reviews from guests who have stayed at the Apex Waterloo Place since it opened 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 Waterloo Place Hotel?
- The Apex Waterloo Place Hotel is a historical landmark, having been built in the nineteenth century as Edinburgh's first large scale, purpose-built hotel. After being used as offices for many years, it has reopened as a new, 4-star city hotel in March 2009 by the Apex Group of hotels.
- It offers excellent guest amenities which are over and above those expected of a 4-star hotel.
- The hotel has a swimming pool, sauna and Technogym, perfect for relaxing after a day in the city.
- Location: Ideally situated in Waterloo Place, an extension of lively Princes Street, however, it is in a secluded area away from the hustle and bustle of the main road.
Read Apex Waterloo Place Hotel reviews or check for discounted room rates.
What do guests really think?
The reviews of the Apex Waterloo Place hotel are glowing almost without exception, and many guests thought that this 4-star hotel offered many 5-star extras. Many reviewers said that they would happily stay there again, or were already planning to return.
- There are many 'nice touches' offered by the Apex Waterloo Place hotel that set it apart from other four star hotels, and make it a very customer focused hotel.
- Many guests felt that the Apex Waterloo Place offers very good value for money, especially due to the location, facilities and the friendly service.
- However the level of service and the quality of the breakfast was criticised by many guests. Some reviewers classed the breakfast as dreadful and the service as disorganised and slow.
- Many reviewers enjoyed the Yu Spa, which has a swimming pool, sauna and Technogym, although the pool was considered too small and very cold by some. Several reviewers, however, mentioned that it was spotlessly clean and well maintained.
My Recommendation
Having read the many and consistently good reviews since the hotel opened, it is clear that the Apex Waterloo Place represents good value for money, is well situated for the city centre, and offers excellent service and top class facilities.
It also appears that the hotel is suitable for many types of travellers, business and leisure alike, as well as for families with children.
If you are looking for a traditional Scottish hotel then the Apex Waterloo Place might not be to your taste, but if you are looking for a newly opened, contemporary, well-priced hotel, with spacious and well-equipped rooms, then this hotel appears to be a very good choice.
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In Depth Review of the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel in Edinburgh
New hotel, modern and with many 5-star extras. Very central location just off Princes Street.
Average room price per night: £85-£195 ($133-$306)
What is the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel like?
The Apex Waterloo Place Hotel is stylish, clean and modern and offers guests everything they need for a comfortable and relaxed stay. Whilst it does not have the same cosy atmosphere as a boutique hotel or the luxury of a designer hotel, it offers many facilities and amenities unusual in a 4-star hotel and many guests were pleasantly surprised by this. This, and its prime location make it an excellent place to stay in Edinburgh city centre.
Building and room design
- The public areas, including the reception area and the lounge are stylish and spacious, an area where guests can relax. While they are decorated in a contemporary style, they still retain some of the features of the original building such as traditional fireplaces and covings.
- The Apex Waterloo Place Hotel has 180 guest room including standard City Rooms, Superior Rooms, Deluxe Rooms and Suites. Some rooms offer views of the city.
- All rooms are equipped with a 42 inch LCD TV, Bose surround sound speakers, CD/DVD player and free Wi-Fi. The superior rooms also have a fridge, a safe and bathrobes.
- Free bottled water and tea and coffee facilities are provided.
- The reviewers were extremely complimentary about the amenities and facilities in the rooms, as well as the cleanliness and maintenance.
- They also loved the clean and spacious bathrooms, but some did say that the showers are prone to flooding due to the design.
- One disabled reviewer confirmed that the hotel was perfectly accessible and suitable for disabled guests.
- Although the hotel is located in a quiet area, some guests did report that they could hear noise from nearby pubs and clubs, and that they could also hear the rubbish being taken away. However these issues did not seem to detract from the enjoyment of their stay.
- A few guests mentioned that the rooms are very cold during the night.
- Many reviewers mentioned that the beds are extremely comfortable, with good quality linen and pillows.
Staff and level of service
- Many guests commented that the staff are friendly and attentive, but not pretentious. Special mention was made of the reception and bar staff, however some reviewers did mention that reception seemed to be under-staffed and were slow to answer calls.
- The main criticism in terms of service was at breakfast and there were several guests who described it as disorganised, with slow service and lack of attention to detail.
Food and drink
- Elliott's Restaurant, which overlooks Waterloo Place and serves modern Scottish cuisine, was considered by most guests to be excellent quality and good value for money.
- Many guests reported that Elliott's Bar was reasonable in price and provided friendly and efficient 24 hour service.
- There were many mixed reviews about breakfast. Whilst many guests had enjoyed the quality of food, this was not the case across the board.
Location and parking
- The Apex Waterloo Place hotel is extremely centrally located, with the shops and bars of Princes Street to hand, and yet it is in a quiet location with little noise. It is (approximately) a 2-minute walk to Waverley Station, a 25-minute walk to Edinburgh Castle and 10 minutes to the Royal Mile.
- There is a bus service from Edinburgh airport which stops a short walk away from the hotel on Waverley Bridge.
- There is an NCP car-park close by where hotel guests receive a 20% discount, although this was still felt by some to be too expensive.
Nice touches
- All guests have a complementary Apex bath duck to take away.
- Children's portions come in two different sizes which is more convenient for children of different ages and appetites.
- The Apex reservation service provides a live chat-room facility for any pre-booking queries.
Book the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel or find other four and five star hotels in Edinburgh.
Staying at the Apex Waterloo Place, Edinburgh - Web links
- Apex Waterloo Place: Hotel Review - UndiscoveredScotland.co.uk
- Apex Hotels - Wikipedia.org
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