Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel is a modern establishment located in the heart of Edinburgh, offering stunning views of the historic Grassmarket area. The hotel features stylish, comfortable rooms equipped with contemporary amenities, including free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Guests can enjoy a range of facilities, such as a fitness center and an on-site restaurant that serves a variety of cuisine. Its prime location allows easy access to popular attractions like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, making it an ideal choice for both leisure and business travelers.
What each source says
- Tripadvisor 4.5 3,995
- Priceline 4.3 1,997
- Expedia 4.5 1,281
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Cleanliness Standards The property generally maintains strong standards of cleanliness, with daily housekeeping and well-serviced rooms that provide a consistently tidy and comfortable base for exploring the city.
- Comfortable Amenities Rooms are well-equipped with thoughtful touches like Nespresso machines, kettles, and convenient water stations on each floor, alongside comfortable bedding and well-appointed bathrooms that enhance the guest experience.
- Exceptional Staff Guests consistently praise the service team for their friendly, accommodating, and proactive attitude, frequently noting their genuine willingness to assist with special requests, early check-ins, and local recommendations.
- Prime Location Located in the heart of the Grassmarket, this hotel is within walking distance of Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and major city attractions, offering stunning views and unmatched convenience for travelers.
- Quality Breakfast The breakfast service is widely regarded as a highlight, featuring a diverse selection of cooked-to-order items and buffet options that provide a high-quality start to the day.
Criticised
- Climate Control Issues Guests frequently report that rooms lack functional air conditioning and can become uncomfortably hot, especially in summer, with poor ventilation and windows that have limited opening capabilities.
- Dated Accommodations Many reviewers note that parts of the hotel appear tired and in need of refurbishment, citing worn carpets, stained upholstery, chipped furniture, and scuffed walls throughout the rooms.
- Limited On-site Facilities The on-site restaurant and bar may be closed or have limited hours, often requiring guests to visit the sister hotel nearby for gym, pool, or full dining services.
- Maintenance and Elevators Guests regularly experience issues with slow or broken elevators, which can lead to long wait times or force guests to navigate multiple flights of stairs with luggage.
- Noise Disturbances Due to its central location near pubs and delivery routes, street noise can be disruptive; guests also report sounds from slamming doors, thin walls, and noisy elevator areas.
The longer read
The Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel is widely celebrated for its prime location in the heart of the historic Grassmarket, making it an exceptional choice for travelers who prioritize walkability. Situated directly below Edinburgh Castle, guests find themselves within a short, convenient stroll of the Royal Mile, Victoria Street, and numerous iconic city attractions. The hotel acts as a perfect hub for sightseeing, with public transportation, including hop-on hop-off buses, stopping right outside. Throughout the reviews, the staff consistently earns high marks; guests frequently praise them for being exceptionally friendly, accommodating, and proactive—often going the extra mile to handle special requests, facilitate early check-ins, or provide helpful local recommendations, which significantly enhances the overall guest experience.
Inside the property, the consensus is that the hotel offers clean, spacious, and functional rooms that are well-suited for city explorers. Many guests specifically enjoy the well-appointed bathrooms, often featuring both separate showers and soaking tubs, along with thoughtful touches like Nespresso machines and in-room water filtration systems. While the views of the Castle from select rooms are frequently described as magical and a highlight of the stay, potential guests should be aware that the building is beginning to show its age. A recurring theme in feedback is that the property feels tired in certain areas, with reports of worn carpets, scuffed furniture, or peeling wallpaper in older rooms. It is worth managing expectations: this is a reliable, modern-style chain hotel, not a boutique luxury property.
Travelers planning a stay should take note of a few logistical realities. Climate control is a common point of contention, particularly during warmer months, as many rooms lack effective air conditioning, leaving them feeling stuffy and hot, even with provided fans. Furthermore, while the Grassmarket area provides a vibrant atmosphere with excellent pubs and restaurants at the doorstep, guests in street-facing rooms should be prepared for potential noise from nightlife. Additionally, some confusion persists regarding amenities; while the hotel is often marketed with pool and gym access, guests should clarify upon booking that these facilities are located at the sister property a short walk away rather than on-site.
Ultimately, the Apex City of Edinburgh offers a convenient, high-utility stay for those who spend most of their time out exploring the city. Its value proposition is strongest when viewed as a practical, well-located home base rather than a place to spend all day. While the building may require some maintenance to align with its price point—especially during peak festival seasons when rates climb—the combination of excellent service, cleanliness, and an unbeatable location ensures that it remains a popular choice for families and tourists returning to the heart of Edinburgh.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 8456083456
- Website
- apexhotels.co.uk
- Check in
- 15:00 · out 11:00
Facilities
- 24 Hours
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Accessible
- Air Conditioning
- Baggage Storage
- Bar
- Bath Shower
- Bathrobes
- Blackout Curtains
- Bottled Water
- Clothes Rack
- Complimentary Instant Coffee
- Complimentary Tea
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Concierge
- Electric Kettle
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.4 against a median of 4.4 across the 93 venues we hold for Edinburgh, where the most-reviewed is Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh.
Booking
Still deciding?
- What amenities and features do the rooms at Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel offer for guest comfort?
- How close is Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel to major Edinburgh attractions and points of interest?
- What are the dining options available within Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel and are there any recommended dishes?
- Does Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel provide parking or easy access to public transportation in Edinburgh?
- What do past guests say about their experience at Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel and how is its overall reputation?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.