Apex Waterloo Place Hotel is a luxurious accommodation option located in the heart of Edinburgh. Set in a beautifully restored Victorian building, the hotel combines contemporary design with historic charm. Guests can enjoy comfortable rooms equipped with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. The hotel features a stylish restaurant and bar, as well as a fitness center for guests looking to stay active. Its prime location allows easy access to major attractions including Calton Hill and Princes Street, making it ideal for both leisure and business travelers.
What each source says
- Tripadvisor 4.5 6,588
- Priceline 4.4 3,124
- Google 4.4 1,934
- Expedia 4.6 1,589
- Michelin 4.6 11
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
- Excellent Central Location Located just minutes from Waverley Station, this hotel offers unparalleled convenience for exploring both the Old and New Towns. Major attractions, shopping, and tour bus departures are right on your doorstep.
- Exceptional Customer Service Guests consistently praise the hotel's warm and professional staff. Team members are frequently noted for being accommodating, eager to assist with special requests, and making guests feel genuinely welcomed and valued.
- High-Quality Breakfast The breakfast service is highly regarded, offering a good selection of both buffet items and cooked-to-order dishes. Many diners find the food delicious and a great way to start the day.
- Relaxing Spa Facilities The on-site leisure facilities, including a swimming pool, sauna, and steam room, provide a perfect retreat for guests to unwind after a long day of sightseeing in the city.
- Spacious and Clean Rooms Many guests highlight the well-appointed rooms, featuring comfortable beds and spacious layouts. The cleanliness and modern bathroom designs are frequently cited as stand-out features that enhance the overall stay.
Criticised
- Confusing Room Access The hotel's layout can be difficult to navigate, with several guests mentioning that reaching their rooms required climbing stairs or maneuvering through confusing corridors, which is particularly challenging with heavy luggage.
- Frequent Elevator Issues Multiple guests report persistent problems with the elevators, including extended maintenance periods. This frequently leads to long waiting times or the inconvenience of having to use the stairs.
- Inconsistent Room Quality Some guests have noted maintenance issues such as mould in bathroom grouting, peeling paint, or stained carpets. These details detract from the upscale, luxury experience expected at this price point.
- Potential for Street Noise While many rooms are quiet, some guests staying on lower levels or facing busy streets report significant noise disturbances, particularly early in the morning, which can affect sleep quality.
- Premium Pricing Concerns Several reviewers feel that for the price paid, some aspects of the hotel—such as minor maintenance flaws or basic room amenities—do not fully align with a luxury, four-star experience.
The longer read
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel is widely celebrated for its exceptional location, making it a premier choice for travelers looking to explore Edinburgh. Situated just steps from Waverley Train Station, it offers a discreet 'level zero' access that makes commuting with luggage seamless. Guests frequently highlight that the hotel is within easy walking distance of the Royal Mile, the St James Quarter shopping center, and Calton Hill. Its position opposite the primary city tour bus stops further simplifies sightseeing, offering a convenient base for both the Old and New Towns. While the location is inherently busy, most guests report that the rooms remain peaceful and quiet.
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for being professional, warm, and exceptionally helpful. Many reviewers note that the team often goes above and beyond, providing thoughtful gestures like room upgrades for special occasions, secure luggage storage, and proactive assistance with travel disruptions. While a few guests reported instances of unhelpful service during particularly busy periods or confusing construction phases, the overwhelming consensus is that the staff members are the hotel's strongest asset, frequently described as kind, enthusiastic, and ready to assist with local recommendations or specific needs.
Accommodation quality is generally strong, with guests appreciating the spacious rooms, high ceilings, and comfortable, high-quality beds. The large bathrooms, featuring deep soaking tubs and quality toiletries, are a standout highlight for many. However, some reviewers pointed out that certain rooms are beginning to show their age, with mentions of worn carpets, scuffed paint, and minor maintenance issues like slow-draining showers or mold in the grout. Guests booking lower-level or alley-facing rooms should be aware that these can sometimes be dark or experience noise from early-morning trash collection.
Regarding facilities, the onsite pool, sauna, and steam room are frequently cited as a relaxing bonus after a day of sightseeing, though these areas can get crowded due to their size. A recurring theme in recent feedback concerns ongoing renovations, which have occasionally disrupted lobby access and created confusing detours through the dining area. Additionally, guests have noted that when elevators are out of service for maintenance, wait times can become frustrating, particularly for those on higher floors. While the breakfast is generally regarded as high quality, opinions on its value vary, and some guests recommend exploring the numerous cafes located on the same block. Overall, the hotel offers a reliable, well-situated experience that effectively combines traditional service with modern convenience.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- 08453650000
- Website
- apexhotels.co.uk/hotels/edinburgh-waterloo-place
- Check in
- 15:00 · out 11:00
| Mon | 24 Hours |
|---|---|
| Tue | 24 Hours |
| Wed | 24 Hours |
| Thu | 24 Hours |
| Fri | 24 Hours |
| Sat | 24 Hours |
| Sun | 24 Hours |
Facilities
- 24 Hours
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Accessible
- Air Conditioning
- Baggage Storage
- Banquet Room
- Bar
- Bath Shower
- Blackout Curtains
- Bottled Water
- Clothes Rack
- Complimentary Instant Coffee
- Complimentary Tea
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Concierge
- Conference Room
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.5 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 rooms at Apex Waterloo Place Hotel offer to ensure a comfortable stay?
- What are the on-site dining options at Apex Waterloo Place Hotel and are there nearby recommended restaurants?
- How is the hotel's location in Edinburgh and what major attractions are nearby?
- Is Apex Waterloo Place Hotel easily accessible by public transport and does it offer parking for guests?
- What unique experiences or services does Apex Waterloo Place Hotel provide that set it apart from other hotels in Edinburgh?
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.