Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel

The hotel's prime location in the vibrant Grassmarket area, offering stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, is a consistent highlight for guests. This central setting makes it an excellent choice for sightseers and couples looking to explore the city on foot, with many attractions just a short walk away. Families also find the spacious rooms and convenient access to amenities appealing. Guests frequently commend the hotel's overall cleanliness, the comfort of its accommodations, and the generally attentive service from the staff. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room on a higher floor for potentially better views, and be mindful that rooms facing the lively Grassmarket area might experience some street noise, especially on weekends.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests appreciate the convenience of free Wi-Fi throughout the property, ensuring they remain connected. A notable feature is the presence of water filling stations on each floor, allowing guests to easily refill the decanters provided in their rooms, promoting sustainability. Each room is well-equipped with an espresso machine, a fridge, and a safe, adding to guest comfort and convenience. While the hotel itself does not have a swimming pool or a dedicated gym, guests have access to these facilities, including a sauna and steam room, at a sister hotel located just a short walk away. Some guests noted the hotel's own bar and restaurant were often closed, directing them to the sister property for dining and drinks.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives high praise for its cleanliness, with many guests describing rooms as spotless and well-maintained daily. Rooms are generally found to be spacious, providing ample comfort for guests. Feedback on beds is mixed; while many guests report them as very comfortable and conducive to a good night's sleep, some found them to be quite firm. The bathrooms are frequently highlighted as modern and stylish, often featuring both a shower and a separate bathtub. Some guests experienced issues with room temperature, noting a lack of effective air conditioning in certain rooms, necessitating the use of provided fans. Noise can be a factor, with mentions of street noise from the Grassmarket area and occasional door slamming from the corridor.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast at the hotel is widely praised, described as superb, delicious, and offering a great variety. Guests appreciate the extensive options, which include a comprehensive buffet selection alongside cooked-to-order items such as scrambled eggs, waffles, and eggs Benedict. The fresh fruit selection and the varied coffee options also receive positive mentions. While the hotel's main restaurant is primarily open for breakfast, guests are often directed to a nearby sister hotel for dinner and bar services. Overall, the quality and selection of the breakfast are considered excellent value, contributing significantly to a positive start to the day for many visitors.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location in the vibrant Grassmarket area, making it incredibly convenient for exploring Edinburgh. Guests can easily walk to major attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Victoria Street. The surrounding area is bustling with a plethora of pubs, restaurants, and shops, providing abundant dining and entertainment options right on the doorstep. Public transport is readily accessible, with bus stops conveniently located nearby. While the hotel offers on-site parking, guests should be aware that it comes at an additional cost and availability can sometimes lead to being directed to a nearby sister hotel's parking facilities.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high commendation for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight the quick check-in process and the staff's willingness to accommodate requests, such as room changes, upgrades, or providing extra amenities like milk for in-room coffee. The housekeeping team is noted for their daily refresh of rooms and thoughtful touches, like arranging towels into animal shapes. Instances of exceptional customer service include staff going above and beyond to resolve booking errors and acknowledging special occasions, contributing to a very positive and welcoming atmosphere throughout guests' stays.

Additional Information
Guests often appreciate the unique complimentary rubber duck left in rooms, a charming and memorable souvenir. The hotel also provides convenient water filling stations on each floor, encouraging guests to refill their decanters and stay hydrated sustainably. Some guests noted the absence of USB charging sockets in rooms, which can be an inconvenience for multiple devices. An unusual incident involving a fire alarm caused some confusion, with one guest reporting a dismissive initial response from staff, though the situation was quickly resolved, highlighting a need for clearer communication during such events.