Apex Waterloo Place
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Hotel Details
Location
Edinburgh
United Kingdom, Europe
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Key Highlights
- ✓Guests particularly love the hotel's central location, its modern yet elegant design, the array of amenities, and the outstanding service.
- ✓Service:** The staff are consistently described as "exceptional," "very friendly," "professional," and "helpful," often going "above and beyond" for guests, even for special occasions.
- ✓Gym Size:** The on-site gym is described as "fairly small" by some, though generally considered "perfectly adequate" for a hotel gym.
- ✓Overall, the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel offers a highly positive and luxurious experience in the heart of Edinburgh, consistently delivering on its promise of quality and exceptional service.
Expert Review: Apex Waterloo Place
Apex Waterloo Place, Edinburgh: A Comprehensive Hotel Review
The Apex Waterloo Place in Edinburgh stands out as a "Michelin Key Selected property," offering a blend of historic Georgian elegance and contemporary design in a prime city-center location. This 4-star hotel consistently receives high praise for its exceptional service, comfortable rooms, and excellent facilities, making it a highly recommended choice for leisure and business travelers alike.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general consensus for Apex Waterloo Place is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently rating it as "Excellent" or "Very Good." Reviewers consistently highlight the hotel's cleanliness, the friendliness and professionalism of its staff, and its superb central location as key factors contributing to a memorable stay. On booking platforms, the hotel scores highly across categories such as location (9.7), staff (9.3), cleanliness (9.2), and comfort (9.2).
2. Key Highlights
Guests particularly love the hotel's central location, its modern yet elegant design, the array of amenities, and the outstanding service.
- Service: The staff are consistently described as "exceptional," "very friendly," "professional," and "helpful," often going "above and beyond" for guests, even for special occasions.
- Location: Situated right in Edinburgh's city center, the hotel is praised for its convenience, being just a 5-minute walk from Waverley train station and within easy walking distance of major attractions like Princes Street, Calton Hill, the Royal Mile, and Edinburgh Castle.
- Design: The hotel, originally built in 1819, maintains its historic Georgian façade while boasting a vibrant, bright, and clean-lined contemporary interior, thanks to a 2009 renovation.
- Amenities: A significant draw is the indulgent Yu Spa, which includes a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and a well-equipped gym. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
3. Room Quality
Rooms at Apex Waterloo Place are consistently noted for being "very clean and spacious." They are functionally up-to-date, featuring 42-inch flat-screen TVs, ample workspace, and comfortable beds and pillows. Bathrooms are described as "spacious, beautiful, clean, and well up-to-date," with modern fixtures, large walk-in showers (and sometimes separate baths), and premium Elemis or Antipodes organic toiletries. A quirky, much-appreciated touch is the trademark Apex rubber duck provided in bathrooms. Standard amenities include air conditioning, mini-fridges with complimentary still and sparkling water, tea and coffee making facilities, a hairdryer, iron, and ironing board. Suites offer additional luxuries such as Nespresso coffee machines and free snacks. Some rooms also offer pleasant garden views.
4. Dining Experience
The dining experience at Apex Waterloo Place is highly regarded. Guests frequently praise the "5-star breakfast," which offers a wide array of options, including fresh orange juice, French toast, and waffles. Elliot's Bar and Restaurant serves traditional Scottish cuisine made with outstanding local ingredients, presented with care and in good portion sizes. The restaurant offers both à la carte and fixed-price menus for lunch and dinner, alongside a dedicated kids' menu. The bar features an extensive selection of wines, cocktails, and a notable collection of Scottish whiskies, providing a fine place to relax. For convenience, 24-hour room service is also available.
5. Service & Staff
The hotel's service and staff are consistently highlighted as a major strength. Reviews often use terms like "exceptional," "very friendly," and "professional" to describe the team. Guests appreciate the staff's helpfulness and willingness to go "above and beyond," even providing special touches for occasions like birthdays. The presence of "an abundance of staff" ensures minimal waiting times for services like breakfast or drinks at the bar.
6. Location & Accessibility
Apex Waterloo Place boasts an "excellent" and "central" location in Edinburgh's New Town, making it ideal for exploring the city. It is exceptionally convenient for transport, being only a 5-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley train station and close to tram stops. Major attractions such as Princes Street, Calton Hill, the Royal Mile (550 yards away), and Edinburgh Castle (a 15-minute walk) are all within easy reach. The hotel is also committed to accessibility, offering wheelchair access to common areas and dedicated disabled access rooms. While there is no on-site parking, the hotel can advise guests on nearby car parks.
7. Value & Pricing
The Apex Waterloo Place is frequently regarded as offering "exceptional value for money" and "affordable luxury" in Edinburgh. The average price per room is around $309, though prices can fluctuate significantly. Guests looking for the best deals might find lower rates, with prices sometimes starting from $101 or £75. Staying on a Sunday or Monday is often recommended for more economical pricing, while August tends to be the most expensive month.
8. Common Complaints
While generally highly rated, some minor criticisms and recurring issues have been noted by guests:
- Noise: Due to its central location, some guests have reported noise from nearby nightlife, particularly on weekends, which can extend late into the evening.
- Room Amenities: A minor point mentioned by one guest was the absence of a power socket on one side of the bed in their room.
- Gym Size: The on-site gym is described as "fairly small" by some, though generally considered "perfectly adequate" for a hotel gym.
- Breakfast Inclusion: Breakfast is not always included in the standard room rates.
- Accessibility Issue (Minor): One reviewer noted a minor inconvenience with a door on the ground floor leading to the train station, but without a corresponding entry point back into the hotel.
Overall, the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel offers a highly positive and luxurious experience in the heart of Edinburgh, consistently delivering on its promise of quality and exceptional service.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •While generally highly rated, some minor criticisms and recurring issues have been noted by guests:
- •Accessibility Issue (Minor):** One reviewer noted a minor inconvenience with a door on the ground floor leading to the train station, but without a corresponding entry point back into the hotel.
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