Apex Grassmarket Hotel

My wife and I stayed for one night B&B. Room upgraded to one overlooking Edinburgh Castle. Pool was a nice temperature for swimming and the Sauna was very good. Both the bar and dining room staff were very attentive.

Fantastic location, lovely room (#2009), great front-desk staff, especially Alasdair, who goes out of his way to ensure guests are comfortable and have everything they need. As a solo female traveler, I felt completely safe. Room was large with two queen beds, table and chairs, and a stunning view of Edinburgh Castle. The restaurant breakfast is amazing, even if you elect not to order from the menu, the buffet offers Greek yogurt, six kinds of cereal, grilled toast, granola, fruit, cheese and a self-serve coffee station with every type imaginable. The only quibbles I had (which I didn't mention to staff because why be "that guest"): no microwave, the bathroom had no plug for blow dryer, and there was not a single drawer in the room. Three narrow closets, but no drawers. Also, if you need ice, call the front desk as there are no ice machines. The bed and pillows are incredibly comfortable, and the in-house bar is sophisticated and welcoming. You are literally across the street from restaurants, shops, entertainment, coffee houses, and historic sites. I can't imagine a better place to stay in Edinburgh!

I would thoroughly recommend this FANTASTIC hotel, with its central location overlooked by Edinburgh Castle, its comfort and style in keeping with eclectic Edinburgh, and with staff who are friendly, competent and go out of their way to accommodate you. Having been to the city many times previously, I visited with an English friend (& colleague) and her two Australia relatives. The minute we arrived at the hotel, it was calming, tastefully decorated throughout and vibrant- busy with Friday night visitors from all over the globe. It sits directly on Grassmarket Square, opposite a selection of pubs and may other eateries. You can see the castle looming overhead, beautifully lit up at night. It is literally a 2-minute walk from the beautiful and colourful West Bow/ Victoria Street, full of shops, restaurants, nightclubs and ‘Auld Reekie’ history, leading up to the Royal Mile. The opposite way takes you along King’s Stables Road, and through St Cuthbert’s Kirkyard to the top end of Princes Street and a mile of shopping 😊 Ideal for being a central point by which to explore, shop, treat yourself, meet friends, eat or take one of the many excursions offered in, and around, the city of Edinburgh. We waited a short while at reception, as the man was dealing with a problem, when we noticed a lady bustling past with a heavy tray of dishes (presumably clearing the bar area), on her return she immediately jumped on reception to help out, checking us in with quiet efficiency. She was friendly and helpful, and we did not realise at the time was a manager, Judita, who welcomed us and set the standard of attentive diligence followed by the rest of her staff throughout our trip. We were greeted with stylish décor in a lovely comfortable room, beautifully cleaned and fresh (again superb staff behind the scenes), with 2 Queen-sized beds and the cute Apex Hotel duck (collectable) sitting waiting on the bed: we had Floyd. Then, we visited the bar to meet up with everyone and have our complimentary glass of much-needed Prosecco. Cheekily, I went to reception to inquire if it was possible to get a duck each, as there were four of us, and the fabulously friendly, happy Alistair obliged. He came across that it was no trouble, to enjoy our stay and how pleased he was that we were staying at the hotel and could he do anything further for us. All very refreshing that each and every member of the team advocated how much they enjoyed their roles and were happy in this hotel. As we had already planned to go out for our evening meal, although we did read the extensive options offered at the hotel beforehand and agreed we could eat here on another occasion, we walked across the cobbles to the many choices of pub. It was a fabulous night, but following a loooong journey up, we cut the evening short and went to the hotel bar for a nightcap- or 2, or 3, or 4, only getting to bed after 2am and blaming the friendly bar staff: who were both chatty and funny. We ALL agreed we had the best night’s sleep ever, apart from Rita’s snoring (but she’d warned me, and I’d brought earplugs!! 😊 ), in a comfy, snuggly bed, with a very quiet room. Sadly, all too soon it was time to check-out for the next part of our adventure and onward journey. The hotel has been ideal, for SO many reasons- its central location, free parking at the back of the hotel, having such tasteful decor, competitively priced, excellent customer service, great choice of menu, outstanding bar service and selection, reception staff’s attentiveness, efficiency and positive attitudes, attention to detail, trying to make your stay the best they could. Then, there was the lovely manager, Judita, answering my email promptly to pass on my compliments to her staff and introducing herself as the “exceptional blond lady in glasses, who despite being so busy at the bar, came to help get us get checked in, as we were waiting”. I cannot recommend Grassmarket Apex Hotel enough and will DEFINITELY be booking to stay again, on our next trip to Edinburgh. Hope to see you soon guys- MASSIVE thank you, outstanding 7* service!! 😊

Apex Grassmarket is located in the very heart of Edinburgh old town, a walking distance from Edinburgh Castle, the West Bow Street and the Vennel Viewpoint. We had a spacious room, very good beds, nice bathroom, complimentary tea and instant coffee. The buffet breakfast was excellent, as was the dinner, and the beautiful restaurant view to old buildings at Grassmarket Square. The staff was very friendly.

Such a nice hotel, our stay from start to finish was so nice. All of the staff were so friendly. Room was very clean. I loved the water carafe in the room that you could fill up in the hallway water taps, such a great idea! I would definitely stay again!

Lovely spacious room and a fabulous location for our BFF catch-up. Alastair was especially helpful with his knowledgeable recommendations, 🍸 and the ducks were the icing on the cake!! All of the staff we encountered were incredibly friendly. We would definitely recommend it and will be back!

The Apex Grassmarket Hotel turned out to be. A great choice for my stay in Edinburgh. Located in a nice area, viewing the castle and at an easily walkable distance from all the important places in the old town, it offers a comfortable, clean as well as pleasantly decorated space to relax after a long day of exploration. The hotel staff was always obliging, making sure I was receiving the best possible experience and also the amenities were ample and varied. Lastly, the fact that, on top of everything, I got a free upgrade to a family room with a view of the castle made my stay an exceptional experience, and I'm truly grateful!

We visited the city for our 10 year anniversary and chose this hotel due to it's location being right near Edinburgh Castle. I mentioned the anniversary at the time of booking which was noted and upon arrival we were greeted in the room with a swan love heart display made with towels, and a card wishing us Happy Anniversary. A very nice touch which was greatly appreciated. Room was cosy, very comfy bed and bathroom and shower facilities all great. Due to our experience, coupled with the location on Grassmarket Square right near the Castle, would definitely book again on our next visit to the city, and recommend to anyone!!

Hotel was great location with a lot of nice surrounding bars and restaurants. Room had all the amenities and a comfy bed. Nice to have a carafe in the room that can be filled with drinking water as well as the usual tea and coffee. Staff were lovely and helpful.

I would highly recommend this hotel, great hotel, great location. Room was nice and tidy and bed perfectly made. I'll definitely use this hotel again. Breakfast selection could've been a better but no real complaints. Thanks to the receptionist who helped with my bags.