If you’ve ever stood in the middle of Edinburgh’s Grassmarket, you know the vibe. It’s loud. It’s historic. It smells faintly of hops from the nearby pubs and old stone. Right there, tucked under the massive shadow of Edinburgh Castle, sits the Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel Edinburgh United Kingdom. It’s an interesting spot. Honestly, it’s one of those hotels that people book because of the location, but they end up liking it for the weirdly specific "big window" energy it has going on.
Edinburgh is a city of hills. Your calves will burn. You will get rained on. But staying at the Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel basically puts you at the ground floor of the Old Town's chaotic, beautiful heart.
The Grassmarket Reality Check
Most people think staying in the Old Town means staying on the Royal Mile. That’s a mistake. The Royal Mile is a tourist conveyor belt. The Grassmarket, where this Apex property lives, feels more like the "real" historical Edinburgh. It was once a place for public executions and cattle markets—dark, I know—but now it’s the primary hub for independent bars and those strangely specific vintage shops.
The Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel Edinburgh United Kingdom isn't a drafty, ancient building. It’s modern. That is a massive plus when you realize that "historic charm" in Edinburgh often translates to "no elevator and a shower that fluctuates between ice and lava." Here, you get actual climate control. You get a lift. You get a rubber duck.
Yes, the duck. Apex Hotels are famous for the signature rubber ducks they leave in the rooms. It’s a bit of a gimmick, sure, but after walking ten miles up and down the Vennel, seeing a small plastic duck in a kilt is weirdly comforting.
What the Rooms are Actually Like
Let’s talk about the view. If you book a "Castle View" room, you aren't getting a metaphorical view. You are getting a literal, "I can see the stone battlements of Edinburgh Castle while I’m eating my shortbread" view. It’s arguably one of the best perspectives of the fortress in the entire city because you’re looking up at it from the base of the volcanic rock.
The rooms themselves? They’re spacious. In a city where many hotel rooms are the size of a postage stamp, these feel like actual living spaces.
The design is contemporary. Think clean lines, dark wood, and pops of purple or grey. It doesn’t try to compete with the 14th-century architecture outside. It just provides a quiet, functional contrast. The beds are famously soft. Like, "I might miss my 9:00 AM walking tour" soft.
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The bathrooms are usually the highlight for people who hate cramped spaces. Most rooms feature walk-in showers and separate baths. Elemis toiletries are the standard here, which is a nice touch if you’ve forgotten your own shampoo at home.
Eating at the Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel Edinburgh United Kingdom
The hotel’s restaurant, Agua, is... fine.
I’m being honest here. It’s a solid hotel bistro. The breakfast buffet is great—full Scottish breakfast with black pudding (try it before you judge it) and haggis. But the real reason to stay here isn't to eat every meal inside the hotel. It's the fact that you can walk out the front door and be at Mary’s Milk Bar in three minutes.
Mary’s Milk Bar is legendary. There is almost always a queue. Get the salted caramel or whatever weird seasonal flavor they’ve dreamt up. Then walk back to the hotel, sit in the lobby, and watch the tourists struggle with their maps.
The Logistics of the Old Town
If you’re driving, God bless you. Edinburgh’s Old Town was designed for carts and horses, not SUVs. The Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel Edinburgh United Kingdom does have some parking, but it’s limited and you have to pay for it. Most people are better off taking the tram from the airport to Princes Street and then catching a quick cab or brave the walk.
Speaking of walking, the hotel is a stone’s throw from:
- The Vennel (The best spot for a photo of the Castle)
- Victoria Street (The inspiration for Diagon Alley)
- Greyfriars Kirkyard (Where the "Harry Potter" names came from and the loyal dog Bobby is buried)
- The National Museum of Scotland (Which is free and has a rooftop terrace you shouldn't miss)
The staff at this Apex property are local. They know the shortcuts. They know which pubs are tourist traps and which ones actually serve a decent pint of 80/-. If you want to find a spot that doesn't have a piper playing "Scotland the Brave" on repeat right outside the window, ask the concierge.
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Why People Choose This Specific Apex
There are actually three Apex hotels in Edinburgh. There’s the Apex Grassmarket (literally next door), the Apex Waterloo Place (near Calton Hill), and this one, the Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel.
Why choose "City" over "Grassmarket"?
Usually, it comes down to the vibe. The City property feels a bit more intimate. It’s slightly more tucked away even though they share the same square. It’s often the choice for business travelers who need reliable Wi-Fi and a desk that isn't a repurposed dressing table, but it’s just as popular for couples who want that specific Castle view without paying the astronomical prices of the luxury hotels on Princes Street.
The Noise Factor
You’re in the Grassmarket. It’s a nightlife district. On a Saturday night, you will hear people. You’ll hear the muffled bass of a pub or the celebratory shouts of a stag party. The hotel has double glazing, and it does a pretty spectacular job of keeping the noise out, but if you are a light sleeper, ask for a room on a higher floor or one that faces away from the main square.
That said, the energy of the location is why you stay here. You’re in the middle of it. You’re part of the city’s pulse.
Surprising Details Most People Miss
The hotel sits on land that has been occupied for centuries. While the building is modern, the ground beneath it is steeped in history. During the construction of various buildings in this area, archaeological finds have been common. You aren't just staying in a hotel; you're staying on a site that has seen the transition of Scotland from a medieval kingdom to a modern tech hub.
Also, the "Big Sleep" concept. Apex focuses heavily on the quality of sleep. They have a pillow menu. Most people ignore pillow menus, but you shouldn't. If you want a firm pillow because your neck is killing you from looking up at the Scott Monument, ask for it. It makes a difference.
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Nuance and Limitations
Is it perfect? No.
If you want a historic, "Outlander" style experience with stone walls and ghosts, this isn't it. It’s a modern hotel. Some might find the corridors a bit corporate. The gym is small—functional, but small. If you're a fitness fanatic, you might find it lacking, but then again, walking up the Royal Mile is more cardio than most people can handle anyway.
Also, the price fluctuates wildly. During the Fringe Festival in August, prices skyrocket. That’s true for all of Edinburgh, but the Grassmarket is the epicenter of the Fringe. If you’re coming in August, book a year in advance. Seriously.
Practical Insights for Your Stay
When you check into the Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel Edinburgh United Kingdom, don't just drop your bags and head to the Royal Mile.
First, walk out the door and turn left. Go up the steps of the Vennel. It’s the most iconic view of the Castle and it’s right there.
Second, check the events at the Grassmarket Center across the way. They often have local markets or community events that are much more authentic than the tartan-and-shortbread shops on the main drag.
Third, use the "Apex Assistant" app if you need extra towels or a late check-out. It actually works, and you don't have to talk to anyone if you’re still feeling antisocial before your first coffee.
Finally, keep the duck. It’s yours. It’s a weird little souvenir of a city that is equally weird and wonderful.
Actionable Steps for Your Edinburgh Trip
- Check the Festival Dates: If your trip overlaps with the Edinburgh International Festival or the Fringe, expect crowds and higher rates. If you want peace, visit in October or March.
- Request a High Floor: To maximize your chances of a quiet night and a better Castle view, always put in a request for a room on the 4th floor or above.
- Pack for Four Seasons: Edinburgh weather is a mood. It can be sunny at 10:00 AM and hailing by 10:15 AM. Layers are your best friend.
- Join the Rewards Program: Apex has a loyalty program called "Apex Alliance." Even if you only stay once, you often get a discount or late check-out just for signing up.
- Walk the Back Alleys: Don't just stick to the main roads. The "closes" (narrow alleys) off the Grassmarket and Royal Mile are where the real history is hidden. Look for Lady Stair’s Close near the Writers' Museum.
- Book Directly: While third-party sites are easy, booking directly through the Apex website often includes breakfast deals or flexible cancellation policies that Expedia doesn't offer.
Staying at the Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel Edinburgh United Kingdom puts you in the driver’s seat of your Scottish adventure. You’re close enough to the action to feel it, but in a room modern enough to escape it when you’ve had your fill of bagpipes and cobblestones.