Name: Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
Address: 23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom, Edinburgh, Scotland, GB
Price range: US$243–US$996 per night
Rating: 8.8

What guests think

Reviews of Apex Waterloo Place Hotel consistently praise its central, walkable location near Waverley Station and the Royal Mile, along with friendly, accommodating staff and generally comfortable, spacious rooms with useful extras like air conditioning, large bathtubs, and in‑room fridges.

Facilities such as the pool, sauna and steam room, spa, bar and restaurant are popular, though several guests found the pool cold and recent renovations occasionally disrupted common areas. Cleanliness is usually strong, but recurring remarks cite mildew in showers, stained items or tired fittings, and a few rooms face bins or internal stairs that affect views, noise, or ease of access. Breakfast and dining are often enjoyed, yet some reviews call them overpriced or inconsistent, and Wi‑Fi reliability varies. Overall, expect a convenient city base with warm service and solid comforts.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Pool, sauna/steam and spa are well liked, and many enjoy the bar and restaurant; gym is available. Some note the pool can be cold, renovations have disrupted spaces, spa lockers/robes involve fees, and parking is off‑site.

Related guest reviews

10

Karen

30 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Good location - nice bar and good amenities. We didn’t use them but we looked at the pool and gym - both were great. Nice Bar and excellent breakfast. Kind of pricey for breakfast but worth it if you like to start the day with a meal.

10

Val

23 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Had a very comfortable stay . The room was spacious . We loved the cocktail bar and restaurant. The spa facilities were great. My only issue was that the pool was freezing. Over-all, a l9vely trip!

10

T

8 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We booked the deluxe suite for two nights for our ten year wedding anniversary. We could not have been more happy with the room, and the hotel in general. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. The gym and pool facilities were superb. I got the checkout time wrong and the lovely receptionist was so accommodating in allowing us a little extra time to vacate our room. Will definitely be coming back. Thank you!

10

Danielle

20 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Amazing customer service. Faye greeted me at the front desk and checked me in early, walked me to my room and helped carry my bags. I felt spoiled in the best way. I had expiation service from all staff. The pool and spa were amazing. I can’t express enough how great this place is! 12/10!

10

Bruce

6 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Staff was amazing, so kind and helpful. Hotel was great, especially the pool, sauna and restaurant. Would definitely come back!

8

Sanjeev

16 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Close to train station and short walk to old city. Friendly service, good bar but pool smaller than pictures suggest. Would go back.

10

Mary M

14 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Apex Waterloo Hotel in Edinburgh was newly updated and renovated with onsite dining, bar, indoor pool, gym, sauna and spa. The rooms are comfortable with attractive bedding and bathroom amenities. Dining is very reasonable and the onsite bar is great. Breakfast for a reasonable fee is complete with custom cooked Scottish entrees as well as a buffet bar with fruit, pastries, coffees, and fruit juices. The hotel is in close walking distance to Old Town and New Town including a number of museums, and city parks. If you arrive at EDI airport you can purchase a multi day tram pass that allows cross town trips as well as returning to the airport. The hotel is a short walk to Waverley Train station. Nearby are day trip tours as well as car rental.

10

Rebecca

22 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Excellent location to explore the city from. Less than a five minute walk from Waverley station and walking distance to lots of the tourist attractions. The staff were really friendly and helpful. We stayed in a suite which was fantastic. The king size bed was really comfortable. Lovely free standing bath and huge shower in the bathroom. Great high quality toiletries too and the bathrobes and slippers were a lovely touch. Great room to unwind in after a day exploring the city. We didn’t use the gym as it looked small. Mainly cardio machines with a few free weights and no benches. But the pool was lovely and warm and the sauna and steam rooms were great to use after a swim.

10

David

12 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Location is spot on. Hotel excellent in all areas. Reception 100% staff great. Warm and friendly atmosphere. Food and drink great. Best of all the free use of pool _ sauna _ steam room and jaccuzzi within the pool. Will deffinatly be back here as we come to Edinburgh 4 times a year.

6

Craig

13 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Quite a tired looking hotel. Greeted several times with dirty crockery in hallways. Food was nice at breakfast and a la carte menu. Australian guy and girl were very efficient. Restaurant was cold - people sat in jackets. The main thing that was dissapointing was the pool was freezing. No one was getting in.

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Cleanliness

Generally clean throughout, with many spotless rooms. However, multiple reviews mention mildew in showers, stained or tired items, and occasional housekeeping lapses.

Related guest reviews

2

Cayetana

27 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

We were given a room that appeared to have been converted from part of the hotel’s maintenance area. Access was only possible via undecorated stairwells and back corridors, with no elevator To our dismay, the bathroom had clearly not been cleaned. The toilet bowl was visibly stained with dried urine, which was both unhygienic and unacceptable.

4

Andrew

14 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Room overlooked dozens of garbage bins (picked up very early in the morning). This area doubled as the smoking and chatting area for restaurant staff late at night. Mattress was clearly old and lumpy. Throw blanket was stained. Spa was fine but no hot tub/Jacuzzi and robes had to be rented for a fee. You even need a pound coin to use the spa lockers. Overall more like a 2 star hotel and nowhere near worth the price. Location was at least good.

10

jane

5 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Another excellent stay- hotel is friendly, very convenient for station, shops, walking around the city. Rooms spacious, spotlessly clean, and quiet even with heavy traffic around - the double glazing really works. Breakfast good.

10

James

21 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Facilities were perfect. Staff very friendly and happy to help with any issues. Location is perfect for seeing sites. Hotel was very clean

6

yan

11 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Convenience location and clean.

10

Shanna

2 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Really enjoyed the location. Close to everything. Clean and inviting hotel. Breakfast was okay. Not sure worth 20 pounds with so many other options nearby but very convenient. Mold in the shower/grout only complaint. Otherwise enjoyed our stay

10

Richard

31 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Lovely hotel. Excellent staff, used the bar which was great. Rooms were clean and tidy. Location excellent too. Can’t fault

8

Vincenza

28 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 6 nights

Cleaning staff wan not great. Washroom was not cleaned well daily.

6

Craig

13 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Quite a tired looking hotel. Greeted several times with dirty crockery in hallways. Food was nice at breakfast and a la carte menu. Australian guy and girl were very efficient. Restaurant was cold - people sat in jackets. The main thing that was dissapointing was the pool was freezing. No one was getting in.

10

Liam Christopher-Robert

29 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great stay in a great location, the hotel is very clean with very friendly staff. Would definitely recommend.

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Rooms

Rooms are often spacious, comfortable and quiet, with large bathrooms; many note useful A/C and fridges. Downsides include occasional poor views or noise from service areas, dated or worn fittings, maintenance quirks, internal stairs to access, and patchy Wi‑Fi.

Related guest reviews

6

Louis

17 May 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

I was expecting nicer furnishings from a 4-star hotel. Beds were small. Drapes were shabby. could hear noise from hall.

10

SAMANTHA

25 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very comfortable room. Loved having A/C and a refrigerator, something we didn't find any many other of our hotels throughout our stay in Scotland.

8

Jia

11 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Overall very pleasant to stay there. The pros: one of the best location, near shopping mall, also plus they provide discount to park in the Q park if you pre-booking the parking. Please make sure you book online the parking before you head to q park. The room is very clean and the bed is very comfortable. We stayed in the level 3, the room facility is bit run down and I think it needed to morderlise it, especially the toilet and also the TV. I would say its excellent place for city visit to explore around.

4

Andrew

14 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Room overlooked dozens of garbage bins (picked up very early in the morning). This area doubled as the smoking and chatting area for restaurant staff late at night. Mattress was clearly old and lumpy. Throw blanket was stained. Spa was fine but no hot tub/Jacuzzi and robes had to be rented for a fee. You even need a pound coin to use the spa lockers. Overall more like a 2 star hotel and nowhere near worth the price. Location was at least good.

8

Marilyn

21 May 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

I liked my room, the hotel and the staff. I did not like the soft mattress and the drainage in the shower and sink was slow.

10

Tomoko

28 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Room was spacious and clean, and staff was helpful and friendly. Cold tap handle was broken and needed extra care to stop water. Also bath tab drain was stacked and we needed to call front to help to drain the bath at the midnight.

8

Iain

4 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Very clean hotel in a great location right on Princess street with tons of dining options and walkable to old town, the royal mile, grass market and the castle. The free WiFi was terrible and would not even load a basic webpage.

10

Andrew

3 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Comfortable spacious room, friendly staff

10

Lesley

20 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room was clean, modern and spacious. The staff were friendly and attentive. Would definitely stay again. The VIP benefit was not discussed when we checked in, I had to ask about it. There were no notes on the system. I was given this benefit but only because I was a previous customer who had stayed at Aoex hotels on numerous occasions.

10

Louise

21 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very clean, comfortable and great staff. Also great location. Only area for improvement in my opinion relates to entertainment, the tv wasnt smart, didnt have a working menu or accessible screensharing

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Service

Service is widely described as friendly, helpful and accommodating, with early check‑ins, upgrades and swift problem solving. A minority report check‑in delays or overbooking, inconsistent VIP perks, missed wake‑up calls, or indifferent bar service.

Related guest reviews

10

Madhavi

28 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Loved the hotel stay and service. Everyone was so nice and friendly! Special shout out to Irene for going out of her way to accommodate us (and sharing tips on raising teens ;))

10

Selim

2 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

Aside from forgetting my wakeup call everything was just great!

6

Susan

17 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The hotel was fine, good location, and we enjoyed the bar. However, check in was dreadful. We traveled from the Northwest US to Edinburgh, arrived at hotel approximately 12:00 noon, knowing we were early for check in but wanted to drop bags which they accommodated. They requested we come back at 2:00 which we did. Our room wasn’t ready, but wait ten minutes. After multiple “your room is almost ready” we finally received room keys about 3:30. I stood in the lobby and watched other guests arrive with bags and get their rooms which was frustrating. One desk clerk was friendly and sympathetic and other encounters with desk personnel were fine. We were two weary travelers (one with mild dementia) and are left with a negative experience at this hotel.

10

T

8 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We booked the deluxe suite for two nights for our ten year wedding anniversary. We could not have been more happy with the room, and the hotel in general. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. The gym and pool facilities were superb. I got the checkout time wrong and the lovely receptionist was so accommodating in allowing us a little extra time to vacate our room. Will definitely be coming back. Thank you!

10

Danielle

20 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Amazing customer service. Faye greeted me at the front desk and checked me in early, walked me to my room and helped carry my bags. I felt spoiled in the best way. I had expiation service from all staff. The pool and spa were amazing. I can’t express enough how great this place is! 12/10!

10

ATHINA

1 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

We loved this hotel. Biggest positive was Irene. As soon as we got there, she ensured we had a room ready straight away and checked in on us periodically to make sure that we were happy with our stay. She went above and beyond and was just amazing.

10

Jess

24 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

lovely hotels staff couldn't do enough for you

6

Su Yeone

2 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

When I checked in, an older staff member offered me an early check-in, which I appreciated. However, the room she assigned me was an accessible room with almost no view, very little natural light, and no shower curtain. It felt quite dark and uninviting. I asked to change rooms, and although she repeatedly told me the hotel was fully booked, she eventually offered a different room. This new room was noticeably bigger, cleaner, and had some sunlight—much better than the first one. Additionally, she never provided my Expedia VIP perks. It wasn’t until I re-checked in (to move to the new room) that a different concierge finally gave me a free drink coupon. I'm also unsure if all twin rooms are located below the check-in floor (which is on floor 5), but my room felt like it was beneath the hotel or at bridge level. It gave the impression of staying in a basement, which wasn’t enjoyable. Given these experiences, I’m uncertain if I would choose to stay at this hotel again.

10

Robert J

28 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The facility was top notch, but the staff was probably the finest we've experienced in all our travels! They were so friendly and helpful. Top of the list was David in reception. He's a wonderfully attentive and helpful staff member.

4

Donna

23 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I had booked two rooms. I checked in for both rooms early in the day but could only get keys to one room because the room was not ready. Later in the day when we went to pick up the keys they gave away the room & had to put us in another hotel which was not very nice.

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Location

Central and highly walkable near Waverley Station, the Royal Mile and bus/tram links; hop‑on hop‑off stops are outside. A few guests note steps and limited ramp access that can challenge luggage or mobility.

Related guest reviews

10

chad

31 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Large, comfortable room in a very convenient location (love the quick access to the railroad station via the basement).

10

Isabelle

6 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Perfect location! Right in from of the first stop of the hop&off bus and also close to the train station.

10

carla

27 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Easy walk from Waverly Station. Walkable to almost everywhere

10

Shauna

13 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

No ramp for stroller or wheelchair upon entry

10

Holly

16 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location and very clean! Close to Waverly station too. Very helpful and friendly front desk. We would definitely stay again.

10

Mary

4 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Wonderful central location. Near Royal Mile and train station.

10

Polly

8 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Extremely convenient location with a huge shopping mall St James Quarter nearby. Also not far from train station.

10

Megan

2 May 2025

·

Stayed 9 nights

The Apex is a perfect location for walking Edinburgh or taking public transportation. There is an exit down on the first floor that takes you right to a train station and a bus stop outside of the hotel. The staff was super friendly and there is a bar and restaurant in the lobby. We did not eat there as there are so many places for great food in Ediburgh but it looked nice. Our room was spacious( we had a king deluxe) and modern. I would highly recommend this hotel.

10

David

1 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Fabulous stay in this brilliant location. About 50 metres from one of the exits to Waverley Station to the rear entrance of the hotel. The front entrance is beside the city tour bus stops and Princes Street is about 100 metres away. We checked in on-line however as we arrived early we wanted to drop our bags while we went out to explore Edinburgh. Unfortunately we had to wait in a queue for about 10 minutes as there were a lot of people checking in.

10

Charles

10 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel is close to Waverley Station and the Edinburgh Tram stop on St. Andrew's Square and the Hop on Hop off bus starts just across the street. The staff were very friendly and helpful.

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Dining

Breakfast and on‑site dining receive frequent praise for quality and choice, and the bar is popular. Some guests find breakfast overpriced, report items running out or slow service, and a few disliked dinner value.

Related guest reviews

10

Lorie

15 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Loved this hotel! Wish we stayed longer than 2 nights. Great location close to lots of shopping and dining. The breakfast at the cafe downstairs was AMAZING! Irine at the front desk was super nice and accommodating. Loved that we were able to have our luggage held before and after our stay. We will return.

10

JAMES

9 May 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Apex is located close to the train station and most attractions are within an easy walking distance. The hotel offers a really nice relaxed bar area. The breakfast in the morning is well thought out as many options for all types of people.

10

Karen

17 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great hotel in central location. The food in the restaurant is excellent and the staff are very friendly and helpful.

10

Krzysztof

6 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Fabulous place to stay in Edinburgh! We stayed there for 2 nights and we both loved it! The hotel is only 5 minutes walk from the train station. It’s also extremely close to the shopping centre and Calton Hill. Food at the restaurant is delicious! Freshly prepared breakfast and great selection of pastries, fruit and cold meats & cheese. Dinner menu whilst not extensive is also top notch! We were dining there on both nights during our stay and we really enjoyed it! The bar has a great selection of cocktails and spirits. It also has a very relaxing atmosphere. Our room was large, clean and comfortable. Great powerful shower, massive bathtub and super cosy bed! The pool although small is a great add on facility. At last the biggest asset of the hotel was the staff! From the very first welcoming smile at reception and through the stay they were all extremely friendly, polite and welcoming. A special shout out for Mayada (I hope this is spelled correctly). A fabulous team member who is a real credit to the organisation. We will definitely return!

10

Craig

2 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Fantastic location, all staff that we dealt with were excellent. Friendly and efficient and could not have been any better to deal with. Breakfast was excellent with extensive choices to suit everyone. Definitely recommend and will use again. 5 stars all the way for me

10

Catherine

6 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Fantastic service and delicious breakfast.

8

Corey

4 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

This is a great hotel and was very convenient. Close to the train station and airport tram. Short distance from castle and right next to St James’s Quarter. Bar is good, breakfast was just ok, bit overpriced for the quality of the food.

10

Jeff

16 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

This is an ideal location when staying in Edinburgh with many amenities within an easy walk and several very good restaurants within a block or two. The hotel restaurant and separate bar are also very pleasing to be in and with excellent food and drink (flights of Scotch!!!). But above all, the staff, whether front desk, bar, restaurant -- across the board -- were unbelievably helpful and very, very nice. They made us feel that Scots may be the friendliest people on the planet!

8

Joanne

3 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very comfortable, refurbishment of the bar was lovely but prices have gone up because of this. Unfortunately the food is quite expensive and very fancy (they used to do very good pizza). I had a steak ‘sandwich’ which was £19 and tiny - fine for me but a man would’ve been left pretty hungry after. Excellent staff as always

10

Fiona

27 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel was in great location close to bus & train station, ideal for so many tourist attractions, amazing choice of shops & restaurants nearby, room was spacious with large comfortable bed with firm mattress and pillows, sofa, large TV, fridge, safe, iron & board, coffee & tea, large bottle of chilled water, lovely toiletries provided & good sized shower, nice bar area to relax, good breakfast with plenty choice, great staff, would recommend this hotel

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Month	Average price
January	US$147
February	US$193
March	US$237
April	US$276
May	US$335
June	US$301
July	US$328
August	US$393
September	US$301
October	US$249
November	US$211
December	US$273

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5 $484
6	7 $315	8 $323	9 $319	10 $879	11 $852	12 $879
13 $319	14 $340	15 $879	16 $340	17 $996	18 $340	19 $879
20 $319	21 $297	22 $879	23 $458	24 $993	25 $879	26 $879
27 $362	28 $297	29 $879	30 $302

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $879	2 $993	3 $901
4 $243	5 $258	6 $269	7 $269	8 $799	9 $297	10 $993
11 $254	12 $243	13 $243	14 $265	15 $265	16 $276	17 $879
18 $243	19 $243	20 $243	21 $243	22 $254	23 $276	24 $302
25 $243	26 $243	27 $243	28 $243	29 $254	30 $269	31 $301

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About this property

Location

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