Apex Grassmarket Hotel

United Kingdom , Edinburgh
EDINBURGH, 31-35 Grassmarket
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100 reviews shown

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jun 2026

Iain

Very clean room and friendly helpful staff

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jun 2026

Constance

Incredible location with view of the castle.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jun 2026

Christine

This is a good option for being right in the center of Edinburgh. Lots of restaurant and shops nearby and walking distance to many attractions. The staff was very helpful, My one complaint was that the room was over heated with no way of cooling it off but overall a nice Hote in a good location.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jun 2026

Freyja

I loved the spacious, comfortable room with modern decor. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive, making our stay even more enjoyable. Breakfast was a delicious, freshly prepared buffet included each morning.I thoroughly enjoyed relaxing in the sauna and swimming in the clean, well-maintained pool. My boyfriend and I had a fantastic experience, creating wonderful memories together.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jun 2026

Helen

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jun 2026

Daniel

Great location, Rooms very clean and well maintained.. Staff went above and beyond.

Family

8/10

Excellent

15 Jun 2026

Barri

Had a lovely balcony room overlooking Grassmarket square with views of the castle. Hotel was clean and staff was helpful and kind, We arrived early and were able to get our rooms early. Rooms were very nice. Being next to grassmarket was a little louder than expected but manageable. Restaurant food was delicious and service was great.

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jun 2026

Dwaipayan

My wife and I had a great 3 nights' stay at Apex Grassmarket. Clean property, comfy bed and friendly staff. Fabulous location and on-premises parking made the stay even better.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jun 2026

Bennett S

Amazing location. All of the staff we encountered were wonderful. Restaurant on sight was great. Overall 10 out of 10.

8/10

Excellent

14 Jun 2026

Valerie

This hotel was all about location. We had a gorgeous view of Edinburgh Castle from our room. It is certainly in the middle of the action so you should expect the usual noise that comes with being centrally located. I thought it was a good value for the stay. I was traveling with my husband and 12 year old son. Recommend it for a good base to explore Edinburgh. We walked everywhere from here including down to Leith for dinner.

Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

13 Jun 2026

Jamie

I understand that the building is old and either doesn't have air conditioning or it doesn't work very well. However, other things could be done to help cool the rooms and move air around. For example, install ceiling fans. That would help. Also, the fan that was in our room was so rickety and worn out that we had to brace it with our suitcase so it would stand upright. The hallways were unbearably hot.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jun 2026

Zachary

Amazing location in Edinburgh. Staff were extremely helpful. Small rooms but has everything we needed.

Family

8/10

Excellent

11 Jun 2026

Joyce

Strange to pay so much for a hotel room and have only a tub but no shower in the room. Of note, I had several rooms during my stay there and only one had no shower.
Very convenient to the royal mile.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jun 2026

Tyler

Everything was great

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jun 2026

Ryan

Hotel was extremely well situated and everything was within walking distance. The full breakfasts were fantastic and staff were always friendly and helpful. Only down side was that because it was right downtown, on some nights it was loud and we were unable to leave the windows open. But the room had a fan which we made good use of. Would highly recommend!

8/10

Excellent

09 Jun 2026

Laura

Great location and lots of amenities for families.

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

08 Jun 2026

Melissa

It is the perfect location to be in the city. I understand the age of the building, but there is zero AC in the rooms and the winds only open a couple inches. It’s VERY warm in the room. Also, the first room they gave us with our castle view was horrible with a giant wall obstructing the view. We requested another room and by the third try we had a decent view. Beware when paying extra for a castle view.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

08 Jun 2026

Lynne

This was a typical hotel type situation. They were nice. Our shower had no rim to hold the water in, so water poured out into the bathroom and we had to use all of our towels to dry it up. Other than that, it was just a place to sleep and hit the road sightseeing. They were helpful when we needed them.

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jun 2026

Heidi

Wonderful

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jun 2026

Melinda

Perfect location. Quiet, clean and efficient- i would just like to have had access to workout area before 7 a.m. all else fine.

Self

8/10

Excellent

07 Jun 2026

Jessika

Only complaint is no fan available to help cool the room when warm outside.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

07 Jun 2026

Edwin G

Staff was helpful

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jun 2026

Susan

Amazing location!

Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jun 2026

Tyler

I reserved two balcony rooms and the did not disappoint. They had great views of Edinburgh Castle and the main street in front with all the pubs and restaurants. Breakfast was good everyday and I could even pick an item off the menu for something extra special. Our beds were a little firm but everything else was great.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jun 2026

Jessica

Lovely spot on grassmarket ideal location for Old town.

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jun 2026

Kennedy

Was in great location.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jun 2026

Dixie

Nice hotel. Very well situated in the city. We could grab the bus or go across street to restaurant or pubs. Great breakfast place just a block away.
Relaxing bar within the hotel
Clean and comfy

Family

8/10

Excellent

03 Jun 2026

Jill

Central location trumps value. A very tired hotel in need of updating. Towels were scarce and no fridge were two downfalls. Breakfast was good with lots of selection.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

03 Jun 2026

James

The hotel location is a 10 of 10. The hotel room carpet was worn. The beds were not comfortable. There is no A/C, the room was very stuffy and did not cool down at night.

Family_with_children

2/10

Poor

02 Jun 2026

Juan Carlos

No AC, windows dis not work

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jun 2026

donelle

Great view of castle excellent local, close to eve scene and castle, be prepared for hill and many stairs in Edinburgh. Staff very helpful and even offered to give directions with fewest stairs, no ac but had a fan came late May REALLY HOT in room windows only opened s small crack (we did come when they had a heat wave)

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jun 2026

Shirley

This property is located within walking distance to Edinburgh Castle and all of the sights along the Royal Mile. Staff are friendly and helpful, the rooms are spacious and comfortable. Highly recommend.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jun 2026

Olesia

The location of this hotel is unbeatable, and our family room had a stunning view of Edinburgh Castle.

A special thanks to Ethan and the friendly team for making us feel so welcome.

There is no a/c in the room, but with the fan and an open window, it wasn't an issue at all given the Scottish climate.

We skipped breakfast but had a nice dinner at the Metro restaurant, where the service was also great.

Our kids really enjoyed the nice pool area after a long day of sightseeing.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

31 May 2026

Jennifer

Comfortable room with adequate space

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

31 May 2026

Ryan

Awesome central location within the City right near all of the action. Happy to have parking on site but the hotel was under construction and we got a flat tire from driving over a screw in the lot. The staff and rental car company sorted us out in no time! Breakfast buffet is excellent. The showers need better coverage to avoid water getting all over the floor and the toilet paper was super rough. Loved the water filling station as well.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

31 May 2026

Amy

No air conditioning was the only bad part and fridge did not work but everything else was great. Very nice staff and swimming pool was clean

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

30 May 2026

Bryan

Location was ideal, staff was helpful in finding solutions , breakfast and coffee was perfect

Friends

8/10

Excellent

30 May 2026

Chad

No climate control, very stuffy at night. Loud noise at night from grass market pubs. Overall good hotel

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 May 2026

Stacy

Perfect location to everything we wanted to do in Edinburgh. Very friendly staff, very clean room and loved the parking. Will be booking there for our next trip!

Family

10/10

Exceptional

29 May 2026

Donald

Great location! Our room had a balcony and overlooked the castle so great views as well of both the castle and the square below
Well worth the extra cost

Partner

2/10

Poor

28 May 2026

Alexander Gregory

The biggest issue was the room temperature. The room became extremely hot throughout the afternoon and evening and was very uncomfortable to stay in. We were unable to properly relax or sleep in the room due to the heat. In order to make the room even somewhat tolerable, we had to keep the windows open all night, which then brought in constant street noise, bright lights from the Grassmarket area, and late-night noise from bars and traffic below.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 May 2026

Michael

Property is located at the bottom of castle hill. Very good location but a lot of steps up to get to the Royal Mile where the main attractions are located. Note that the hotel does not have AC in the rooms. However, they provide a fan that does help. My guess is that normally this is not a problem, however, during our visit, the UK was experiencing a heat wave! Enjoyed the pool tremendously! All in all, very satisfied with our stay 😀

10/10

Exceptional

27 May 2026

Isabella

We loved this hotel, clean, convenient location and very nice staff

Family

10/10

Exceptional

26 May 2026

Bridgeen

The hotel staff were very helpful and hold your luggage for you.

Family

8/10

Excellent

26 May 2026

Kenneth

A great location for visiting Edinburgh, but if the heat is on the air conditioning is not sustainable!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 May 2026

David

Excellent hotel in a fantastic location. Staff was very helpful

Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 May 2026

Sarah

My husband and I stayed at the Alex for 4 days on a recent trip to Edinburgh. We’re from Canada and it was our first visit to Scotland so we were very excited to stay right in the thick of things. The hotel was in the perfect location, we could see the castle and were only a couple of minutes away from Victoria Street. The Apex pool and sauna were a fun little edition as well! I highly recommend.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

25 May 2026

Cindi

Clean room, staff was great, great location

10/10

Exceptional

24 May 2026

Loretta

Had a room with a view of the castle, had dinner on the balcony, wonderful spacious room loved haveing a mini fridge. Bed was comfortable and location was wonderful. Would definitely stay again on next trip.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 May 2026

Estrella Leila

Would recommend. Lovely hotel, friendly staff.

Self

8/10

Excellent

23 May 2026

Kathleen

The hotel is in a great location. Rooms were spacious with nice beds. The breakfast was wonderful. Dinner the night prior, steak burger was fair but the onion rings were great. The hotel is older but the staff was superb. Parking is limited. I would definitely recommend staying there.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

22 May 2026

Daniel

An ideal location for a first time visit to Edinburgh with all the sites within walking distance. Staff were friendly and helpful when asked for assistance. However, don’t be fooled by castle view rooms as we booked a superior castle view and found ourselves on first floor looking upto the castle but through very dirty windows and stained net curtains made more awkward when all the world outside could see into our room being so low down therefore not making the open curtain looking at castle view very enjoyable whilst being watched by all in the pubs opposite. This would be better if you request the top floor!
As for cleanliness of the room this is where it really let itself down as we paid a lot of money for one night you expect a spotless experience however the carpet was filthy and lose fitted coming away from the floor. The cushions were stained and worn, walls covered in various scuff marks and stains. The bathroom shower tiles were so badly stained and cracked with missing grout we didn’t use the shower. It was what we would expect in a travel lodge for £50 a night not a £250+ per night superior room. Room was very worn and outdated compared to photos they list online. Let down by the room otherwise I am sure a nice hotel.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 May 2026

YURIY

Cool

Family

10/10

Exceptional

20 May 2026

Jennifer

We loved our stay- the location, staff, view of the castle from our balcony. It was perfect.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

18 May 2026

Claire

The location of this hotel is great it’s in a very walkable area very close to plenty of attractions/activities. Breakfast was okay for the amount you pay the restaurant is alright. The room could use some work there were stains on the carpet and the curtains and the shower wasn’t the cleanest. However we spent most of our time out walking around Edinburgh. Staff was helpful and friendly.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

18 May 2026

Kirstin

Grassmarket was lovely and has an amazing location but your experience is very dependent on which room you get and the time of year. We stayed for 2 different nights to cap off a 3 day tour to the highlands and each stay was wildly different.

Our first night stay had us considering canceling and rebooking due to our concerns.
Some important things to note is that this hotel has no AC, which is common in Europe, however if you happen to utilize the window and are near the interior patio you will have the smell of smoke come in any time someone uses the space for that. Not ideal to say the least. The other issues were with the bathroom and carpet in the room. Our bathroom had quite a few things broken when we arrived and the carpet in the room was rippled as if it had been extremely worn or water damaged. For the cost of a single night it seemed absurd.

Our second stay was much better. The room had no issues, was cool due to 2 windows instead of 1, and not near the smokers paradise. Also nothing was broken upon arrival and checkin was much smoother.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

17 May 2026

Melissa

Clean, great service! I’d come back and recommend any time.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 May 2026

Susan

Great location and staff.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

17 May 2026

Janet

The location was perfect. We could walk everywhere. Little interaction with the staff, but they were nice. The property needs some TLC. We wish the balcony rooms had little chairs and tables to enjoy the space.

Partner

4/10

Poor

17 May 2026

Ashley

Nice staff, nice bar and restaurant.

TERRIBLY dirty rooms. Throw pillows / curtains / blankets not washed. Mold in some areas.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

17 May 2026

Ashley

Pros: Beautiful castle view, nice bar/restaurant and friendly staff.

Con: DIRTY rooms. Curtains are dirty, throw blankets and throw pillows DIRTY, bathrooms dirty, mold in the rooms. Pool area was also gross and smelled.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

17 May 2026

Edmund

Breakfast menu and service was top notch.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 May 2026

Barry

Staff was friendly and helpful. Moved us to a better room with shower instead of tub. Castle view room had an amazing view through a large window area room 1021

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 May 2026

Karen

The staff was extremely helpful and the hotel was in a great location!

Family

8/10

Excellent

15 May 2026

Niki

Was nice place , extremely central easy to walk everywhere, my only issue was the beds where so hard that it was very uncomfortable.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 May 2026

Jessica

We had a wonderful experience for our honeymoon and birthday. The hotel was clean and all the staff were very welcoming and kind. We got complimentary drinks and chocolates to celebrate, which was the perfect touch. The room service was quick and everything was delicious. The noise level was not bad either. Only really heard people outside on the weekend when the bars were more busy which makes sense. Even then, it still was quite considering Edinburgh is a bustling city and the sun didn't go down until 8/9pm. Would stay again! Also, the location is perfect to walk to just about anywhere you'd want to go.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

14 May 2026

Megan

The location was great but we felt the room was noisy/loud with street noise, upstairs neighbors and creaky floorboards. The beds were also uncomfortable with very thin pillows and rough sheets. Our party did not sleep well due to the noise. We also did not see any AC, so beware if coming in the summer.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

13 May 2026

lisa

Great location. So close to everything we wanted to see in old town.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

13 May 2026

Kindley

Good location - just a little noisy

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

12 May 2026

Kimberly

The location of this hotel was great - close to many restaurants and activities. The bed was comfortable too.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

12 May 2026

Albert

Lovely hotel and well situated in the Grassmarket area of Edinburgh. Staff were all excellent. The only downside to the stay was the shower was not separate to the bath and did not have a great flow of water.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

12 May 2026

Laura

Great location, lovely staff. The only comment is they need new mattresses. Beds were very uncomfortable. With new mattresses this hotel would be perfect!

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

11 May 2026

Jessica

Breakfast buffet had a wide selection and staff made sure that everything was well stocked and fresh for the busy morning rush. Very good quality food, delicious and convenient.
The staff overall was always attentive and ready to help.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 May 2026

Roxy K

The view of Edinburgh Castle out of my window was amazing—a clean and lovely hotel. I must mention that the room did not have air conditioning, so I had to leave the window open at night, which was a bit loud until late because of the wonderful bars and restaurants in that area, but that view made up for it.

Friends

6/10

Pleasant

11 May 2026

Drucilla

our room was always hot and they even brought in a portable airconditionor but it did little and a we had a fan. The temperatures where cold outside but the windows did not open up enough to get it comfortable and I am usually always cold. There is always condensation on the windows. also. Other than that it is a very good place to see all the sights and be close to everything.

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

11 May 2026

Mandy

It was clean and totally safe and quiet

Partner

8/10

Excellent

10 May 2026

William

Fantastic location

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

10 May 2026

June

The location was great. Rooms were very dated, with cracked stained porcelain and stained towels.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 May 2026

SOON YOUNG

Great location for looking out

Self

10/10

Exceptional

09 May 2026

Karen

Perfect location. Royal mile just a short walk and plenty of places to eat across the road from the hotel. Hotel was very clean and comfortable. Breakfast was excellent lots to choose from..

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

09 May 2026

Rose

Wonderful Hotel with excellent view

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

09 May 2026

Kayle

AMAZING. Will DEFINITELY book here again!

Friends

8/10

Excellent

08 May 2026

Suzette

Clean room; but noisy with street level late night noise of people yelling on a Thursday night even with windows closed & drapes drawn. We were placed on 2nd floor & noise carried up; waking us up including my light sleeper spouse at 1am. 2 maintenance issues: The shower door leaked out water to the bathroom floor- found the plastic door stripping was in need of replacement which was peeling off. The room drapes appeared ready to fall off the rod- difficult to close/open as these are 10 feet high drapes.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

07 May 2026

Janice Lynn

Breakfast was great, staff was very helpful. We loved our view of the castle

10/10

Exceptional

07 May 2026

Janice Lynn

We loved that we had a view of the castle. Great breakfast. Great location. We loved Edinburgh! Thanks !

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

07 May 2026

Kimberly

Clean room

10/10

Exceptional

06 May 2026

CLAIRE

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

06 May 2026

Krystal L

Great and friendly service

Self

10/10

Exceptional

04 May 2026

Laura

Staff here was amazing!!! They made us feel so welcome and it was very safe—I was traveling with my three children and it felt so safe and easy to be there.

6/10

Pleasant

03 May 2026

Terra

Good location but bathroom was a bit tired and worn, with cracked and loose tiles and a dodgy toilet. Overall a bit under expectations for the price and how it positioned. Lovely helpful staff and good breakfast.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 May 2026

April

The hotel is very central located with so many places within walking distance. The staff was amazing. My husband hurt himself at St. Andrews and they made sure we had ice and checked in on us, even the housekeeping staff.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 May 2026

Richard

Staff is super friendly and helpful. Easy check in with an efficient system to store your bags if necessary before check in. They offer extra attention and service (for example umbrellas) if needed. The location is absolutely perfect!

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

03 May 2026

MALI

Two windows facing Grassmarket do not close, the street noise lasted till 3am. Stand lamp does not work. Sleepers had to be requested and paid. Not enough US charging ports. The floor cracks when walking on it.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

02 May 2026

Henry

A few stains on rug and drapes but otherwise clean and great view of the castle.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 May 2026

Anita

For us, this hotel was absolutely perfect! We had a beautiful view of Grassmarket, and the castle. Room was very comfortable, breakfast was very good and staff was helpful. Keep in mind that you are in a noisy area. It wasn’t an issue for us, but might be for some.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 May 2026

Ishell

Pretty center to everything you need

10/10

Exceptional

29 Apr 2026

James

Rooms were clean and spacious, staff lovely. Great for a weekend break

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

29 Apr 2026

Alexia

Great hotel in a really good location

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Apr 2026

Kimberly

Excellent location- very close to the Edinburgh Castle! Fresh breakfast with an assortment of items. Nicely appointed rooms.

Family

8/10

Excellent

28 Apr 2026

Rodney

The location was excellent, staff was friendly, and room was clean. The toilet papery dispenser fell off and was impossible to fix. Also the biggest drawback that wasn’t mentioned prior to booking was the construction. Very noisy and it obstructed the best part, the view…

Self