8.8/10 | Apex Waterloo Place * Spa Near Edinburgh Castle

Name: APEX WATERLOO PLACE HOTEL
Address: 23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH1 3BH
Price range: US$385+
Rating: 8.8

75 photos

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel Edinburgh Exterior photo

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Key details

About the Castle Hotel

23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3BH

Close to the Old Town

Great

8.8

9.2

/10

4.4

4.3

Loved by Apex Waterloo Place Hotel guests

Helpful staff

Spacious rooms

Convenient location

Wonderful breakfast

"The Duplex Suite was stunning to stay in with plenty of space and all the facilities we needed."

Gavin from United Kingdom

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"Added bonus that staying at the hotel gives you access to their pool, sauna and steam room."

James from United Kingdom

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"Location was great for exploring Edinburgh, right in the middle of everything!"

Lee H from United Kingdom

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4-star Georgian hotel with luxurious spa in Edinburgh

Amenities

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel offers exceptional wellness options, including the renowned Yu Spa. Guests can unwind in the heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, and steam room after a day of exploring. With a fully equipped gym featuring Technogym fitness equipment, the hotel caters to both relaxation and active lifestyles.

Rooms

The hotel provides a range of room types, from the spacious Duplex Suite to comfortable City Rooms. Each option features luxurious bedding, premium toiletries, and modern amenities like a Nespresso coffee machine. For families, the Family Rooms allow extra beds for children, ensuring a memorable stay.

Location

Situated at the east end of Princes Street, Apex Waterloo Place Hotel is easily accessible from Edinburgh Waverley station. This prime location puts guests just moments away from Calton Hill and the vibrant Edinburgh Playhouse. The hotel serves as an excellent base for exploring the city's rich cultural offerings.

Dining

Guests can savor European-inspired cuisine at the hotel's Liberté Brasserie, which celebrates local Scottish ingredients. The all-day dining option allows for a relaxed meal whether for lunch or dinner. Bar 1819 offers a stylish atmosphere for enjoying cocktails and small plates, enhancing the dining experience.

Business & Events

The hotel boasts flexible meeting and event spaces suitable for various occasions, accommodating up to 120 attendees. With traditional Georgian features and natural light, each space creates an inviting atmosphere for presentations or weddings. Hybrid meeting services allow seamless connections for global attendees.

Highlights

Location: east end of Princes Street

Wellness: heated indoor swimming pool and Yu Spa

Rooms: Duplex Suite and Family Rooms

Dining: Liberté Brasserie and Bar 1819

“This hotel strikes me as a balanced blend of historical architecture and contemporary comfort, with an enviable spot in central Edinburgh. I appreciate its wellness focus, particularly the Yu Spa, and the location near the train station makes exploring effortless. It seems equally suited to leisure and business, with considered spaces for both relaxation and meetings.”

James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Castle-hotel

Location: Perfect

9.7/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

Spa & LeisureClean & Easy

The leisure facilities included a clean pool, steam room, and sauna. You don't need to pre-book. It's great for relaxing after a busy day.

Olivia from Canada

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DiningBreakfast Variety

The breakfast buffet offered many options and fresh ingredients. I had a 'detox breakfast' with sausage that was delicious and beautifully prepared.

Noah from Australia

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Room FeaturesSpacious & Modern

The superior double room was spacious and modern. It had everything needed for a comfortable, three-night stay and offered lovely landmark views.

Isabella from Spain

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BathroomBig & Clean

The bathroom was massive, and exceptionally clean. I loved the walk-in shower. There were Elemis toiletries like pillow spray, lip balm and eye gel.

Mia from Sweden

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Choose your room

Castle hotels provide room choices such as doubles, family chambers, and grand suites—often with breakfast, free cancellations, and exclusive offers

City Double Room
2 persons
19 m²
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
City Twin Room
2 persons
19 m²
2 Single beds
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
Superior Double Room
2 persons
28 m²
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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July 2026 - July 2027

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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Each castle hotel provides features designed for both comfort and memorable moments

Facilities: Great

8.9/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Locker room
Lift
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Housekeeping
Laundry
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Special diet menus

Business

Business centre
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

Indoor swimming pool
Sun loungers
Spa & wellness centre
Sauna
Steam room
Massage
Shallow end

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Sitting area
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Separate tub and shower
Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

Elliot's at Apex Waterloo Place Hotel offers a delightful selection of European-inspired dishes, crafted with care by a talented team of chefs. Whether enjoying a leisurely breakfast or a hearty lunch, this dining venue invites guests to savor flavors in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel Edinburgh Restaurant photo

Elliot's

European

Ambiance

A cozy yet sophisticated space designed for both casual and formal dining experiences.

Key Offerings

Offering a thoughtful menu perfect for everything from corporate lunches to friendly catch-ups, complemented by expertly shaken cocktails from the grand bar.

Reservation

Reservations are not needed.

Open daily from 07:00 to 22:00.

Location

23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3BH

Explore Edinburgh

Local Highlights

Edinburgh Castle

15-minute walk

Historic fortress dominating the skyline, known for the Stone of Destiny and stunning city views.

National Museum of Scotland

13-minute walk

Extensive collections spanning Scotland's history, culture, and natural heritage. Free admission.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

13-minute walk

Official residence of the monarch in Scotland, featuring beautiful gardens and rich history.

Scott Monument

6-minute walk

Gothic monument dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, offering panoramic views after climbing its 287 steps.

Arthur's Seat Hike

30-minute walk

Challenging hike with rewarding views over Edinburgh, located in Holyrood Park. Great for thrill-seekers.

Yoga at The Meadows

20-minute walk

Relaxing outdoor yoga sessions in beautiful park settings, ideal for unwinding amid nature.

Howies Waterloo

1-minute walk

Welcoming atmosphere with classic Scottish dishes. Ideal for a casual meal featuring local ingredients.

MP's Bistro

2-minute walk

Contemporary venue offering a concise menu of British cuisine. Reservations recommended for dinner.

The Usher Hall

15-minute walk

Renowned concert hall hosting live music events, featuring diverse genres and a historic setting.

The Bongo Club

20-minute walk

Eclectic nightclub known for its vibrant atmosphere and varied events. Good for social outings.

Local transport options

City Centre
Edinburgh 6 min · 500 m
Airports
Edinburgh (EDI) 21 min · 14 km
Glasgow (GLA) 134 min · 88.9 km
Train
Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station 3 min · 200 m
Bus
Bus stop 3 min · 200 m

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

until 11 am

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible at a location nearby at true.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Breakfast

You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP19.50 per person per day.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Year renovated:

2009

Number of floors:

Number of rooms:

184

Guest reviews & ratings

Guest impressions & feedback from past stays

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Guests consistently praise the hotel's prime location, finding it exceptionally convenient for shopping and with easy access to the train station and city centre attractions. The rooms are frequently described as spacious, and the bathrooms are generously sized. While some guests have noted light issues in certain rooms, the hotel's proximity to the Royal Mile, shops, and tour bus stops across the street, along with its overall cleanliness, makes it a popular choice for many visitors.

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Review score

Based on 3398 verified reviews

8.8 /10

Great

90 %

Recommend

Location

9.7/10

Staff

9.3/10

Paid Wi-Fi

8.2/10

Value for money

8.3/10

Pros

Great location

Friendly staff

Clean room

Good breakfast

Spa facilities

Cons

Pool out of use

Room renovation

Ventilation noise

based on 6172 reviews

4.5/5

ella from united kingdom

double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 05, 2026

9.0/10

charming stay near waverley station

convenient location courteous service delicious dinner

the location proved quite useful for accessing waverley station. it was so easy to walk there. the staff consistently provided courteous service. a dinner option at the hotel was so good. the food was nicely cooked. the presentation was beautiful and provided excellent value.

the pool area got very busy. it was difficult to find an empty lounger. the sauna reached maximum capacity quickly. i wished there was more space available.

Dining

9/10

the hotel's dining room has delicious options. i appreciated the efficient service. breakfast included a variety of choices, such as pastries, fruit, and hot items, ensuring a satisfying start to the day.

Rooms

9/10

the double room offered modern comforts with sleek decor and comfortable furnishings. fresh linens and plush pillows helped me sleep well. the bathroom included quality toiletries, and i loved the ample counter space.

Service

9/10

the staff showed a genuine willingness to accommodate requests, offering prompt and professional assistance. housekeeping maintained perfect standards of cleanliness. the front desk staff was friendly and helpful in providing directions to nearby attractions.

0 Helpful

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Jason from Canada

Single

Double Room

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 12, 2026

5/10

under-equipped gym lukewarm coffee

The gym was more like a closet with a couple of treadmills. Definitely not what I expected. I also found it annoying that I needed reservations for the bar, even just to grab a drink myself! Breakfast was a letdown. The eggs were undercooked and the coffee tasted like lukewarm dishwater. What is this. A joke?

0 Helpful

christine from canada

Business traveller

superior double room

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: November 09, 2025

9.3/10

convenient stay

smooth check-in helpful staff

the check-in was smooth. i received free drinks because i arrived before the official check-in time. the staff were pleasant and helpful with directions.

the room temperature was too cold. the bathroom floor also felt very cold without any heating.

Dining

9/10

Breakfast offered a buffet with bread, cheese, and cereal. hot items were available via a menu with approximately ten choices, focused on egg dishes. The breakfast setup seemed good and i found the breakfast to be ample.

Facilities

9/10

the spa seemed magnificent! the hotel provided bathrobes,. an ironing board and iron were available in my room. there is also a pool and sauna.

Location

10/10

the hotel had a central location with easy access to transportation. waverley station was a short walk away! the area includes a shopping center with various food options and is near calton hill.

0 Helpful

Evelyn from United Kingdom

Couple

superior double room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: November 08, 2025

9.3/10

totally worth it!

prime location dining spots tour bus

I found the location excellent. It was a short walk to the royal mile. there were also lots of shops and dining spots nearby. i liked that a mall was just around the corner and a tour bus stop was across the street.

the room was a bit too warm for my liking.

Location

9/10

the hotel provides quick access to the railway station through the basement, something i found particularly convenient. nearby, guests can enjoy many restaurants and shops, benefiting from the central position. calton hill is also super close.

Facilities

9/10

the pool area features comfortable loungers, ideal for relaxation after a swim, and there is a shaded section. a steam room and sauna were available, both very clean with great temperatures. the gym has several treadmills.

Service

10/10

The staff was amazing and super helpful. They were really nice too ensure i had everything i needed. they were very attentive to all requests. everyone i interacted with seemed focused on the guest experience.

0 Helpful

Christine from Germany

Single

City Double Room

4 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: September 14, 2025

6/10

missing bathrobe slippery floor

The bathrobe and slippers situation was a joke. i called ahead to ask if i needed to pack them for the spa. The receptionist said no! imagine my surprise when i found out my room didn't include them. so, i ended up barefoot on the spa floor. It was not only cold but a recipe for disaster! though, the staff at least acknowledged my issue and offered a minor discount.

0 Helpful

Jayden from United Kingdom

Single

City Twin Room

3 nights in June 2025

Reviewed: July 17, 2025

9/10

comfortable beds multiple channels good pressure

my city twin room included two twin beds, and they were comfortable. the television worked fine, and i found multiple channels. the shower was superb with good water pressure, i appreciate that.

the lift service experienced some delays.

0 Helpful

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Questions of the users

About Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

What parking options are available nearby, and can you provide information on costs for a weekend stay?

12 June 2024

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel does not have its own parking facilities, but partners with Q Park just a short walk away. A discount code can be arranged prior to your arrival. The postcode for the car park is EH1 3AN.

Is the swimming pool included in the room rate, or is there an additional fee?

18 July 2024

Access to the swimming pool is included in the room rate, so there are no extra costs for guests wishing to use the pool.

Can visitors store their luggage at the hotel before check-in?

3 August 2024

Yes, luggage can be stored at the reception if you arrive before the official check-in time.

Are there any charges for spa treatments if staying at the hotel?

22 September 2024

While guests can enjoy the hotel's leisure facilities free of charge, spa treatments are available for an additional fee.

What is the cost to add breakfast to the room booking?

16 November 2024

Breakfast can be added to your stay for £16.50 per person per day if booked at the front desk, or £18.50 if added on arrival.

Is the swimming pool child-friendly? Can my children use it during our stay?

14 December 2024

Children are welcome to use the swimming pool, provided they are accompanied by an adult.

What are the opening hours for the swimming pool and spa facilities?

20 January 2025

The swimming pool and spa facilities open at 06:30 and close at 22:00. No booking is required for pool access.

Are there any renovations currently happening at the hotel that might affect guests?

25 February 2025

Renovations are underway, but efforts ensure minimal impact on guest experience. Areas like guest rooms, the spa, and restaurant are unaffected.

Do rooms come equipped with mini fridges for guest use?

2 March 2025

Yes, all rooms feature mini fridges for guest convenience.

What is the typical check-in process and timeframe for guests arriving?

8 April 2025

Standard check-in begins at 14:30. If you arrive early, feel free to drop off your luggage at reception, and check-in will be expedited if your room is ready.