Edinburgh, United KingdomNew Town
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
Restored Georgian hotel
New Town Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Renovated
2009
Price
$$
Rated for
Heritage Design WellnessOutside the door
The house
Apex HotelsRestored Georgian hotel
Edinburgh's first purpose-built hotel still commands Waterloo Place. Inside, stately Georgian scale gives way to bright, relaxed modern living.
“rooms are relatively spacious, with bright contemporary decor that is completely unfussy yet pleasingly tasteful with a neutral colour scheme enlivened via subtle pops of colour.”
What it’s good at
Listed
Large arched Georgian windows illuminate contemporary bedrooms styled in bright neutral palettes.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
its historic facade gives little hint of the vibrant colors and rich textures inside. A 2009 renovation has seen to it that the style is perfectly in keeping with contemporary British hotel modernism
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Waverley station is a three-minute walk down the street, and the path up Calton Hill starts just around the corner.
The rooms
Bedrooms stay unfussy with clean-lined furniture and colourful accents, and bathrooms include the brand's signature rubber duck.
Pool and steam room
Bring a swimsuit.
Underground, the heated swimming pool sits beside white loungers and a mosaic steam room with starry-night ceiling lights.
The spa
Private suites host side-by-side ESPA therapies, and the relaxation lounge holds wicker loungers on polished wood floors.
Restaurant
Liberté Brasserie
Parquet floors and marble tables fill the dining room, and the menu focuses on seasonal Scottish produce.
Bar 1819
Leather stools line a curved terracotta counter serving Scotch whiskies, signature cocktails, and local small plates.
How it began
Archibald Elliot designed the building in 1819. It hosted Charles Dickens before spending over a century as railway headquarters.
Edinburgh
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.