Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

This hotel stands out for its central location and impressive spa facilities, offering guests a memorable and relaxing stay. Its prime position makes it an ideal choice for sightseers eager to explore the city's attractions on foot, while business travelers appreciate the convenient access to transport links. Couples find it perfect for romantic getaways, and families benefit from spacious accommodations and amenities like the pool. Solo travelers also commend the welcoming atmosphere and excellent service. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room on a higher floor for better views, and remember to pre-book parking at the nearby Q-Park for discounted rates, as on-site parking is not available. Be aware that the hotel has undergone renovations, which may impact some public areas.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests consistently praise the hotel's comprehensive facilities, particularly the spa, which includes a swimming pool, sauna, and steam room, providing a perfect retreat after a day of exploring. While some guests noted the pool water could be a bit cool or the chlorine strong, the overall experience is highly positive, with many appreciating the quiet atmosphere. The fitness center is available, though described as small and basic, primarily offering cardio equipment and some free weights. The hotel also features a very nice bar with a good selection of drinks and attentive staff, which has recently been refitted. Free Wi-Fi is provided, though some found the connection to be slow. Other conveniences include luggage storage and thoughtful touches like umbrellas available for guest use.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally receives high marks for its cleanliness and the comfort of its rooms. Guests frequently describe rooms as spacious, modern, and well-appointed, contributing to a pleasant stay. The beds are consistently praised for being very comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, complemented by high-quality linens. Most guests find the bathrooms to be generous in size, featuring both a deep bath and a separate, powerful walk-in shower, along with quality toiletries. While overall noise levels are typically low for a central location, some guests on lower floors or near service areas reported occasional street noise from staff breaks or bin collections. A few isolated comments mentioned minor issues such as lukewarm water, low shower pressure, or specific rooms showing some wear.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options are a highlight for many guests, with the breakfast receiving widespread acclaim. It is consistently described as excellent, offering a delicious and high-quality selection that includes both a varied buffet and cooked-to-order options like fresh waffles. Guests appreciate the attentive service in the dining area. The on-site restaurant is also well-regarded for its good food quality, with some specifically mentioning the exceptional experience at the Liberte restaurant. The bar provides a pleasant atmosphere for drinks, and room service is available, noted for its good value. While the breakfast is highly recommended, some guests found the overall dining experience, including the restaurant, to be on the pricier side.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant advantage, making it incredibly convenient for guests to explore the city. It is situated within easy walking distance of major attractions such as the Royal Mile, Princes Street, the St James Centre, and Calton Hill. Its proximity to public transport is also a key benefit, being just a few minutes' walk from Waverley train station and close to bus stops, including those for airport transfers. For guests arriving by car, off-site parking is available at a nearby Q-Park, with discounts often provided for pre-booked spaces, though some found parking to be a challenge. While the hotel is centrally located, some rooms may require navigating a few stairs, even on higher floors, due to the building's layout.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives glowing reviews for their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, and attentive service. Guests frequently highlight their welcoming demeanor and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. The check-in process is generally described as quick and smooth, though some guests experienced longer queues during peak times or renovations. Many guests were delighted to receive complimentary room upgrades, and the staff are particularly praised for making special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries memorable with thoughtful touches such as balloons, cakes, and personalized notes. Staff are also commended for their efficiency in handling luggage assistance, providing helpful local advice, and offering services like late check-out.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel has been undergoing renovations, particularly in the lobby and reception areas. This has resulted in a temporary reception setup and, at times, required guests to access elevators through the dining area, which some found inconvenient. While the hotel strives to minimize disruption, some guests noted occasional noise from the construction. Some rooms, particularly on lower floors, may have limited views, facing internal courtyards or walls. The hotel provides a unique and appreciated touch with a rubber ducky in each room. While generally quiet, specific rooms have experienced noise from staff breaks or early morning bin collections. Guests celebrating special occasions are often surprised with complimentary amenities, showcasing the hotel's commitment to personalized service.