Apex Grassmarket Hotel, Edinburgh ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2026

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Key details

About the Hotel

31-35 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 2HS

Steps from Edinburgh Castle

Great

8.5

9.0

/10

4.3

4.4

Loved by Apex Grassmarket Hotel guests

Castle view
Helpful staff
Spacious room
Clean bedding
Delicious breakfast
Water refill station

"We had a free upgraded room with a lovely view of the castle."

SueB53399 from United Kingdom

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"Was ideally situated. Had a lovely swimming pool. Great facilities in the rooms."

Colette from United Kingdom

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"The castle view rooms also went beyond our expectations."

Kathryn Ann from United States

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Amenities

The Apex Grassmarket Hotel includes an indoor heated swimming pool and a fully equipped gym with Technogym fitness equipment. Guests can relax in the sauna after a workout or take a refreshing dip in the pool. An intimate bar area offers a selection of classic cocktails and soft drinks, creating a relaxing environment to unwind after exploring the city.

Rooms

Accommodations include Castle View Deluxe Rooms with private balconies overlooking Edinburgh Castle, offering panoramic views right from the room. Family Rooms are designed for up to four guests, featuring two queen-size beds and complimentary amenities for children, including free meals for kids under five. City Rooms provide essential comforts with chic furnishings and luxurious toiletries, suitable for all types of travelers.

Location

Situated in Edinburgh's historic Old Town, the hotel is positioned in the lively Grassmarket area, placing numerous attractions at guests' fingertips. Guests can explore local shops, cafes, and bars just steps away from the entrance. The hotel is conveniently located within a 10-minute walk from Waverley train station, making arrivals and departures straightforward.

Dining

Metro, the hotel's chic restaurant, serves a range of dishes with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle through wall-to-wall windows. Guests can enjoy family-friendly dining experiences and indulge in seasonal specials crafted by the skilled culinary team. The bar area offers a selection of beverages, from classic cocktails to soft drinks, ensuring a relaxing atmosphere.

Business

The Apex Grassmarket Hotel offers seven function spaces equipped to handle meetings and events, accommodating up to 200 guests in the Apex Suite. Each versatile venue boasts impressive views of Edinburgh Castle, providing a stunning backdrop for any occasion. The experienced Events team is on hand to assist with planning and executing successful events.

Highlights

Location: Historic Old Town, Grassmarket area

Rooms: Castle View Deluxe Rooms with private balconies

Dining: Metro restaurant with views of Edinburgh Castle

Business: Seven function spaces with castle views

“Apex Grassmarket Hotel strikes me as a smart choice in Old Edinburgh; the location puts you steps from the Royal Mile and the Grassmarket buzz. I envision rooms with castle views, and I like the sound of unwinding at the pool and sauna. For families or business, it seems a solid base.”

James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.6/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

Room FeaturesCastle Views!

My room had floor-to-ceiling windows. The castle view was incredible, especially at night. A balcony made it even better.

Natasha K from Australia

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DiningBreakfast Variety

Breakfast offered many options, both buffet and cooked-to-order. I enjoyed the full breakfast with toast. It was delicious!

Joanne M from United States

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Spa & LeisureExcellent Amenities

The gym, sauna, and swimming pool exceeded expectations. All were well-maintained and offered a refreshing experience.

Victor L from United Kingdom

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Guest ParkingConvenient Parking

The hotel's car park, located behind the building, made travel easy. It's a great option for drivers.

Dawn P from United Kingdom

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Select your room type

Apex Grassmarket Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

City Twin Room

2 persons

240 sq. feet

2 Double beds

Shower

Heating

room details

City Double Room

2 persons

220 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Quadruple Room

2 persons

260 sq. feet

2 King Size Beds

Shower

Heating

room details

Castle View Superior Room

2 persons

260 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

Apex Grassmarket Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.4/10Review score

General

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

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Room service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Children's menu

Facilities for people with disabilities

Toilet for disabled
Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

Indoor swimming pool
Sun loungers
Solarium
Sauna
Shallow end

Room features

Heating
Sitting area
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

Experience a delightful blend of Scottish and international flavors at the Metro Bar & Brasserie, where modern dining meets familial warmth. Enjoy stunning views of Edinburgh Castle while savoring thoughtfully prepared meals designed to cater to all dietary preferences.

Metro Bar & Brasserie

Scottish, International

Ambiance

Family-friendly, modern setting with views of Edinburgh Castle

Key Offerings

A varied menu that includes vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options; ideal for all-day dining and social gatherings.

Reservation

Recommended

Breakfast: 07:00 - 10:30; Lunch: 12:00 - 20:30 (varies on Saturday and Sunday)

Apex Grassmarket Hotel Location

31-35 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 2HS

Map view

31-35 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 2HS

City landmarks

Museum

National Museum of Scotland

2600 ft

Landmark

Arthur's Seat hike

1.4 mi

Landmark

The Real Mary King's Close

2200 ft

Palace

Palace of Holyroodhouse

1.1 mi

Landmark

Calton Hill

4900 ft

Church

St Giles' Cathedral

2500 ft

Store

Edinburgh Old Town

2600 ft

Monument

Scott Monument

3300 ft

Landmark

Nelson Monument

1.0 mi

Landmark

Princes Street

3000 ft

Landmark

Surgeons' Hall Museums

3000 ft

Botanical Garden

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

1.3 mi

Museum

Museum of Childhood

3000 ft

Museum

Dynamic Earth

5100 ft

Landmark

Brass Rubbing Centre

2500 ft

Event hall

Edinburgh International Conference Centre

2800 ft

Museum

John Knox House

3300 ft

Gallery

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art One

1.3 mi

Museum

The Museum of the Royal Scots and the Royal Regiment of Scotland

3500 ft

Nearby

Museum

Edinburgh Castle

1800 ft

Royal Mile

1300 ft

Gallery

Scottish National Gallery

2000 ft

Park

Princes Street Gardens

1700 ft

Museum

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

1300 ft

Museum

The Writers' Museum

1600 ft

Museum

Gladstone's Land

1500 ft

Square

Grassmarket

100 ft

354 Castlehill

The Scotch Whisky Experience

1300 ft

Cemetery

The Robertson Mausoleum

1400 ft

81-83 Grassmarket

Armstrong's Vintage

600 ft

Restaurants

The White Hart Inn

600 ft

32 Grassmarket

Petit Paris

700 ft

38-40 Grassmarket

Beehive Inn

100 ft

18/20 Grassmarket

Metro Bar and Brasserie

100 ft

31-35 Grassmarket Street

Mamma's American Pizza

600 ft

28-30 Grassmarket

The Fiddlers Arms

300 ft

11-13 Grassmarket

Made In Italy

700 ft

42 Grassmarket

Taylor Walker

500 ft

18-20 Grassmarket

Pumpkin Brown

500 ft

16 Grassmarket

The Last Drop

800 ft

74-78 Grassmarket

Fiddlers Inn

300 ft

1-13 Grassmarket

Cold Town House

500 ft

4 Grassmarket

Explore Edinburgh

Explore the Grassmarket Area

Edinburgh Castle

7 minutes' walk

Historic fortress offering stunning views and rich history. Explore its significant exhibits, including the Crown Jewels.

National Museum of Scotland

10 minutes' walk

Cultural gem featuring Scottish history, art, and science. Enjoy free admission and engaging, family-friendly activities.

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

5 minutes' walk

Interactive attraction filled with optical illusions and amazing views. A fun experience for all ages with unique exhibits.

Holyrood Palace

25 minutes' walk

Official residence of the monarch in Scotland, featuring historic apartments. Explore beautiful gardens and enjoy guided tours.

Arthur's Seat Hike

25 minutes' walk

An invigorating hike with breathtaking views of Edinburgh. Ideal for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.

Yoga at The Meadows

12 minutes' walk

Relaxing outdoor yoga sessions in a scenic park. Perfect for those seeking tranquility and wellness during their stay.

The Beehive Inn

1 minute' walk

Traditional pub atmosphere with hearty Scottish fare. Signature dish includes haggis, and a range of local ales is available.

Petit Paris

3 minutes' walk

Charming bistro offering French cuisine. Known for its tartes and coq au vin, with a cozy ambiance for couples and families.

The Stand Comedy Club

10 minutes' walk

A popular venue for live comedy acts. Regular performances and a lively atmosphere make it a great night out.

Barony Bar

10 minutes' walk

A vibrant pub known for live music and quiz nights. A friendly spot offering a mix of locals and visitors in a cozy setting.

Getting around

City Centre

Edinburgh9 min · 2300 ft

Airports

Edinburgh (EDI)19 min · 7.8 mi

Dundee Airport (DND)144 min · 59.7 mi

Train

Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station10 min · 2700 ft

Bus

Bus stop4 min · 1000 ft

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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 on site at GBP 20 per day.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Breakfast

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

Children & extra beds

There are no extra beds provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Year renovated:

2010

Number of floors:

Number of rooms:

169

Former name

Apex International

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Apex Grassmarket Hotel from previous guests about their experience.

Review score

Based on 2468 verified reviews

8.7/10

Great

87%

Recommend

Breakfast

8.1/10

Cleanliness

8.7/10

Comfort

8.7/10

Facilities

8.4/10

Free Wi-Fi

9.0/10

Location

9.6/10

Paid Wi-Fi

8.0/10

Staff

9.1/10

Value for money

7.7/10

Pros

Friendly staff

Excellent location

Comfortable bed

Castle view

Cons

Poor sound insulation

Unannounced entry

High bath

based on 1519 reviews

4/5

No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.

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Questions of the users

About Apex Grassmarket Hotel

What is the cost of breakfast if it is not part of my booking?

18 November 2024

Breakfast is £18.50 per person if purchased on the day, or £16.50 if bought in advance.

Will I find bathrobes and slippers in my room?

25 December 2024

Bathrobes and slippers are provided in all Castle View Deluxe Rooms.

Does the standard family room have any outdoor space?

30 January 2025

Standard family rooms offer a beautiful view of the castle but do not feature balconies.

Are smoking areas available on the balconies?

10 February 2025

Smoking is restricted within hotel premises, including balconies, except for designated smoking areas.

Can my 15-year-old daughter join me at the pool and gym?

15 March 2025

Yes, she can accompany you, but adult supervision is required in the pool, sauna, and gym areas.

How far is the hotel from the nearest train station?

5 April 2025

It is approximately a 10-minute walk from Waverley Station and around 20 minutes from Haymarket Station.

Is there a direct public transport option from the airport to the hotel?

8 April 2024

Yes, you can take the 100 Airlink bus from the airport and get off at West End (Shandwick Place); it's less than 10 minutes' walk from there to the hotel.

Are balconies available in all rooms?

20 May 2025

Balconies are only available in Deluxe Rooms, not in other room types.

Is there an indoor area to securely store bicycles?

28 June 2025

Yes, bicycles can be securely stored at the reception, and the earliest check-in time is 14:00.

Do you offer luggage storage after checkout?

22 July 2025

Yes, luggage can be stored at the reception after checkout for guests exploring the city.

Can I find parking facilities at the hotel?

3 August 2024

Yes, there are parking facilities available on-site for guests.