Apex Grassmarket Hotel Edinburgh Gym photoApex Grassmarket Hotel Edinburgh Exterior photoApex Grassmarket Hotel Edinburgh Interior photo
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From284US$ /night
Check-in
31May2026Select date
Check-out
01Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
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
/5

Amenities

Apex Grassmarket Hotel offers an indoor heated swimming pool and a sauna for relaxation. The gym is fully equipped with Technogym fitness equipment, providing an ideal space for workouts. An intimate bar area complements the vibrant atmosphere, serving a variety of beverages to guests.

Dining

Metro restaurant at Apex Grassmarket gives guests waterfront views of Edinburgh Castle while dining. The restaurant is known for its unique culinary experiences, making meals memorable. Guests can enjoy classic cocktails and delightful dishes in a contemporary atmosphere.

Rooms

Guests can choose from Castle View Deluxe Rooms with private balconies overlooking Edinburgh Castle for breathtaking views. Family Rooms accommodate up to four guests, featuring two queen-size beds and amenities for children. City Rooms are compact yet stylish, designed for both leisure and business travelers.

Location

Situated in Edinburgh's historic Grassmarket, the hotel places guests near attractions, restaurants, and bars. Edinburgh Castle stands majestically nearby, easily visible from the hotel. Waverley Station is a 10-minute walk, providing convenient access to public transport.

Business

Apex Grassmarket Hotel provides seven flexible function spaces, some showcasing sweeping views of Edinburgh Castle. The Apex Suite accommodates up to 200 guests, designed for a variety of meetings and events. Expert event planning assistance is available to ensure successful occasions.

Highlights

Location: Historic Grassmarket area near attractions

Dining: Metro restaurant with Edinburgh Castle views

Rooms: Castle View Deluxe Rooms with private balconies

Business: Apex Suite for up to 200 guests

Must-do experiences

  • Savor haggis at The Royal McGregor for a true Scottish feast.
  • Explore the hidden wonders of Dean Village, a picturesque oasis.
  • Visit the National Museum of Scotland for fascinating exhibits.
  • Stroll through the Grassmarket for unique shops and local vibes.
  • Enjoy live music at Sandy Bell's, a hub for traditional Scottish folk.
View all

Choose the Room

From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.
City Twin Room
2 persons
240 sq. feet 
2 Double beds
Shower
Heating
City Double Room
2 persons
220 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Quadruple Room
2 persons
260 sq. feet 
2 King Size Beds
Shower
Heating
Castle View Superior Room
2 persons
260 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Click button to see more rooms
Show all rooms
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Check Dates & Room Rates

See what's available for your travel dates

Amenities

Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay
Facilities: Great
8.5/10Review 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
  • Electric vehicle charging station
  • 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

  • Separate tub and shower
  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

At the Apex Grassmarket Hotel, dining options invite guests to indulge in the rich flavors of Scotland and international cuisine in a modern, family-friendly setting. The vibrant Metro Bar & Brasserie offers stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, making it a delightful culinary destination during any part of the day.

Metro Bar & Brasserie

Scottish and International
Ambiance
Modern and family-friendly, with beautiful views of Edinburgh Castle.
Key Offerings
A diverse menu featuring vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, alongside daily specials inspired by the best local produce.
Reservation
Recommended.
Breakfast: 07:00 - 10:30 (Monday to Friday), 07:00 - 11:00 (Saturday and Sunday); Lunch and Dinner: 12:00 - 20:30 (daily).

Apex Grassmarket Hotel Location

31-35 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 2HS
Map view
31-35 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 2HS
Nearby
Museum
Edinburgh Castle
1800 ft
Royal Mile
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
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle
7 minutes' walk
Historic fortress dominating the skyline, home to the Honours of Scotland and stunning city views.
National Museum of Scotland
National Museum of Scotland
10 minutes' walk
Extensive collections showcasing Scottish history, culture, and natural history, with free admission.
The Real Mary King's Close
The Real Mary King's Close
8 minutes' walk
Fascinating underground tour revealing the hidden streets of Edinburgh's past.
Calton Hill
Calton Hill
18 minutes' walk
Iconic hill offering panoramic views of Edinburgh and historical monuments.
Arthur's Seat Hike
25 minutes' walk
Challenging hike with rewarding views of the city and surrounding landscape, ideal for thrill-seekers.
Yoga Classes at The Meadows
10 minutes' walk
Relaxing outdoor yoga classes held in a beautiful park setting, perfect for unwinding.
Beehive Inn
Beehive Inn
1 minute' walk
Traditional pub with a cozy atmosphere, serving hearty Scottish fare and craft beers.
Petit Paris
Petit Paris
3 minutes' walk
Charming French bistro offering authentic cuisine and a warm, inviting ambiance.
The White Hart Inn
The White Hart Inn
3 minutes' walk
Historic inn known for its classic Scottish dishes and friendly service.
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
5 minutes' walk
Interactive exhibits featuring optical illusions and stunning views of Edinburgh.
The Stand Comedy Club
15 minutes' walk
Comedy venue hosting stand-up nights with a range of local and international comedians.
Getting around
City Centre
Edinburgh9 min  ·  2300 ft
Airports
Edinburgh (EDI)20 min  ·  8.2 mi
Glasgow (GLA)132 min  ·  54.4 mi
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:
6
Number of rooms:
169
Former name
Apex International

Guest Ratings & Reviews

Real Guest Experiences & Ratings
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Apex Grassmarket Hotel is often praised for its prime location, providing easy access to many bars and restaurants, with Edinburgh Castle being easily reachable on foot, in about 15 minutes from Waverley Station. A highlight for many guests is the stunning view of Edinburgh Castle from their rooms, especially from higher floors. the hotel is still considered a good value for money overall.
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Review score
Based on 2832 verified reviews
8.6/10
Great
85%
Recommend
Location
9.6/10
Staff
9.1/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.9/10
Value for money
8.0/10
Pros
Perfect location
Comfortable beds
Friendly staff
Daily cleaning
Cons
Awful breakfast
Noisy room
Pricey breakfast
Guest reviews
based on 2832 reviews
8.6/10
based on 1519 reviews
4/5
based on 3143 reviews
8.5/10
karen from united kingdom
Single
city double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 10, 2026
6/10
comfortable bedstrong disinfectant smellinsufficient ventilation
the room was clean upon arrival and the bed was comfortable.
the room smelled quite strongly of disinfectant, it was overpowering. also, the bathroom lacked sufficient ventilation, leading to lingering moisture and a musty smell. the temperature control in the room seemed ineffective, the room remained too warm even with the thermostat set low.
0 Helpful
Jessica from United Kingdom
Single
city double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 07, 2026
6/10

adequate location, concerning room issues

convenient locationexcessive street noisedirty bathroom
the location was convenient for accessing nearby attractions.
The room i was assigned had some significant issues. the noise from the street was excessive, possibly due to inadequate window insulation. also, the bathroom was not properly cleaned upon arrival. I found some hairs and smudges on the sink.
0 Helpful
Connor from Ireland
Family with children
Family Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 04, 2026
9/10
great locationfriendly staffcomfortable beds
The hotel has an Very nice location, near many shops and restaurants. The staff were friendly, also always available. The family room included comfortable beds and adequate space for luggage.
The room service menu was limited after 9 PM. Though not a major issue.
0 Helpful
Roy from United Kingdom
Single
family room
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 21, 2025
6/10
easy walklow pressureconstant noise
the location was alright i reckon easy walk to most stuff i wanted to see i guess
the shower pressure was laughable it barely dribbled out i reminded me of i was gettin' spit-cleaned. and dont get me started on the noise i could hear every single conversation from the room next door it was like they were practically in my bathroom
0 Helpful
Mary from United States
Family with children
Family Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 02, 2025
9.3/10

Castle Views is Lovely!

big upgradepolite staffyummy breakfast
I arrive and get big upgrade to family room. The view is the castle. Staff is polite. The hotel are beautiful. Breakfast are yummy. We book next stay. The pool is big and have clean water.
Location
9/10
The hotel has a perfect central spot. It is near many restaurants and bars. A market with food operates each Sunday in the square by the hotel, which are convenient.
Dining
10/10
The hotel organize tours. They offer recommendations for restaurants. I find choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I eat dinner at the hotel restaurant and food is delicious.
Rooms
9/10
The rooms have large double beds. The beds are comfortable. The pillows feel fantastic and soft. I see the castle from my room. The rooms are spacious and equipped.
0 Helpful
|
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Jane from United Kingdom
Single
City Double Room
3 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed:July 03, 2025
9/10
available watermodern gym
I enjoyed the gym. It has three treadmills. Fresh water was available on tap near the rooms (it was very handy).
The corridors seemed to lack thorough cleaning. The floor carpeting showed old stains.
0 Helpful
Questions of the users
About Apex Grassmarket Hotel
What are the costs if breakfast is not included in the booking for same-day purchases?
15 November 2024
Breakfast costs £18.50 per person if bought on the same day, or £16.50 if purchased in advance.
Are bathrobes and slippers provided in the rooms?
22 December 2024
Bathrobes and slippers are provided in the Castle View Deluxe Rooms.
What type of view can I expect from the family room?
10 January 2025
Family rooms feature a castle view but do not have balconies.
Can guests smoke on the balconies?
5 February 2024
Smoking is not allowed on the balconies, as they are not designated smoking areas.
Is there an age restriction for teenagers using the pool and gym?
12 March 2024
A 15-year-old may use the pool and gym with adult supervision.
How far is the hotel from the nearest train station?
8 April 2024
It is a 10-minute walk from Waverley Station and about 20 minutes from Haymarket Station.
Is there a convenient transport option from Edinburgh Airport to the hotel?
20 May 2024
Yes, the 100 Airlink bus from the airport stops at West End (Shandwick Place), from where it is less than a 10-minute walk to the hotel.
Do rooms with balconies offer private access?
30 June 2024
Rooms with balconies have private balconies that can only be accessed from your own room.
Will guests be able to enjoy New Year's Eve fireworks from their castle view rooms?
15 September 2024
Yes, castle view rooms offer excellent views of the New Year's Eve fireworks.
Is the swimming pool open for use by guests?
25 October 2024
Yes, the pool is open for guests, but time slots must be reserved with Reception upon check-in.
Is there a secure indoor area for bicycle storage?
18 November 2024
Bicycles can be securely stored at reception, and check-in begins at 14:00.
Are there accommodations available for wheelchair users?
23 December 2024
There are rooms available that are suitable for wheelchair users.
Can luggage be stored at the hotel after checkout?
11 January 2025
Yes, luggage can be stored at reception after checkout for guests to enjoy their day unencumbered.
Is there parking available at the hotel?
15 February 2025
Yes, the hotel provides parking facilities for guests.
Are irons and ironing boards available in the guest rooms?
28 March 2025
Yes, all rooms are equipped with an iron and ironing board.

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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room