"I was able to upgrade our room to a more luxurious room with a spectacular view of Edinburgh Castle, well worth the £120 upgrade fee."
Kim C from United States
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"The castle-view room was true to its name and I had a wonderful look at the castle at all hours."
amybatt from United States
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"The size and cleanliness of the room."
Rachal from United Kingdom
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"Delicious breakfast with every food you could want, freshly prepared and cooked to perfection!"
Libby Reed from United States
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"This is a great location for old town Edinburgh with pubs, restaurants and shops all around."
coreybates1 from United States
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Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Award-winning hotel with Edinburgh Castle views in Grassmarket
Rooms with Castle Views
Many rooms at the Apex Grassmarket Hotel offer direct views of Edinburgh Castle. Each room includes a 55-inch 4K Ultra HD TV with Google Cast and Freeview. Tea and coffee making facilities and free luxury toiletries are provided in each room.
Leisure Facilities
Guests can use the indoor heated swimming pool, open all year with a shallow end. The leisure facilities also include a sauna and solarium. The fitness centre is equipped with Technogym fitness equipment.
Dining
The Metro Bar & Brasserie serves seasonally rotating menus and offers views of Edinburgh Castle. Room service delivers meals and drinks directly to guest rooms. The restaurant can accommodate special diet menus and provides kids' meals.
Location and Accessibility
The hotel is located in the Grassmarket area, 600 metres from the Royal Mile and 550 metres from the National Museum of Scotland. Edinburgh Castle is a 15-minute walk from the hotel, and Edinburgh Airport is a 25-minute drive. The property offers wheelchair-accessible rooms, accessible parking, and an electric vehicle charging station.
Family and Business
Family rooms are available at the hotel, and children under 5 eat free at the restaurant. Highchairs and cots can be provided on request for young children. The hotel has flexible meeting spaces with castle views and an Expert Events team for events.
Highlights
Location: Grassmarket area, 600 m from Royal Mile and 550 m from National Museum of Scotland
Rooms: Many with direct Edinburgh Castle views and 55-inch 4K Ultra HD TVs
Leisure: Indoor heated pool, sauna, solarium, and Technogym fitness equipment
Dining: Metro Bar & Brasserie with seasonally rotating menus and castle views
Family: Children under 5 eat free, family rooms, cots on request
Awards: Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Award 2026
“The Apex Grassmarket sits in a truly vibrant Edinburgh locale, a place where you can step out and immediately find yourself amidst a good selection of pubs and eateries, with the advantage of on-site parking simplifying arrival. After exploring the city, the hotel's pool offers a welcome retreat, and the thoughtful touches, like cookies and bottled wine, certainly elevate the stay.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Uklothian
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
22 m²
2 Double beds
Heating
Shower
room details
City Double Room
2 persons
20 m²
1 Double bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Quadruple Room
2 persons
24 m²
2 King Size Beds
Heating
Shower
room details
Show all rooms
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
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
Electric vehicle charging station
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Sports & Fitness
Fitness centre
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site at GBP 20 per day.
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 Apex Grassmarket Hotel, dining comes alive at Metro Bar & Brasserie, where a delectable fusion of Scottish and international cuisines awaits. Guests can indulge in a vibrant and family-friendly atmosphere, all while soaking in breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle.
Metro Bar & Brasserie
Scottish and International
Ambiance
Family-friendly and modern setting with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle
Key Offerings
A menu featuring hearty vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, crafted with the finest Scottish produce by chef Tony Singh.
Reservation
Reservations recommended
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Apex Grassmarket Hotel Location
31-35 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2HS,
Map view
City landmarks
Museum
National Museum of Scotland
780 m
Landmark
Arthur's Seat hike
2.18 km
Landmark
The Real Mary King's Close
650 m
Palace
Palace of Holyroodhouse
1.83 km
Landmark
Calton Hill
1.48 km
Church
St Giles' Cathedral
750 m
Store
Edinburgh Old Town
780 m
Monument
Scott Monument
990 m
Landmark
Nelson Monument
1.61 km
Landmark
Princes Street
900 m
Landmark
Surgeons' Hall Museums
910 m
Botanical Garden
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
2.17 km
Museum
Museum of Childhood
910 m
Museum
Dynamic Earth
1.54 km
Landmark
Brass Rubbing Centre
740 m
Event hall
Edinburgh International Conference Centre
840 m
Museum
John Knox House
990 m
Gallery
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art One
2.11 km
Museum
The Museum of the Royal Scots and the Royal Regiment of Scotland
1.05 km
Nearby
Museum
Edinburgh Castle
540 m
Royal Mile
Royal Mile
390 m
Gallery
Scottish National Gallery
580 m
Park
Princes Street Gardens
500 m
Museum
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
370 m
Museum
The Writers' Museum
480 m
Museum
Gladstone's Land
450 m
Square
Grassmarket
20 m
354 Castlehill
The Scotch Whisky Experience
390 m
Cemetery
The Robertson Mausoleum
400 m
81-83 Grassmarket
Armstrong's Vintage
160 m
Restaurants
The White Hart Inn
170 m
32 Grassmarket
Petit Paris
190 m
38-40 Grassmarket
Beehive Inn
10 m
18/20 Grassmarket
Metro Bar and Brasserie
10 m
31-35 Grassmarket Street
Mamma's American Pizza
180 m
28-30 Grassmarket
The Fiddlers Arms
80 m
11-13 Grassmarket
Made In Italy
210 m
42 Grassmarket
Taylor Walker
150 m
18-20 Grassmarket
Pumpkin Brown
150 m
16 Grassmarket
The Last Drop
220 m
74-78 Grassmarket
Fiddlers Inn
90 m
1-13 Grassmarket
Cold Town House
130 m
4 Grassmarket
Explore Edinburgh
Explore Edinburgh
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Edinburgh Castle
7 minutes' walk
Historic fortress offering stunning views of the city and rich history. Guided tours available for an in-depth experience.
The Real Mary King's Close
8 minutes' walk
Fascinating underground tour revealing Edinburgh's hidden streets and stories from the past.
National Museum of Scotland
10 minutes' walk
Comprehensive exhibits showcasing Scotland's history, culture, and inventions. Free admission every day.
Arthur's Seat Hike
25 minutes' walk
Iconic hiking spot with breathtaking views of the city. A perfect adventure for thrill-seekers.
Edinburgh Bike Tours
10 minutes' walk
Guided bike rides exploring the city's top sites. Bike rentals available for independent exploration.
Yoga in the Meadows
12 minutes' walk
Weekly outdoor yoga classes in a tranquil park setting, ideal for relaxation and wellness.
The Edinburgh Ghost Tour
5 minutes' walk
Chilling stories and haunted sites in historic Old Town. A must for those seeking a thrill.
Beehive Inn
1 minute' walk
Traditional Scottish pub with hearty classics. Known for its lively atmosphere and local ales.
Petit Paris
3 minutes' walk
Charming French bistro with a cozy ambiance. Enjoy authentic dishes like coq au vin and delectable pastries.
Metro Bar and Brasserie
1 minute' walk
Modern brasserie offering a diverse menu, including vegan options. Casual dining with a stylish twist.
The Stand Comedy Club
10 minutes' walk
Renowned venue for live comedy with weekly performances featuring both emerging and well-known comedians.
The Queen's Hall
18 minutes' walk
Vibrant concert hall hosting a range of performances, from classical music to contemporary shows with a welcoming vibe.
Scotch Whisky Experience
10 minutes' walk
Interactive tours showcasing Scotland's whisky heritage, complete with tastings and immersive experiences.
Getting around
City Centre
Edinburgh 9 min · 700 m
Airports
Edinburgh (EDI) 20 min · 13.2 km
Glasgow (GLA) 132 min · 87.5 km
Bus
Bus stop 4 min · 300 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 on site at GBP 20 per day.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP 19.5 per person.
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
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Apex Grassmarket Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Cleanliness
8.6/10
Comfort
8.7/10
Facilities
8.4/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.7/10
Location
9.6/10
Staff
9.1/10
Value for money
7.7/10
Pros
Excellent location
Castle views
Spacious rooms
Comfortable bedding
Cons
Noisy functions
Tired decor
Maintenance issues
Inconsistent water temperature
Guest reviews
based on 1519 reviews
4/5
based on 3117 reviews
8.3/10
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
Are bathrobes and slippers available in the rooms?
12 November 2024
Bathrobes and slippers are provided in all Castle View Deluxe Rooms for added comfort.
Is there a bus or tram that goes directly from the airport to the hotel?
5 January 2025
The Airlink bus service from the airport stops at West End (Shandwick Place), which is less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
How convenient is it to reach a train station from here?
3 April 2024
The hotel is just a 10-minute walk from Waverley Station and about 20 minutes on foot from Haymarket Station.
Are guests allowed to smoke on the balconies?
22 March 2025
Smoking is not permitted on the balconies; designated areas are available for smoking on the hotel premises.
Can my teenager accompany me to the pool and gym facilities?
11 February 2024
Yes, a 15-year-old is welcome to use the pool and gym facilities, but must be supervised by an adult at all times.
What is the walking distance to the castle, and are taxis available to take me there?
19 September 2024
The castle is a 10-minute walk away, primarily uphill, but taxis can be arranged through reception for convenience.
What sets apart a family room from a twin room?
15 December 2024
Family rooms have castle views and are front-facing, while twin rooms overlook the car park at the back.
Are Apex Grassmarket Hotel and Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel the same property?
8 October 2024
These are two distinct hotels, located just one minute apart from each other.
Can guests expect noise from the street in castle view rooms?
4 May 2025
Castle view rooms overlook the busy Grassmarket street, which can be noisy. Earplugs can be provided, and higher floor rooms may be available upon request.
Are cycling machines available in the hotel's fitness centre?
30 June 2024
Yes, cycling machines are included among the fitness equipment in the gym.
Can guests view the New Year fireworks from their rooms?
29 December 2024
The castle view rooms offer excellent sights of the New Year fireworks display.
Is there provision for luggage storage? Is there a fee?
18 August 2024
Luggage storage is available free of charge for guests during their stay.
Are there electric vehicle charging points available at the hotel?
27 November 2024
Electric vehicle charging points are available in the hotel car park.
Are pets permitted at this hotel?
21 February 2025
Only service animals are permitted on the hotel premises; pets are not allowed.
Can a travel cot be brought for my infant, or can one be provided?
25 January 2025
A travel cot may be brought along, or one can be arranged free of charge if requested.
Are the hotel balconies private or shared among guests?
2 July 2024
Each Deluxe Balcony room features a private balcony for the exclusive use of that room.
What are the dimensions of the swimming pool?
14 March 2025
The swimming pool measures 6 meters by 3 meters.
Do hotel rooms come equipped with a hair dryer?
16 April 2024
Yes, all rooms include a hair dryer for guest convenience.
Is there a laundry facility on site, such as a washer and dryer?
1 September 2024
While there are no washers and dryers on the premises, a laundry service is available for guests.
Are elevators available in the hotel?
13 October 2024
Yes, there are lifts in the hotel for ease of access, although there are steps at the entrance.
Is there an airport shuttle service offered?
24 May 2024
Currently, there is no shuttle service running between the hotel and the airport.
Can the family rooms have windows that open?
31 August 2024
Yes, windows in family rooms can be opened, but are restricted to a maximum of 10 cm for safety.
Is the gym and pool area currently operational?
8 January 2025
The gym, swimming pool, sauna, and steam room are open for use but require a booking for access.
Are extra towels provided for use at the pool?
12 July 2024
Additional towels are provided at the pool for guest use.
Are there accommodations that feature balconies?
16 November 2024
Certain rooms do have balconies. Availability can be checked when selecting dates for booking.
Are vegan options available during breakfast service?
27 February 2025
Vegan breakfast options are offered, and servers will be happy to assist if informed upon arrival.
Is breakfast served at the hotel?
13 March 2025
Breakfast is available; availability may vary, so checking when selecting dates is recommended.
What are the standard check-in and check-out times?
21 April 2024
Check-in is from 15:00, and check-out is by 11:00. Special requests for earlier or later times can be made but are not guaranteed.
How many parking spaces are available at the hotel?
9 May 2025
Parking operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and space availability cannot be guaranteed. Disabled parking can be reserved upon request.
Is it possible to park on-site?
3 June 2024
Yes, on-site parking is available for a daily fee of £20, but reservations cannot be made in advance.
Do accommodations come with private bathrooms?
10 September 2024
Yes, all rooms feature their own private en-suite bathrooms. Availability can be checked when booking.
What attractions and restaurants can be found nearby?
20 January 2025
To explore restaurants, attractions, and public transport options near the hotel, a link to the property surroundings can be found.
Is dining available within the hotel?
4 October 2024
Yes, there is an on-site restaurant available for guests.
Does the hotel feature a wellness or spa center?
19 November 2024
There is no dedicated spa or wellness center at the hotel.
Is the pool open for use with a baby?
2 December 2024
Yes, the pool is accessible for adults accompanying babies.
Is the swimming pool currently available?
26 January 2025
Yes, the swimming pool is open for guests to enjoy.