APEX GRASSMARKET HOTEL | Edinburgh ★ Prime Downtown Location & Comfort

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Key details

Hotel Details

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

Great location
Comfortable beds
Delicious breakfast
Helpful staff

"We stayed in the deluxe room with a balcony overlooking the charming grassmarket square in the old town with a stunning view of the castle."

Andrew-58842 from United States

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"Fantastic view of Edinburgh castle from our room."

Karen from United States

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"The castle view from the room was stunning!"

Victoria from United Kingdom

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Amenities

Apex Grassmarket Hotel offers an indoor heated swimming pool, a sauna for relaxation, and a fully equipped gym with Technogym fitness equipment. The hotel features flexible meeting spaces with stunning views and state-of-the-art amenities. Guests can also unwind at the hotel's intimate bar area after a day of exploring Edinburgh.

Rooms

The hotel boasts a range of accommodations, including Castle View Deluxe Rooms with private balconies overlooking Edinburgh Castle. Family Rooms provide space for up to four guests with two queen-size beds and luxury amenities. City Rooms offer a cozy base for travelers with queen-size beds, a spacious bathroom, and thoughtful in-room extras.

Location

Situated in the historic Grassmarket area, the hotel is steps away from iconic attractions like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. The property also offers convenient access to various restaurants, cafes, and shops nearby. Edinburgh Waverley train station is a short 10-minute walk from the hotel, enhancing its accessibility.

Wellness

Guests can enjoy a refreshing start or end to their day at the indoor swimming pool or relax in the sauna. The hotel's fully equipped gym includes a range of Technogym fitness equipment for those seeking to maintain their fitness routines. Aqua fitness classes may also be available upon request for an engaging workout experience.

Dining

Metro restaurant at Apex Grassmarket offers a varied menu with Scottish and international dishes while boasting unrivaled views through wall-to-wall windows. Guests can experience breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a scenic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Room service is available for a convenient dining experience in private accommodations.

Highlights

Location: Grassmarket area, steps from Edinburgh Castle

Rooms: Castle View Deluxe Rooms with private balconies

Dining: Metro restaurant with castle views

Wellness: Indoor heated swimming pool and sauna

“The Apex Grassmarket excels at the fundamentals, providing modern comfort in a prime Old Town location. Its greatest asset, however, might be the exceptional staff, ready to assist in unexpected circumstances with genuine warmth. I think its proximity to Edinburgh Castle is a defining factor, and makes this a very strong choice.”

Charlotte EvansHead of Editorial at Hotelsdowntown

Location: Perfect

9.6/10Review score

Map View

Highlights from guests

Room FeaturesCastle views!

The room was spacious with a super king-sized bed. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered incredible views of the castle.

Harriet from England

Review on

DiningBreakfast Yummy!

Breakfast had so many options, from buffet to menu. Haggis was my favourite!

Cameron from Scotland

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Spa & LeisurePool & Sauna

I enjoyed the swimming pool and dry sauna room. Extra towels were provided. There are also changing areas and showers.

Kenji from Japan

Review on

Guest ParkingEasy Parking

Parking on-site was easy, allowing walking access to everything imaginable.

Amelia from Australia

Review on

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Select room type

Choose from double rooms, family suites, and premium stays. Enjoy breakfast, flexible cancellations, and exclusive 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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Facilities

Hotel has comfortable rooms, premium services, and a prime downtown location

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

Dining Onsite

At the Apex Grassmarket Hotel, the Metro Bar & Brasserie invites guests to indulge in a delightful blend of Scottish and international cuisines. With a focus on family-friendly dining amidst modern decor, enjoy remarkable views of Edinburgh Castle while savoring dishes that celebrate local produce.

Metro Bar & Brasserie

Scottish and International

Ambiance

Family-friendly atmosphere with modern decor and stunning views of Edinburgh Castle.

Key Offerings

An array of options including vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free meals, perfect for various dietary preferences.

Reservation

Reservations recommended.

Breakfast: 07:00 - 10:30; Lunch: 12:00 - 20:30 (Monday to Friday); Breakfast: 07:00 - 11:00; Lunch: 12:00 - 20:30 (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

Edinburgh Castle

7 minutes' walk

A historic fortress offering stunning city views and exhibits on Scotland's royal history. A must-visit for history buffs.

National Museum of Scotland

10 minutes' walk

A fascinating museum showcasing Scottish history and culture. Free admission and various exhibits make it appealing for families.

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

5 minutes' walk

An engaging attraction featuring optical illusions and interactive exhibits, perfect for families and fun-seekers.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

25 minutes' walk

The official residence of the monarch in Scotland, featuring stunning gardens and state rooms. A unique glimpse into royal life.

Arthur's Seat Hike

25 minutes' walk

A rewarding hike with panoramic views of Edinburgh. Ideal for adventure lovers, with trails for various skill levels.

Yoga at The Meadows

12 minutes' walk

Serene yoga sessions in a picturesque park. Perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation amidst your city exploration.

The White Hart Inn

3 minutes' walk

Traditional pub with hearty Scottish fare and a cozy atmosphere. Renowned for its haggis and craft beers.

Metro Bar and Brasserie

1 minute' walk

Contemporary brasserie offering a diverse menu, from local dishes to international flavors. Great for casual dining.

Petit Paris

3 minutes' walk

Charming French restaurant with a warm vibe, serving classic dishes and excellent wine options. Reservations recommended.

The Bongo Club

18 minutes' walk

A vibrant venue known for live music and club nights, ideal for night owls looking for a fun atmosphere and unique events.

The Stand Comedy Club

20 minutes' walk

Host to some of the best stand-up acts, offering a lively atmosphere. Family-friendly shows are available on certain nights.

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:

Number of rooms:

169

Former name

Apex International

Reviews and Ratings

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

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Apex Grassmarket Hotel enjoys a perfect location right in the Grassmarket area, with Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile within easy reach, and many restaurants and pubs nearby. Some guests have pointed out that rooms can sometimes be on the smaller side and some encountered minor maintenance issues, but others found the rooms spacious and well-equipped. The breakfast buffet at the Metro Restaurant is generous, and the hotel also features a swimming pool, adding to the excellent value for money.

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Review score

Based on 2635 verified reviews

8.6/10

Great

86%

Recommend

Location

9.6/10

Staff

9.1/10

Paid Wi-Fi

7.9/10

Value for money

8.0/10

Pros

Comfortable beds

Excellent location

Friendly staff

Good breakfast

Cons

Price fluctuation

HVAC noise

based on 1519 reviews

4/5

Luke from United Kingdom

Family with children

Castle View Superior Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:February 14, 2026

9.5/10

lovely stay!

spacious feellovely viewperfect temperaturefirm mattress

the room had such a spacious feel. the castle view from the room blew my mind, it was lovely. i loved the option to adjust the thermostat, i set the perfect temperature! the early check-in after that long flight was so helpful.

the mattress felt a little too firm for my liking, so i'd have preferred something a bit softer. it did impact my sleep quality a bit.

Facilities

9/10

the hotel offers a well-equipped gym! it includes several treadmills and stationary bikes for a complete workout. filtered water dispensers are available on each floor, and that makes refilling water bottles so easy.

Service

10/10

the staff members are very friendly and always ready to assist with a smile, and that makes a huge difference. they quickly addressed all my questions and requests, and they ensured a smooth and pleasant stay. early check-in was handled seamlessly too.

0 Helpful

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jennifer from united kingdom

Family with children

family room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 09, 2025

6/10

adequate stay with some drawbacks

polite staffblinking lightdirty door

the staff was polite, a positive aspect.

the main light in my room kept blinking, distracting. the bathroom needed a paint job and the door was dirty. dust flew off the curtains, indicating a lack of cleaning (this made my allergies worse).

0 Helpful

Jane from United Kingdom

Single

City Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:November 25, 2025

9.0/10

Really good Stay, Was superb!

central locationattentive stafffresh water

The hotel enjoys a great location, right in the heart of the city. Staff members were very polite and attentive. Nothing seemed too much trouble. Fresh water was available on tap near the rooms which was very handy (I refilled my bottle constantly!).

The bathroom tap dripped continuously. I hope they fix that soon!

Dining

9/10

Breakfast included a great view of the castle. It created a nice start to the day. The selection of food was wide, offering many choices. I liked the pancakes (they were fluffy!).

Rooms

9/10

The room included a big, easy-to-use TV, and the shower had great pressure. A safe, fridge, iron, and ironing board were present in the room. Chairs also allowed for comfortable seating during my downtime.

0 Helpful

Layla from United Kingdom

Single

City Twin Room

4 nights in June 2025

Reviewed:September 10, 2025

6/10

adequate stay downtown

spacious roomhelpful staffpoor sound-proofingloud noise

the room was nice and spacious. it was cleaned and presented well. the staff at the reception desk and those serving were friendly and helpful.

the rooms are not sound-proof. i had terrible night sleep on the first night due to the loud noise and drunk people shouting on the street.

0 Helpful

FAQs

About Apex Grassmarket Hotel

What are the check-in and check-out times at Apex Grassmarket Hotel?

Check-in is at 14:30 and check-out is at 11:00.

How far is Apex Grassmarket Hotel from Edinburgh Castle?

The hotel is about 1 km from Edinburgh Castle.

What dining options are available at Apex Grassmarket Hotel?

The hotel features the Metro Bar & Brasserie, which offers seasonally rotating menus and views of Edinburgh Castle.

Is parking available at Apex Grassmarket Hotel?

Limited public parking is available on-site for £20 per day, and spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

What amenities are included in the rooms at Apex Grassmarket Hotel?

Rooms include a widescreen TV, en suite bathroom with luxury toiletries, tea/coffee making facilities, and free Wi-Fi.

What fitness facilities are available at Apex Grassmarket Hotel?

The hotel features a fitness centre with Technogym equipment, an indoor heated swimming pool, and sauna.

Are there any nearby restaurants to Apex Grassmarket Hotel?

Nearby dining options include The Fiddlers Arms, Mary's Milk Bar, The Black Bull, Beehive Inn, The Last Drop, Petit Paris, The White Hart Inn, and Cafe Jacques, all within 0.5 km.

What time does the breakfast service start at Apex Grassmarket Hotel?

Breakfast is available for an additional charge of £19.

How far is Apex Grassmarket Hotel from Edinburgh Airport?

The hotel is approximately 12 km from Edinburgh Airport, which takes about 25 minutes by taxi.