Apex Haymarket Hotel

The Apex Haymarket may be among the brand’s most basic properties in Edinburgh, but it’s still contemporary and appealing. The building itself is nothing to write home about, and the long-term construction right outside the entrance is quite an eyesore, but interiors feel cozy and homey. While the sparsely decorated reception is a bit uninspired, the restaurant and bar are inviting, with warm lights and big windows, plush armchairs, and lots of wood finishes. Dark-purple accent walls in both spaces add some style. The hotel was quiet during the day when we visited, but the bar seemed like a popular spot for evening drinks, and the restaurant’s reasonable prices, big portions, and tasty food usually draw many guests for dinner. 

The Apex Haymarket is better suited for those in town for a weekend or on business than for travelers planning to spend lots of time on-site due to the size of rooms and limited amenities available. Sister property Apex Grassmarket Hotel may be a better pick for travelers wanting something with more amenities without breaking the bank, featuring an indoor pool, two solid restaurants, and a great location close to major attractions in the Old Town. The nearby Piries Hotel is a good option for budget-conscious travelers, while both the Jurys Inn Edinburgh and the Holyrood apartHOTEL offer more central locations and pleasant rooms for just a few extra dollars. 

The Apex Haymarket Hotel is located on a quiet block on the western edge of the lovely Haymarket neighborhood. Though there aren’t many major attractions in the immediate area, the stunning St Mary’s Cathedral is less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and there are lots of cute cafes and small local shops within a couple of blocks. The property is not within walking distance of Edinburgh’s top attractions -- such as the Castle, Royal Mile, and National Museum of Scotland -- but it is well-connected via public transport to the Old and New Towns. Haymarket train and tram station is just down the street, and several buses stop within three blocks of the hotel, including the airport lines. Princes Street and Murrayfield Stadium can each be reached in about 15 minutes on foot. The Apex Haymarket is a 20-minute drive from the airport.

Ranging between 18 and 20 square meters (193 and 215 square feet), rooms at the Apex Haymarket are small even by urban European hotel standards. A smart combination of clean lines and warm lights keep them from feeling cramped, but Small City Rooms (the standard type here) are better suited for a single guest than a couple, as there is little space to move around. Rooms are somewhat generic but pleasant, with patterned wallpaper, raspberry or olive-green accents, black-and-white photos, and many small lights. Big beds topped with duvets and four pillows often receive praise from past guests. 

Each room is outfitted with all the expected amenities of a three-pearl hotel, including free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV with a few international channels, and a hairdryer, plus a few nice extras, such as free bottled water, an electric kettle, and free hot chocolate and biscuits. Unfortunately, rooms lack mini-fridges and safes. Bathrooms are modern and clean, with either beige or gray tiles throughout, shower/tub combos or big walk-in showers, and small round sinks. Basic toiletries such as shower gel, shampoo, and hand soap are provided, along with the hotel's signature rubber duck.

Metro West End Bar & Restaurant offers a varied, tasty international menu in a light-filled space overlooking the street. Portions are generous and prices are right, making it a popular lunch pick among office workers in the area and among guests in the evening. A small continental and cooked breakfast is served in the morning as well, but it is not included in the standard rate. The adjacent bar offers a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and it's equipped with a large TV showing sports events in the afternoon and news during the day. 

Three meeting rooms with audiovisual equipment and space for up to 80 guests are on-site. There are also a few parking spots in a secured outdoor area adjacent to the hotel, but they’re only available on a first-come, first-served basis and are an extra charge. Same-day laundry service is also available for a fee. Travelers may be disappointed that there are no fitness or wellness facilities of any kind.