Princes Street Suites

Princes Street Suites is a modern apartment hotel set in a historic 19th-century building with a storied past -- it exemplifies the Greek Revival work of the era’s leading Edinburgh architect, Archibald Eliot. Unfortunately, there’s little in the way of common spaces or amenities. The lobby is tiny, albeit welcoming, with big windows overlooking Waterloo Place, a simple front desk, and shelves lined with DVDs for guest use and various snacks and drinks for sale. The rooftop terrace is the only other common area in the hotel, and is a favorite among guests for a relaxed drink. There are just a few tables, but the views are to die for, stretching all the way from the Edinburgh Castle to Calton Hill and Arthur’s Seat. 

The hotel underwent extensive renovations in 2016, and interiors are elegant and contemporary, with subtle Scottish flair (tartan patterns on carpets and pillows, and blue accents throughout), and modern touches such as silver accents on lamps and mirrors. We spotted some wear and tear on walls in the hallways, and the blond-wood paneling is a tad bland, but the overall feel is cozy. 

The vibe is upmarket but comfortable, and laid-back enough for the many families who stay here. The hotel is also popular with couples and business travelers in town just for a few days during the week, or a long weekend. The Old Town Chambers is an excellent alternative for those with more cash to spare. It offers sophisticated studios and multi-room apartments in the heart of the Royal Mile, complete with an array of thoughtful extras and high-end features. Those who don’t need the amenities of an apartment have a number of options in the same price range as Princes Street Suites, including the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian, a luxury landmark hotel with elegant rooms, an indoor pool, and a top-notch spa. 

The Princes Street Suites is located on Waterloo Place, a busy road that turns into Princes Street (the town’s top shopping destination) two blocks away from the hotel. Directly opposite the property is Calton Hill, a lovely park home to several historic sights and with some of the best views in the city. There are many restaurants, bars, shops, and galleries nearby, including several supermarkets with all the necessities for stocking a kitchen. Waverley Train Station is directly behind the hotel, and there are several entrances within a three-minute walk of the front door. The shops of the Royal Mile are about a 10-minute walk from the hotel, as are St Gile’s Cathedral and the bus and tram stops to the airport. Holyrood Palace and the Edinburgh Castle are each within a 20-minute walk of the hotel. The airport is about a half-hour drive away.

Apartments at the Princes Street Suites range from cozy studios to spacious three-bedrooms, all with open-plan living areas, handsome wooden floors, and an elegant saturated blue palette. Decor is stylish and contemporary, with big couches featuring nailhead trims, silver accents in lamps, mirror frames, and ornamental fruit bowls, and tasteful wooden dining tables with upholstered chairs. Tartan patterns on rugs, pillows, and curtains combine with white coffee and end tables to give spaces some local charm. 

Each apartment has a spacious, open kitchen outfitted with an oven, cooktop, fridge, dishwasher, electric kettle, toaster, and all pots, pans and dining utensils necessary to prepare a full meal. Additionally, washer/dryers, DVD players, irons and ironing boards, and large flat-screen TVs are provided in all units. Each bedroom is furnished with two twin beds that can be zipped together to make a king bed, and an additional (smaller) TV. Free, reliable Wi-Fi is provided in all apartments, as are welcome packages with tea, coffee, shortbread, sugar, and milk. Safes are available on request. 

Most apartments have large windows, and though a few overlook the side of another building, most offer incomparable city views. Apartments are clean and generally in great shape (though there have been a few reports of some minor maintenance issues in a few units), and housekeeping service is provided daily, complete with fresh towels. Contemporary bathrooms have beige tiles throughout, either shower/tub combos or separate showers and tubs, and spacious sink areas with ample counter space. All bathrooms come stocked with Pecksniffs Mood Therapy toiletries and quality hairdryers. 

Princes Street Suites is light on amenities, but it does have a couple of great features. A rooftop terrace is the definite highlight. To get to it, guests have to climb a flight of stairs, as there is no elevator access, but the 360-degree views are worth the effort. The hotel is built on the side of the ravine at the bottom of which is located Waverley Station, which allows for unobstructed views of the beautiful Old Town, Edinburgh Castle, and Arthur’s Seat on one side, and of Calton Hill and the New Town on the other. There are a few concrete picnic tables and some plants, making it a popular spot for a drink in the warmer months. 

Snacks, wine, Champagne, beer, and sodas can be purchased at the front desk, which is staffed 24/7. There is also a decent collection of DVDs that guests can borrow during their stay.