The original Waterloo Hotel opened its doors back in 1819 and it was one of the first large scale hotels to grace Edinburgh. It was designed by Archibald Elliot and could accommodate up to 50 guests. It originally had huge dining rooms designed to cater for parties and a grand 80- by 40-foot ballroom, complete with crystal chandeliers. It was a popular venue for various forms of entertainment and played host to Charles Dickens and the British Prime Minister Early Grey.

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel — Photo courtesy of Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

In 1898, the hotel closed its doors and was sold to the North British Railway company which used it as offices. It was altered in 1912 when the Edinburgh and Leith Corporation Gas Commissioners moved in. Apex Hotels acquired the building in 2006, and after 120 years as offices, it was transformed back into a hotel. It cost £30 million to transform it into a luxury 4 star boutique hotel with 186 stylish, spacious bedrooms and suites.

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel — Photo courtesy of Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

The new Apex Waterloo Place Hotel has free Wi-Fi throughout, a bar and restaurant, function rooms and a spa with a pool. It’s in a great location to serve as a base for exploring Edinburgh and it’s only a short walk from the main rail and bus stations and shops, like Jenners on Princes Street. The façade suggests Georgian grandeur, but the style inside is very much that of a modern boutique hotel offering contemporary comfort, although period features were restored where possible.