The Balmoral HotelvsApex Waterloo Place Hotel
Both properties are rated highly by reviewers writing for major publications. Overall, The Balmoral Hotel scores significantly higher than Apex Waterloo Place Hotel. The Balmoral Hotel is ranked #2 in Edinburgh with recommendations from 16 reviewers including Gayot, Hideaway Report and Insight Guides.
The Balmoral Hotel Show All Reviews
1 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ, Scotland
From $227/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
Michelin Guide
"Classically styled bedrooms with rich fabrics and a subtle contemporary edge... Highly detailed service."
Frommer's
"Almost directly above Waverley railway station, The Balmoral's soaring clock tower is a city landmark, famously set a few minutes fast for the benefit of those on the way to the train." Full review
Concierge
"It could not be more central or more subtly beautiful... on the other hand, its rates could hardly be higher."
Insight Guides
"Edinburgh's classic five-star hotel located at the east end of Princes Street in a large and imposing building. Excellent service, sublime restaurants and a luxurious atmosphere."
Jetsetter
"Impressive historic hotel that combines Edwardian finery with up-to-date luxury in the heart of Edinburgh." Full review
i
Choose from the chic Art Deco brasserie Hadrian’s — designed by Olga Polizzi — or the refined Michelin-starred Number One. Book ahead for a corner banquette and a tasting menu experience amid reimagined Edwardian sophistication.
Lonely Planet
"The sumptuous Balmoral – a prominent landmark at the eastern end of Princes St – offers some of the best accommodation in Edinburgh." Full review
DK Eyewitness
"Boasting the best known address in Edinburgh, The Balmoral is favoured by those who are accustomed to the very best in life."
Star Service
"This establishment is one of the few grand railway hotels remaining in the U.K, and a prime address for demanding commercial and leisure travelers." Full review
Gayot
"The hotel location couldn't be better... top notch dining can be found downstairs at Number One, the stylish hotel-restaurant featuring Chef Jeff Bland."
Condé Nast Traveler
84.4
""You can easily walk into the Old Town" from this "spectacular historic hotel in a fabulous location" on Princes Street, the city’s main shopping drag." Full review
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
23 - 27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh EH1 3BH, Scotland
From $121/night
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
- Laundy Room
- Restaurant
Time Out
"Modern, comfortable and handsome in a 21st century sort of way, the rooms at the front of the building overlook the historic Old Calton Cemetery across the road." Full review
Star Service
"Along the eastern end of Princes Street...this midrange hotel fits a category that attracts the average tourist or the budget-focused business traveler." Full review
The Telegraph
8.0
"Charles Dickens — once a guest in Edinburgh’s first purpose-built hotel — certainly would not recognise this latest incarnation." Full review
Oyster
Upscale
"Apex Waterloo Place Hotel is an upscale hotel located in Edinburgh's Old Town -- on the east end of Princes Street." Full review
Independent
"Guests will split into two camps. Those who’ll use the swimming pool, spa, gym, restaurant and bar; and those who’ll enjoy it as a jumping-off point for the nearby Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace"
Michelin Guide
"The style is perfectly in keeping with contemporary British hotel modernism, brighter and more clean-lined...rooms are all quite up to date in functional terms as well" Full review