The Spires Edinburgh

The rooms face busy streets, so there was club noise and people coming back late, then glass recycling collections early on both Saturday and Sunday. The central heating runs on a timer, which meant waiting for it to come on when I returned to a cold flat. There were no extra blankets in the rooms, and none available at weekends. Reception is closed all weekend, a detail not mentioned in the emails. That also means you can't leave your bags there to explore the city, arrange a late checkout, or get breakfast. The room doors all close automatically, which made the place feel like a hostel. The TV is small and has no internet, just regular TV channels.

The location more than makes up for the bit of morning street noise. You're right in the heart of Edinburgh. The apartments were comfortable and well equipped, and the check-in email gave clear instructions, so we didn't need to see any staff. Communication was excellent. We had a great stay.

We only stayed a short time, but it was pleasant. The rooms were clean, and the apartment had what we needed, including kitchenware and basic toiletries. Check-in was easy. We arrived too early, so left our bags in the corridor; the place seemed safe, and the receptionist was pleasant. I think his name was Brian. Staff were friendly, and everything we needed was within walking distance.

We were four people and found the apartment comfortable for our group. It's a good price for such a convenient location, with shops, cafes, restaurants and sights all within about a 20-minute walk. Getting around and checking in and out on our own was easy, though we didn't speak with staff. The soundproofing could be better, but that seems common in Scottish buildings. The lift fits about two people with two bags, which makes sense in a smaller, older apartment building. The macerator took a little getting used to, and the noise can be surprising if you've never encountered one. Still, I'd happily stay again.