DESTINY SCOTLAND MARKET STREET APARTMENTS, Edinburgh

The location is exceptionally central, with Edinburgh Castle 1 km away, Camera Obscura and World of Illusions a 5-minute walk, and Edinburgh Playhouse a 12-minute stroll. The airport bus (Airlink) stop and tram line are a 2-3 minute walk, providing frequent direct connections to the airport every 10-15 minutes. Despite being above Market Street pubs, many apartments remain quiet at night, though windows open directly onto the street, so rooms facing the road may pick up some station and street noise. The area is densely packed with restaurants, including Gurkha Cafe, Burgers and Beers, Viva Mexico, and Angel's with Bagpipes, all within a 5-minute walk-making self-catering optional for most meals.

The apartments are compact but well laid out, with separate bedrooms and living areas on the larger units. Kitchens include a stovetop, full-size refrigerator, dishwasher, kitchenware, electric kettle, tea and coffee supplies, and often a coffee capsule machine. All apartments have their own private bathroom with a shower, hairdryer, free toiletries (Noble Isle brand), and a safe deposit box. Beds vary: some are comfortable king-size, while a number of reports note very uncomfortable mattresses with broken springs or sagging, particularly in certain units. Pillows are generally low quality. Upper-floor apartments (4th and 5th floor) can feel very warm, as the heating is centrally controlled and cannot be adjusted-opening windows is the only solution, but this admits street noise. Rooms are non-smoking throughout. No lift access exists; all units are reached via 70-93 narrow steps, with the lowest apartment on the 2nd floor. This makes the property better suited to fit, light-packers and couples rather than those with mobility difficulties, heavy luggage, or respiratory issues.

The fully equipped kitchens allow guests to prepare their own meals, with a stovetop, dishwasher, microwave, toaster, and an electric kettle provided. Tea, coffee, milk and sugar are supplied on arrival. There is no on-site restaurant or bar. The surrounding Market Street and Royal Mile area is dense with dining options - Gurkha Cafe, Burgers and Beers, Viva Mexico, Makars Gourmet Mash Bar, Devil's Advocate, and Angel's with Bagpipes are all within a 3- to 5-minute walk. The nearest grocery stores are a short walk away, so stocking up for longer stays is manageable but not immediate.

There are no wellness or leisure facilities within the building. The apartments are centrally located within an easy walk of Edinburgh Castle (1 km), the National Museum of Scotland (7 min), Camera Obscura and World of Illusions (5 min), and the Royal Mile (7 min). For those staying longer, the building does offer free laundry facilities (washing machines in the common area), which is a practical advantage for city-break travellers.

The building is secured with CCTV, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and 24-hour security. Access is by individually coded keypad - the same code works for the building entrance, apartment door and luggage storage. Luggage storage on the 1st and 2nd floors is available before check-in and after check-out until midnight, using the same code. Laundry machines are located in the common area and are free to use. There is no lift and no staffed reception desk; all communication is via email or phone, with check-in instructions sent 2-3 days before arrival. The property does not provide daily housekeeping unless requested. Safety deposit boxes are available in each apartment. Cots can be provided free of charge. Cleaning is reported as generally good, though some apartments have worn, stained carpets that may not meet expectations.