THE SPIRES SERVICED APARTMENTS EDINBURGH, Edinburgh

The Spires Serviced Apartments sit on a main street in the New Town, placing the Edinburgh Castle (800 m), Princes Street, and the Royal Mile all within a 12-minute walk. The nearest airport bus stop is a few minutes away, and Waverley Station is a 10-minute walk, making car-free arrival straightforward. Several bars and restaurants line the street, and the immediate area has cafés, shops, and supermarkets. The building itself is above a nightclub and bars, so street-facing apartments on lower floors experience amplified noise from music and late-night guests until 3-4am. Rear-facing or higher-floor units are noticeably quieter. Road noise and early morning glass collection (from 5am) affect some rooms, so light sleepers should plan accordingly.

The apartments range from studios to two-bedroom units, each with a seating area, flat-screen TV, and carpeted floors. Kitchens include a stovetop, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, toaster, kettle, and basic cookware, allowing self-catering. Beds are universally described as very comfortable, and all can be configured as twin or double upon request. Two-bedroom apartments typically have one ensuite plus a main bathroom with a walk-in shower. Some units face the rear, offering significantly more quiet than those overlooking the street, which experience noise from the nightclub below and early-morning refuse collection. Some apartments are described as tired, with minor wear such as scuffed walls or stained sofas. Heating is centrally controlled - some apartments have had intermittent warmth, particularly in bathrooms. Studio and one-bedroom units are compact but well laid out for short stays.

The property has no on-site restaurant or bar, but the fully equipped kitchen in each apartment makes self-catering easy. Breakfast is a continental selection served (ordered ahead) - a practical option for a quick start. The surrounding streets are dense with cafés, pubs, and restaurants within a few minutes' walk, including Italian, sushi, salad, and bar food. For a fuller morning meal, nearby cafés such as Urban Angel offer a varied breakfast menu. Dinner options are plentiful, with Bar Napoli, Yes Sushi, and others all within 0.5 km. The kitchen is well suited for preparing meals for groups or families, though some have noted the lack of a proper coffee machine (only a kettle).

Wi-Fi is free and accessible in all apartments, suitable for browsing and streaming. The lift serves all floors but requires stepping up six stairs at the entrance, and is limited to two people at a time. Luggage storage is available at the reception desk during weekday office hours (Mon-Fri 9:30-18:00) - useful if arriving early or departing late. Self-check-in instructions are emailed 24 hours before arrival, and the building uses key code access for after-hours entry. A security deposit of £150 is required on arrival and refunded within 5 working days. Pets are welcome with a nightly fee of £10. Smoking is not permitted. Ironing facilities, a washing machine, and a tumble dryer are provided in each apartment, making extended stays more convenient. The property has no spa, swimming pool, or fitness centre.