The hype
Travelers love the massive rooms and the rooftop views but consistently warn about the train station noise.
Princes Street Suites
$150-250/ night
Book this if You want a massive apartment for a group trip right in the city center and don't mind the rumble of trains.
Why People Love It
- Rooftop terrace with killer views of the castle and Calton Hill
- Apartments are huge compared to standard Edinburgh hotel rooms
- Kitchens and laundry facilities make long stays easy
Quick Take: It's a spacious, modern crash pad built on top of a noisy train station, not a full-service hotel.
Reviewed by @conciergekate: I was shocked by how huge these apartments are—way bigger than a standard hotel room. The furniture is simple, but the location is unbeatable. My favorite part was definitely the rooftop terrace; having a quiet coffee there with that Castle view was unforgettable.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'snack bar' is just a small reception kiosk, and the 'bar' is often just the reception area—don't expect a buzzing hotel lobby scene.
- You are traveling with a family or group and need separate bedrooms
- You want to cook your own meals to save money
- You plan to be out exploring all day and just need a central base
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: On request for sustainability. You might need to ask for fresh towels.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally sparkling, though some grout wear in older units.
- Maintenance: Good condition, modern furniture, though some carpets show high-traffic wear.
- Linens & towels: Standard hotel quality, clean and crisp.
- Odors & scents: Neutral/fresh. No lingering smoke smells reported.
Sleepability™
5.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Waverley Station PA system (starts ~5:30 AM)
- Street traffic from Waterloo Place (front rooms)
- Internal noise from other guests in hallways
Before you book
Good to know
- Reception is 24 hours, but it's more like a front desk than a concierge.
- Luggage storage is free after checkout, but overnight storage costs £5.
- Washer/dryers are guaranteed in Studios and Penthouses, but request them for other room types.
What to pack
- High-quality earplugs (essential for back rooms)
- Coffee pods/tea bags (starter pack provided, but you'll want more)
- Slippers (floors can be cold)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Penthouse Suite (for the private balcony and best views)
- High-floor front-facing rooms (for Calton Hill views and less train noise)
Rooms to avoid
- Rear-facing rooms on lower floors (direct line of sight/sound to train platforms)
- Rooms near the elevator (can be noisy with foot traffic)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am a light sleeper. Please assign a room facing Waterloo Place/Calton Hill on a high floor, strictly away from the rear side overlooking Waverley Station tracks.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there parking?
No on-site parking. Guests get a discount at Q-Park Omni Centre nearby (£14.40/24h).
Is breakfast included?
No. You can buy a 'Breakfast Hamper' for £8.50/person, but there is no hot buffet.
Do the rooms have air conditioning?
Most listings say 'climate control' or fans; do not expect powerful American-style AC.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed for a fee of £50 per stay.
How close is the train station?
Literally next door/underneath. You can walk to Waverley Station in 3 minutes.
Is there a gym?
No on-site gym.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The rooftop terrace is often empty—bring your own wine for a private sunset view of the castle.
- ✨
Ask for a 'duplex' apartment if you want the living area and sleeping area on different floors for privacy.
- ✨
The 'snack bar' is pricey; walk 5 minutes to the Tesco Express on Princes Street for supplies.
5 things to know before you go
💡The train station announcements are not just noise; they are intelligible words you will memorize by day 3.
💡The 'Abbotsford Room' bar mentioned in some old listings is actually at the Old Waverley Hotel, not here.
💡Some '1-bedroom' apartments are actually studios with a divider; check the square footage.
💡The entrance is easy to miss; it looks like an office building door next to the bridge.
💡You have to take your own trash out if you stay for a week and decline housekeeping.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Princes Street Suites is located and what's nearby.