Staycity Aparthotels, Edinburgh, West End

The serviced apartments offer a distinctive "home-away-from-home" experience, making them a memorable choice for visitors. Guests consistently highlight the spacious apartments, often featuring well-equipped kitchens, and the overall comfort of the accommodations. The friendly and helpful staff also contribute significantly to a positive stay, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere from arrival. Its convenient location allows for easy access to many city attractions and public transport, appealing to a wide range of travelers. The hotel is particularly well-suited for families seeking ample space and self-catering options, couples looking for a quiet and comfortable base, and long-stay guests who appreciate the comprehensive amenities. Business travelers find its proximity to the EICC beneficial, while sightseers enjoy the walkable distance to key landmarks. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room on a higher floor for a quieter stay, and be aware that some rooms are designed with accessible bathrooms, which may not suit everyone's preferences.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently praise the comprehensive kitchenettes available in the apartments, which include a fridge, oven, microwave, toaster, and often a dishwasher, allowing for convenient self-catering. Many units also feature a washing machine/dryer combo, though some guests report these can be complex to operate or may not dry clothes effectively, sometimes leading to damp laundry. The provision of a Nespresso machine and basic tea/coffee supplies is a welcome touch. All apartments offer free Wi-Fi, ensuring connectivity throughout the stay. For convenience, luggage storage is available, and secure underground parking is provided, though it comes at an additional cost and can be challenging to access initially. Other in-room amenities like an iron and hair dryer are generally appreciated, contributing to a comfortable and practical stay.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The cleanliness of the apartments generally receives positive remarks, with many guests finding their rooms tidy and well-maintained upon arrival. The comfortable beds and quality linens are frequently highlighted, contributing to a restful night's sleep. However, some guests have reported inconsistencies, noting areas of dust, sticky floors, or splattered food in kitchen appliances. Bathroom condition can be mixed; while some are spotless, others mention mold growth, water damage, or issues with the half-open shower design leading to water spilling onto the floor. Noise levels from adjacent rooms or the street can occasionally be a concern, particularly for rooms on lower floors or those with windows that do not seal properly. Despite some reports of rooms being too warm due to heating issues and a lack of air conditioning, blackout curtains are a positive feature for light control.

Dining & Food Quality
The apartments are well-suited for guests who prefer to manage their own meals, thanks to the inclusion of kitchenettes in each unit. This feature is highly valued, providing the flexibility to prepare food and snacks. Guests appreciate the convenience of having several grocery stores, including Tesco and Sainsbury's, located within a short walking distance, making it easy to stock up on supplies. Additionally, the surrounding area offers a variety of restaurants and bars, providing ample options for dining out. However, it is important to note that the hotel does not typically offer an on-site breakfast service, and some guests have found the provided kitchenware, such as pots and pans, to be limited in size or quantity, which might impact more elaborate meal preparations.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly convenient location, striking a balance between being central and offering a quieter environment. Guests find it walkable to many of Edinburgh's major attractions, including Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Princes Street, typically within a 15-20 minute stroll. Its proximity to public transport is a significant advantage, with numerous bus stops and the Haymarket station (for trams and trains) just a short walk away, providing easy access to the airport and other parts of the city. The surrounding neighborhood is noted for its array of restaurants, cafes, and local amenities. While parking is available underground, guests should be aware of the additional cost and the potentially busy street outside. Overall, the location is ideal for exploring the city on foot or by public transport.

Staff & Service
The friendly staff consistently receive high praise for their helpful and attentive service. Guests frequently commend their willingness to go above and beyond, from assisting with early check-in and late check-out requests to providing room upgrades and offering local recommendations. The quick check-in and check-out processes are appreciated, and the option to communicate via WhatsApp for immediate assistance is a notable convenience. Staff are also highly responsive in addressing any issues that arise, such as maintenance requests or missing amenities. While most experiences are positive, a few isolated instances of less helpful staff or issues with the hotel's laundry service (when offered as a courtesy) have been mentioned, but these are exceptions to the generally excellent service.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel operates on a no daily housekeeping policy for shorter stays, with cleaning services typically provided only for longer durations. Some specific room issues have been noted, such as boiler issues affecting hot water supply, which staff are generally quick to address. The sofa bed configuration often consists of two single beds zipped together, which may not be ideal for all couples. Concerns have been raised about fire door policy, with some doors reportedly left open, potentially impacting security. While underground parking is available, some guests have found the access system challenging and noted the presence of bird droppings. Additionally, a few reviews mentioned that the in-room TV channels were limited, lacking some common entertainment options.