Hotel & Resort Update
Historic Edinburgh Hotel re-opens its doors after 190 years
The Apex Hotels Group re-opened the doors of its new Apex Waterloo Place Hotel on March 16, 190 years after the building was unveiled as Edinburgh’s first purpose built hotel.
The new 187 bedroom hotel will combine contemporary style and comfort with the Grade A listed building’s many original features, showcasing the architecture including its grand receptions rooms. The hotel will also include corporate facilities, a bar and restaurant, as well as a luxurious health suite including a swimming pool, gym, sauna and steam room.
Originally opened in 1819, the launch will mark another important day in the history of the building which forms a significant part of Edinburgh’s heritage.
The Apex Hotels Group commissioned research to uncover more information about the building, which formed part of the construction of the Regent Bridge and Waterloo buildings carried out by Archibald Elliott from 1816-1819.
The research uncovered a host of famous guests, most notably author Charles Dickens who spent a period of time at the hotel in 1861, and former Prime Minister Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey, who was awarded the freedom of the city at Waterloo Hotel in September 1834.
The findings also provided a great insight into what life was like in 19th century Edinburgh, revealing the story of Alexander Smith, age 13, who was found guilty of the theft of a silk handkerchief from the foyer of the Waterloo Hotel and sentenced to seven years in the colonies. In addition several events, menus and early sketches were also discovered.
Alan Harbisher, General Manager, Apex Waterloo Place Hotel commented: “This has been a fantastic project to be a part of, and it has been great working with the architects and builders to help breathe life back into this stunning building.
“The opening has also provided us with a great opportunity to recruit and develop a new team who will be dedicated to maintaining our reputation for excellence in service”.
Angela Vickers, Managing Director, Apex Hotels Group added: “The opening of our new premises at the Waterloo Place is not only another big step forward for the Apex Group, it is also of great historical significance for the city of Edinburgh. We have invested £30m in this landmark building which will undoubtedly add great value to Apex’s portfolio and, I am proud to say, it will also help revitalise this key area of the city centre.”
The Apex Waterloo Place Hotel will join Apex’s existing portfolio of contemporary four star hotels located in Edinburgh, London and Dundee. To celebrate the launch of the new hotel, Apex has released a special introductory room rate of £69* available until the end of April.
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