Edinburgh West End Escape: Stunning Staycity Aparthotel!
Edinburgh West End Escape: Stunning Staycity Aparthotel! - Yeah, It's Good. REALLY Good. (But Let's Be Honest…)
Okay, so I just got back from Edinburgh, and let me tell you, this trip was… something. And a huge part of that "something" was staying at the Edinburgh West End Escape: Stunning Staycity Aparthotel. I'm here to give you the unfiltered truth, because let's face it, those glossy travel brochures are always lying. This review is for you, the weary traveler who just wants to know the real deal.
The Good Stuff - Hold Onto Your Haggis!
First off, location. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! This place is smack-dab in the West End, which is honestly perfect. You're close to everything, but it's still a bit quieter and more… sophisticated than the Royal Mile (which, don't get me wrong, I love, but can be a bit of a scrum).
Accessibility: I didn't need any specific accessibility features, but from what I saw, they seem to be pretty on-it. There's an elevator (Hallelujah!), and I'm pretty sure I saw signs indicating facilities for disabled guests. They appear to try, and that's a massive point in their favour. (And if you need more specific details, best to double check with Staycity directly.)
Cleanliness and Safety: - Breathe a Sigh of Relief! In these times, safety is huge, right? And Staycity seems to be taking it seriously. Seeing the Daily disinfection in common areas and the Professional-grade sanitizing services was a huge relief. They also had Hand sanitizer everywhere (thank the gods), they have Staff trained in safety protocol – you could tell. The Anti-viral cleaning products made me feel a little less like I was playing Russian Roulette with my lungs. I didn't have to worry that much about the lurking nasties. Phew!
Rooms: My Little Sanctuary Okay, let's talk about the rooms. They're not just rooms; they're apartments. Which is a freaking game-changer. You get a kitchenette (yes!), a refrigerator, a coffee/tea maker (essential!), and a sitting area. Seriously, after a long day of dodging rain and hordes of tourists, crashing in my own little apartment was just blissful. I could make my own coffee, watch telly with on-demand movies, and generally chill out. Also, my room included a desk – if you're the kind of person who does work on holiday, god bless you. I just used it to, you know, lay my phone down on. Oh, nearly forgot, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Also, Free bottled water – small things, but appreciated!)
Internet Access – Okay, Let’s Be Real. The Wi-Fi [free] worked perfectly well. Never had any issues streaming Netflix, which is basically the most important thing, right? They also offer Internet access – LAN, if you are that kinda person.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Now, this is where it gets a little… interesting.
- Breakfast: They do a buffet (yay!), but also a Breakfast takeaway service. I preferred a more casual set up, so I mainly made my own breakfast.
- Restaurants: Unfortunately, I didn't venture into their on-site restaurants much.
Services and Conveniences: – The Little Extras That Make a Difference.
- Laundry: Laundry service is a lifesaver. Especially when you spill Irn-Bru (it happens).
- Luggage Storage: Luggage storage is also great for the early arrivals and the late movers.
- Daily housekeeping: Daily housekeeping is a godsend, made the place feel fresh and clean, and it was very much appreciated.
- Front desk [24-hour]: They also had a Front desk [24-hour] – a big deal for late arrivals or if you need a rescue!
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (or, Why Edinburgh is Awesome) Okay, so the hotel has a Fitness center. (meh, I prefer to walk). They also have a Terrace. Didn't get to use it, because, well, Edinburgh weather. But points for trying!
For the kids: I didn't bring any kids, but they do have some options for families and kids – like Babysitting service.
Getting Around:
- Car park [on-site]: This is a huge plus if you're driving.
- Car park [free of charge]: Again, HUGE bonus for parking in a city that's notorious for its parking costs!
- Taxi service: They'll call you one if you're feeling posh.
- Airport transfer: Although I am not sure how it is, I did not use it.
Now, The Little Irritations (Because Nobody's Perfect)
Look, this isn't the Ritz. There are a few minor downsides:
- The noise. Maybe it was just my room, but there was some street noise at night. Nothing major, but light sleepers beware.
- The Kitchenette. While super handy, it could have been a little better equipped. A few more utensils would be appreciated.
- The lift. It was a bit, well, slow sometimes.
The Final Verdict – Should You Stay Here?
YES. Absolutely, yes. The Edinburgh West End Escape: Stunning Staycity Aparthotel is a fantastic option. It's clean, comfortable, well-located, and offers excellent value for money. The space of the apartment really made a difference. It felt like a home away from home.
BUT! This is not the perfect place. It is, however, a very bloody good one. If you're looking for a solid, reliable base for exploring Edinburgh, you can't go wrong.
My Unsolicited Advice: Pack earplugs (just in case), grab a coffee at a local cafe ASAP, and be prepared to fall in love with Edinburgh.
My Absolutely Unbeatable Offer for YOU!
Book Now and Get a FREE Bottle of Scotch! (Okay, maybe not, but how about a discount?)
Are you looking for:
- A spacious and comfortable stay in the heart of Edinburgh?
- Peace of mind with enhanced cleaning and safety protocols?
- A convenient location close to all the action, with free parking?
- A place to actually relax and feel at home?
Then look no further than Edinburgh West End Escape: Stunning Staycity Aparthotel!
Here's the Offer:
- Book your stay this week and receive 15% off your room rate!
- Plus, get a complimentary bottle of water!
- Enjoy free Wi-Fi and all the comforts of home!
- Don't miss out on the chance to experience the magic of Edinburgh!
Click here to book now and claim your discount! (Disclaimer: Scotch not included. But, hey, you're in Scotland, you can get your own!) #Edinburgh #Staycity #WestEnd #Hotel #Travel #Scotland #Deals #BookNow #Aparthotel #Cleanliness #Safety #Comfort #BestChoice #AmazingStay
Phuket Paradise Found: Unbelievable Luxury at Baba Beach Club Natai
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this Edinburgh adventure? It’s gonna be less “perfectly curated Instagram feed” and more “slightly frantic, wonderfully chaotic, and utterly me” experience. We're talking about a stay at Staycity Aparthotels Edinburgh West End. Let's do this.
Edinburgh Extravaganza: A Messy, Wonderful Itinerary (For the Love of Haggis!)
Day 1: Arrival, Accommodation Shenanigans, and a Very Edinburgh Welcome
1:00 PM: ARRIVAL (well, eventually). Travel is never smooth, is it? Delayed flight from… well, who cares? The important thing is, I'm here. Dragging my suitcase like a reluctant participant in a luggage-dragging competition.
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM: Staycity Check-in… hopefully. Praying the keycard machine works, because last time I tried one of these, I ended up looking like a complete moron, wrestling a piece of plastic for five minutes while everyone else breezed past.
- Anecdote: Okay, so I once tried to check into a similar place in Barcelona (wrong city, I know, but the principle is the same) and forgot my passport. Let’s just say it involved frantic phone calls, a very stressed-out taxi driver, and me looking utterly bewildered. The mental image of me, flailing around trying to get my documents back in order, still makes me chuckle!
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Unpacking, Apartment Appreciation, and a Little Panic. Okay, the apartment looks… decent. Small, but hey, it has a kitchenette. Thank God for that coffee machine. Right, unpack. Finding everything I packed and realizing how much I actually brought is a mixed bag of excitement and potential regret. Where on earth is my adapter? I swear I packed it.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Freshening Up and First Bites. Shower. The glorious ritual of washing off the travel grime. It’s the little things, like a hot shower and a decent cup of coffee that’s going to make me feel like I can actually function like a normal human. Then, off to find some food! Something quick and easy… somewhere in the West End that's not ridiculously expensive.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Wander, Gawk, and Get Lost (Ideally). Starting with a walk around the West End. It's essential to get a feel for the neighborhood. Admiring the architecture (because, let’s be honest, Edinburgh is stunning) and trying to navigate the cobbled streets without face-planting.
- Quirky Observation: Seriously, the cobblestones! They’re gorgeous, but a death trap in heels (which, naturally, I packed). The locals must have ninja-like balance.
- Emotional Reaction: A small moment of utter joy as I round a corner and see that massive castle – that's Edinburgh Castle, isn’t it? Wow. Just wow.
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Pub Grub and a Pint (or Two). Finding a cozy pub, preferably one with a crackling fire (a girl can dream, right?). Gotta try the local fare. Fish and chips? Haggis, neeps and tatties? Embrace the culinary adventure.
- Opinionated Language: Okay, I have to try the haggis. I've heard it's an acquired taste. If it's truly awful, I'll be the first to admit it. But I am absolutely not going to be one of those tourists who chickens out.
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM: Evening Stroll and Bedtime Anticipation. A gentle evening wander to view the city by night. Wind down at the hotel and review the itinerary for the next day. And I'm going to need all the sleep I can get.
Day 2: Castles, Canals, and (Hopefully) Fewer Misadventures
9:00 AM: BREAKFAST AT THE APARTMENT. The perk of the staying in the Staycity is a kitchen and the ability to be my own barista. Some good fresh coffee and scrambled eggs will do me just right!
- Opinionated Language: I'm not going to spend an hour looking for a good breakfast place like I did last time, I'm going to have a proper breakfast that will enable me to start the day with a full tank.
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Edinburgh Castle Exploration. The iconic castle! This is where I'm going to be a proper tourist. I'm going to soak in the history, admire the views, and maybe, just maybe, take a selfie with a soldier (if it’s allowed). The audio tour better be good. I actually want to learn something.
- Anecdote: I once attempted to climb a mountain in Nepal. Let's just say, I made it about a quarter of the way up before my lungs started screaming and I had to turn back. Hopefully, this will be a more successful ascent.
- Emotional Reaction: I have to say, the views from Edinburgh Castle are just breathtaking. The city sprawls out beneath you, and you can almost feel the weight of history. It's a really unique feeling.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch near the Royal Mile. Lots of options on offer, so I'll make sure to check out some of the local establishments. Hopefully, I can find a place with good vibes and decent food.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Exploring the Royal Mile and Old Town. Wandering the Royal Mile, soaking in the atmosphere, and maybe (definitely) popping into some of the shops.
- Quirky Observation: The sheer volume of bagpipe music! It's awesome, but it's also slightly disorienting.
- Anecdote: I once bought a sporran (a traditional Scottish pouch/bag) on a whim. It's actually quite practical, but I still feel a little bit self-conscious wearing it.
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM: Holyrood Palace and Arthur's Seat (Maybe). Holyrood Palace is going to be a must-see. If I can muster the energy, maybe a hike up Arthur's Seat. Okay, let's be honest, the hike up Arthur's Seat could ruin me for the rest of the trip, but the views are supposed to be spectacular.
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner. Exploring around the West End. Finding a restaurant that is not only great but also budget-friendly.
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Rest and Relaxation. Heading back to the hotel and enjoying the space. Watching some TV or catching up with friends and family via video chat.
Day 3: Whispers, Wonders, and… Departure (Sob)
9:00 AM: Breakfast & Planning. Simple breakfast at the hotel, making plans for the day, and hoping I don't have to do any last-minute packing.
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: One last stroll along the Water of Leith! I always love to wrap up any kind of holiday or city break with a chance to explore a natural beauty. It's so much more peaceful and relaxing than racing around the shops.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch. Finding one last restaurant to try for some more great cuisine and atmosphere.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Edinburgh Dungeons. This is a tourist trap, I know it. But I've always had a soft spot for the macabre. I'll embrace the cheesy scares and attempt to laugh at myself when I inevitably jump. Hopefully, it's worth the entry fee.
- Anecdote: I went to a haunted house once and spent half the time hiding in the corner. Let's see if I can be slightly braver this time.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Souvenir Shopping (Panic Mode Activated). Time to grab those last-minute souvenirs. For my friends, and for myself (because, let's be honest, I'm my own favorite person to shop for).
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner. One last restaurant to test out. I need to make sure I get a good serving of food, so that I can feel good for the trip home, and so I don't have to buy anything at the airport.
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Packing. Attempting to fit everything back in my suitcase. Praying I didn't buy too many things… and praying I didn’t forget anything vital.
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Late Night Walk and Reflecting. A final walk. Saying goodbye to this amazing city. Edinburgh,
So, like, what *is* this "Staycity Aparthotel" thing? I'm a bit of a novice, you know?
Is it *really* "stunning" as the name suggests? Because let's be real, marketing can be a lie.
Where exactly is this West End Escape located? Is it easy to get around? I hate schlepping luggage.
Let's talk amenities! What do I get for my money? Is there a gym? Free Wi-Fi? I need to know!
Food! Is there a breakfast included? Any recommendations for nearby eats? I'm a foodie!
* **For a fancy dinner:** Head to The Kitchin – Michelin-starred and seriously delicious. Book WELL in advance.
* **For something casual:** The Scran & Scallie – gastropub with amazing food. Get the haggis. Even if you think you don't like haggis. Trust me.
* **For a quick lunch:** Oink – the best pulled pork sandwiches you'll ever taste. Get there early; they sell out FAST.
* **And for coffee:** Fortitude Coffee – seriously good coffee.
Seriously, just wander around. You'll stumble upon something amazing. (This is advice I give myself!)
Okay, let's get real. Any downsides? What didn't you like? Dish!
* **Parking can be a pain.** If you're driving, check the parking situation *before* you arrive. Edinburgh parking is notoriously tricky.
* **The cleaning frequency:** They don't clean *every* day. You're on your own for trash disposal and making your bed. Which is fine, except I kept forgetting to take the bin out and it got *bad*... Really, really bad...
* **The view:** Depends on your room. Some rooms might have a stunning view, others... might not. Mine, thankfully, overlooked a pretty street, but you'll probably want to request a specific view when booking, if that's important to you.
* **The dreaded elevator:** My biggest complaint? It was *slow*. And I'm not talking "it takes 20 seconds" slow, I mean "I could probably walk up the stairs faster" slow. Which led to some *intense* internal debates about whether I should take the stairs (and possibly die) or wait for the elevator (and also potentially die, but of boredom).
Would you go back? And, if so, what's the one thing you're *still* thinking about?
But... and this is a big but... the *one* thing ICozy Stay Spots
