On my way home from the Shetland Islands back in early February, I had one night in Edinburgh. Since I was with my parents, I reached out to one of my suppliers to ask about hotels. They came back to me with the Old Town Chambers, serviced apartments in the heart of the old city just off the Royal Mile. These apartments are super easy to get to from Waverley Train Station, the bus stop at Waverley, and the tram station at St. Andrews Square. They’re also literally only steps from the high street. Great food, drink, shopping, and nightlife is on your doorstep at the Old Town Chambers!
Old Town Chambers
We arrived by tram. The nearest stop is at St. Andrew’s Square, which is just on the other side of Waverley Train Station. It took us about seven to ten minutes to walk there, although admittedly I walk fast. A cab driver can drop guests off at the entrance to the close, though, should that be necessary.
Old Town Chambers is located in Roxburgh Close, a narrow entry off the Royal Mile about a third of a mile down from Edinburgh Castle. Looking on a map, it appears that the entrance is actually in Advocates Close, so that was how we walked. It is not, however, and we had to go up and around. Bear this in mind, as the Edinburgh closes are often all steps. Warrington Close is the major staircase right there, but it is all steps, whereas some closes are steps, then a ramp, then more steps. Don’t worry – this all gets listed in your personal itinerary.
Our room wasn’t ready, so we left our bags and went out in search of last minute souvenirs and some lunch. While dining, I got a call from the hotel saying our room was ready. We went back a bit later to check it out before returning to town.
Our apartment at Old Town Chambers
Thanks to Celebrated Experiences, who I booked it through (one of my partners), we were upgraded from the Capital Apartment to the Signature Apartment. When we walked in, we were blown away. The apartment’s main room is huge; a large bright green sofa dominated the room; there’s a tv set into the wall next to the kitchen. A dining room table (seats six) sits between the kitchen wall and the door to the balcony, and there’s a small desk under one window.
While the kitchen is just along one wall – studio style – it’s well equipped with an induction hob, small refrigerator, dishwasher, and all utensils and cooking equipment guests might need. There is a Nespresso machine for use as well; they provide just six capsules, although you can purchase more. I noticed in the penthouse, though, that there are a lot more capsules!
The Signature Apartment has two bedrooms, one with a king bed and one with a queen. The king-size bedroom has its own bathroom with a large shower. A second bathroom has two entrances – one from the second bedroom and one from the hallway. One side of the large sofa pulls out, making this an apartment that can sleep six.
All the lights are controlled by buttons in various rooms, and the control panels control multiple lights. For example, my bedroom control panel also controlled the hall lights. One thing I really liked, layout-wise, was that all the bedrooms in the rooms I saw were far from the front door. There was no noise whatsoever overnight.
Our apartment had a large terrace, and its the only apartment with a terrace that big. It could easily accommodate twenty people, which is great if you’re hosting a party. (The apartment itself sleeps six, while there are larger and smaller apartments within the building.) It even had large lights strung across it. I could have sat out there for hours. (That’s me all wrapped up in blanket reading at night.)
Apartments I visited at Old Town Chambers
The morning we left, I asked the front desk staff if I could visit a few other rooms. Elena was kind enough to take me on a quick tour (we were off to the airport) and so I had the chance to see two other apartments. She first showed me the penthouse apartment, which was the one above ours. It’s the only apartment on that floor. There are three spacious bedrooms, three bathrooms, a dining table that seats eight, and a large kitchen and seating area. All the bedrooms have a small terrace.
The second apartment I saw was their one bedroom apartment, although I personally would call it a studio, as there’s no wall between the bedroom and the living space. They do have a separate “studio” apartment which I did not see. This particular one has the same views we did (and that the penthouse does) of the Waverley Station, Scott Monument, and St Andrew’s Square. The bathroom here is pretty spectacular too. The freestanding tub is positioned so that someone could sit in it and stare out at the city. Should you prefer privacy though, there’s a large barn-style door that can be rolled across.
As with most apartments and hotels in Europe, no two are the same here. Some are also not convenient for mobility-limited travellers, so if that’s something you need it does need to be addressed early on in the booking process.
Amenities at Old Town Chambers
Old Town Chambers uses Cowshed toiletries in the rooms. They’re big bottles, and they replenish the bottles as necessary, but they’re not for guests to take. In addition to the usual shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel, there was also a body lotion, hand lotion, and hand soap.
There is a gym onsite, which guests have access to. Sadly, I left my gym shoes in my closet so I didn’t visit. There was also written mention of a bar, but we never saw signs and no one ever mentioned it. There are plenty of dining opportunities practically on the doorstep, though, so an onsite bar seems redundant.
The entire system is modern, and I’ve already mentioned the lighting. Access to the building and the apartments is by code. Your code is particular to your room, but you also need it to access the main building.
We really enjoyed our stay here, and definitely wish we could have stayed longer. The only concern was getting there in the first place, and I think that was partially my fault! It’s actually really easy to find – there’s a sign at the lower end of the steps – and its so close to the visitor attractions in the city. You are practically on top of Edinburgh when you stay at Old Town Chambers.
Is Scotland on your bucket list? Reach out to schedule a complimentary consultation! Otherwise, pin this >>> for future reference!
