Am about to book a hotel for a week in Edinburgh and need some sage advice. Anyone ever stayed at either the Old Waverly or Apex International (Old Town)? Or, I'm looking for something central with character-- and would consider any other recommendations. Please help! John

I usually stay in B&Bs in Edinburgh but am familiar with both of these. The Waverly is a grand old upscale hotel right on Princes Street. The Apex is a super modern hotel on Grassmarket in the old part of the city near the Castle. <BR> <BR>Both have excellent loctaions. The Waverly has more "atmosphere" while the Apex is in a more "atmospheric" location. If the prices were similar I woul prefer the Waverly because I like ambience - but the Apex can't be beat if you like modern rooms but in a mediaval location.

John, A week is a good long time. I recommend the Sibbet House. It is a B&B with an apartment option as well. We stayed in the apartment and it was excellent! A GREAT accommodation in a perfect area with huge windows looking out over a park. And only a short walk to the middle of everything (and a climb up the hill to the castle) http://www.26abercrombyplace.co.uk/

John, I grew up in Edinburgh, and my family still lives there. Of your two choices, the Old Waverly is probably the better. It is, as you probably already know, right on Princes Street. it is not, however, considered "upscale", and is at the east end of Princes Street which, when I was last there (last Christmas) was really messy, (lots of litter). I have not stayed there, but did stay at the Carlton, which was not bad. I would strongly recommend the Roxburghe Hotel, which is on Charlotte Square, at the West End of George Street. It probably costs a bit more, but if you can fit it into your budget, it would be worth it. Wherever you decide to stay, if you will be renting a car, ask the hotel about parking arrangements. Most city centre hotels do not have parking lots, but may have arrangements with public lots. You will love Edinburgh!

The Apex has room at the front which look straight up to the castle. They charge premium rates for them. They also have a large car park

John: I skipped right over the "week" bit. I agree w/ Katherine. If I were in Edinburgh for a week I would rent a flat instead of staying an any hotel. The Sibbett house Katherine mentions is convenient because it is attached to a B&B. But thare are many others to choose from and you would get MUCH more for your money. You can get a very posh apartment for 20 to 30% less than a moderately nice hotel.

Try the Greens hotel. It's a 3* british trust hotel, about 5 minutes walk from Prince's Street, comes with a huge breakfast and costs 80 pounds a night for two but only if you book on line! <BR> <BR>http://www.british-trust-hotels.co.u...edinburgh.html <BR> <BR>.

Janis, Katherine, Barbara, and Sheila, <BR> It certainly helps to have knowledgable friends in the right places. I will approach the lodging suggested and check out availability. <BR>Maybe I could share a draft of my itinerary with you once I've got lodging nailed down. Many thanks,John.