The Apex Hotels Group has opened the doors of its new Apex Waterloo Place Hotel,  190 years after the building was unveiled as Edinburgh’s first purpose built hotel.

As with other hotels in the Apex portfolio, the new 187 bedroom hotel has been designed by Ian Springford Architects, and combines contemporary style with the Grade A listed building’s many original features, including its grand reception 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.

Apex Hotels Group commissioned research to uncover more information about the fascinating building, which originally opened in 1819  and 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.

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.”

www.apexhotels.co.uk

www.isarchitects.co.uk