Hip Apartments in Edinburgh You’ll Want to Call Home

Liberty is the latest buzz in aparthotels, and the sentiment behind this calm and quiet tower of four- and six-bedroom suites on lively South Bridge. With an unstaffed reception and access code keys, you can check yourself in, fuss-free, whenever you want. Smart design includes open-plan kitchens, local artwork and staggering window seat views – a must in Edinburgh.

Fully serviced and with plenty of bells and whistles, these apartments have a beach shack vibe and lots of zing on the tech-forward design front. There are smart TVs and Apple boxes, but also L-shaped powder puff sofas for lounging on and walk-in rainforest showers. The lobby is a cafe-cum-bar and functions as an extension of your apartment – coffee is brewed, pastries are snaffled and cocktails are ordered here before the working day is done.

Narnia-like wardrobes, Victorian brass beds and timber-lined showers set the tone at this sequestered self-catering house, sleeping six, in the heart of trendsetting Leith. Its history dates back to the early 18th century and the private Italian renaissance garden is yours alone, but the real sell is the Irish-Icelandic welcome from hosts Nick and Kristin. Depending on the season, you might be surprised by wine, shortbread or an Easter egg.

The magnificent view of Calton Hill, with its 360-degree prospect of spires, steeples, sea and stadiums, is right out the front door of this historic merchant’s house turned private retreat. Beautifully restored, it has 18th-century eye candy galore: there’s a self-contained house for eight guests, a terrace apartment for four and a bijou photographer’s studio for two – all the previous playgrounds of pioneer artists and photographers David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson. Their legacy is evident in the museum-like curation of art and design throughout Rock House.

When it comes to Edinburgh’s heritage buildings, it’s all about the numbers. There are 4,500 listed across the city and this one, renovated with 12 ultra-chic apartments, blends in with the best of them. William Street – the highlight of West End community life – is two blocks away, and the trams running from Haymarket can glide you to the airport or fashionable Leith in style. As for perks, enjoy street parking and free stays for under-12s.

Fully serviced apartments are a rarity in the village-like West End – which is why this one, tucked away on a quiet residential street, is such a find. There’s a choice of three apartments inside the Georgian mews house and all come with whizz-bang kitchens offset by a spectrum of grey and dove-white furniture. The offsite owners couldn’t be more helpful, too – just give them a call to arrange bike hire, groceries, freshly cut flowers or table reservations.

This Queen Street behemoth, with 82 serviced studios and one-beds, overlooks the glorious New Town – unrivalled no matter the weather. Nice touches include 24/7 service, on-site fitness centre, coffee to grab and go when you’re running out of the door, help-yourself wine cuvenees, specially commissioned local art and a meeting suite for any urgent business needs.

This good-looking Grassmarket aparthotel goes out of its way to help your crew make the most of their stay. Room highlights include Smeg fridges, smart TVs and Nespresso machines, while there’s bespoke art and photography throughout. Nothing beats the sociable ground-level reception area – it’s crammed with counter seating, plush sofas and a centrepiece bench set between two sculpture-like balloons.

For partygoers drawn to Edinburgh’s Rose Street, this series of town house apartments is virtually on top of nightlife central. That might explain the heavy-draw curtains in the studios, apartments and penthouse. Most rooms are street-facing, but there are a couple of garden suites with terraces for al fresco drinks after hours.