The Knight Residence
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I've often found serviced apartments to be slightly dispassionate - a disinterested desk clerk books you in and unless you run into housekeeping during your stay, that's more or less all the human contact you're likely to get.
For ultra-independent types, this may be no bad thing, but I still like at least a sign that you're a human being and more than just a booking reference.
It was reassuring, then, to arrive at The Knight Residence in central Edinburgh and be greeted by a cheery hello from the front desk manager, who then engaged myself and my friends in conversation for some minutes, asking if we knew the city and what our plans were. This was no cynical sales pitch - it just felt like someone being genuinely friendly and we were immediately at ease.
Their website (www.theknightresidence.co.uk) boasts that they have been in the top 1% of properties in the world terms of customer service according to Expedia, and indeed, that's a believable claim.
These luxury apartments are in a discreet, secure complex just a few blocks from Grassmarket. If you can turn a blind eye to the several lap dance clubs, you're in a fairly ideal location, back from the tourist hubbub but close enough to walk everywhere and with great shopping facilities (including a handy supermarket) close by.
You can choose from six types of apartment, from luxury studios through to three-bedroom ‘comfort' apartments. All have clean modern décor and all the facilities you would expect in a home away from home.
Of course, most people come to Edinburgh for a feast of sightseeing, but if you have to have downtime, it doesn't hurt to have all your home comforts. Fully integrated kitchens come with a cute complimentary breakfast welcome basket, which is supplied on your first morning along with a starter pack of teas, coffees, milk and biscuits.
As for technology, there are LCD TVs with DVD players (the Residence has a sizeable borrowing library) as well as the hugely helpful complimentary wi-fi, such a bonus in these times of hotel penny-pinching.
The lounges and bathrooms are spacious and modern, and have nice design details such as steam-resistant mirrors.
The secure parking is a complete boon for anyone arriving by car and dreading the city centre parking situation and of course, the residences are full service, with housekeeping, concierge and business services.
So a pretty flawless product is supported by a helpful, chatty yet unobtrusive customer service, which is all you can really ask for in a property. All this, plus the option to self cater? Hard to argue the case for staying in a hotel, I'd say.
Lauriston Street 12, Edinburgh , UK
Contact tel: (0)131 622 8120, e-mail:
Services parking, internet access, wheelchair accessible, concierge, air-conditioning
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