We checked into KM Hotel and Apartments to see if this budget-friendly spot lives up to its prime location and promises of Scottish hospitality
Our Penguin Rating
If you’re planning a trip to Edinburgh and looking for a place to stay that won’t drain your travel budget, but still keeps you close to all the action, KM Hotel and Apartments might just be the catch you’re after. You can find it in the city’s vibrant Southside, just a short stroll from the Royal Mile and Holyrood Park. This university-owned property offers a mix of traditional hotel rooms and serviced apartments, making it a practical choice for everyone from weekend wanderers to longer-stay travelers. Whether you’re visiting for the Fringe Festival, tracing history through cobbled streets, or just soaking in the Scottish charm, KM promises a clean, central base at a fraction of the cost of Edinburgh’s pricier stays.
KM Hotel and Apartments, formerly Richmond Place Apartments, is a modern accommodation option in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town. Owned and operated by the University of Edinburgh’s Hospitality & Events Collection, the hotel offers a unique blend of contemporary comfort and academic heritage. All profits from the hotel are reinvested into the university, supporting its educational and research initiatives. Guests staying at KM Hotel benefit from complimentary access to the university’s award-winning Pleasance Sports Complex, featuring state-of-the-art fitness facilities. The hotel’s prime location places guests within walking distance of iconic attractions such as the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and Holyrood Park, making it an ideal base for exploring the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.
Location and Accessibility
📍 Adress: 5-9 Richmond Pl, Edinburgh EH8 9ST, United Kingdom
KM Hotel and Apartments is at a strategic location in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town at 5-9 Richmond Place, placing you within waddling distance of iconic sites like the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and Waverley Train Station. The surrounding Southside neighborhood is vibrant, featuring Victorian architecture, independent shops, and a variety of cafes and restaurants. If you are interested in outdoor activities, Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat are just a short stroll away, offering panoramic views of the city.
The hotel is approximately a 10-minute waddle from Edinburgh Waverley Train Station, the city’s central railway hub, providing convenient connections to various destinations. If you are arriving via public transport, bus numbers 14 and 35 have stops just a 1-minute walk away on West Richmond Street. Additionally, buses from South Bridge to West Richmond Street run every 10 minutes, with a journey time of about 2 minutes.
Suppose you are arriving from the airport, as we did, taking the Airlink 100 express bus (which connects the airport to the city center). In that case, it stops at Waverley Bridge railway station, from where we waddled to the hotel, already soaking in the beautiful architecture.
If you are driving, discounted 24-hour secure parking is available at NCP 2 Viewcraig Gardens, about a 5-10 minute walk from the hotel.
Hotel Surroundings
- Shopping Opportunities Nearby. Shopping is accessible, with local boutiques, vintage stores, and independent bookstores lining nearby Nicolson Street and Clerk Street. Larger retailers and high street brands can be found on Princes Street, just a 15-minute walk or a quick bus ride from the hotel.
- Cultural Sites. Located in Edinburgh’s lively Southside, it’s at the intersection of the city’s rich history and its contemporary cultural scene. Just steps away, the iconic Royal Mile offers a captivating stroll through centuries of Scottish history.
Edinburgh Castle is only a 15-minute waddle away, crowning the city skyline with its dramatic presence. The area is dotted with venues such as the Festival Theatre, the National Museum of Scotland, and the Queen’s Hall—all within waddling distance. - Dinning Options. The area also offers a fantastic array of dining options, from cozy cafés and casual takeaways to traditional pubs and trendy international eateries, making it an ideal base for first-time visitors and seasoned Edinburgh explorers.
For flavorful South Asian cuisine, Solti serves authentic Indian and Nepalese dishes in a modern, welcoming setting on Drummond Street. If you’re craving pizza, Pizza Posto on Nicolson Street delivers artisan Neapolitan-style pies that are perfect for a casual bite. For a Spanish twist, Tapas3 offers a cozy atmosphere and a tempting range of small plates ideal for sharing. If you are seeking a more refined dining experience, head to The Brasserie at The Scholar, which features modern British cuisine crafted with local ingredients. For an authentic taste of Scotland, Makars Gourmet Mash Bar near North Bank Street serves up hearty regional fare, with its signature mashed potato varieties earning global acclaim.
Check-In Experience
The check-in experience at KM Hotel and Apartments is smooth, secure, and welcoming. When you first arrive, you’ll need to ring the buzzer at the main entrance to be let in. Once inside, the reception area is located immediately to the right. Staff members are friendly and helpful; they’re not only efficient with the check-in process but also genuinely warm and easy to talk to. The reception team is happy to offer recommendations on local restaurants, attractions, and transport, which adds a personal and thoughtful touch to the arrival experience. There might be slight delays during busy periods, especially during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival or university events. However, the staff’s accommodating attitude more than makes up for it. Overall, check-in feels professional yet relaxed, leaving a great first impression for what’s to come.
The check-in process at KM Hotel and Apartments is designed to be smooth and accommodating. You can check in from 3:00 PM, and check out is by 11:00 AM. The reception operates 24/7, ensuring assistance is available at any time, including late-night arrivals.
Early check-in is subject to availability if you arrive before the official check-in time. If the room isn’t ready, the hotel offers luggage storage, allowing you to explore the city unencumbered until your room gets ready.
Room and Amenities
Rooms at KM Hotel and Apartments are modern with a minimalist design. During our stay, we were in a room on the top floor. As is typical with many hotels in Edinburgh’s historic buildings, there is no elevator, so be prepared to carry your luggage up several flights of stairs.
The room itself is surprisingly spacious compared to many city-centre accommodations. The bed is up against a wall, there is a desk offering a good workspace, and amenities for preparing hot beverages, including tea, coffee, and hot chocolate, which are complimentary and replenished daily. Free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV are also available, making relaxing or catching up on work easy. Storage is limited, but sufficient for a short stay.
As you enter the room, the bathroom is to the right and is separated by a frosted glass sliding door. While compact, the space is well-equipped with all the essentials: clean towels, a walk-in shower with solid water pressure, and complimentary toiletries including shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner. Everything is neatly arranged and maintained to a high standard.
One issue we encountered was the bathroom ventilator, which wasn’t functioning properly and making an odd humming sound. After checking, we found it was simply clogged with dust. A quick clean resolved the noise, but it’s something the hotel should look into more regularly as part of their maintenance routine.
A hairdryer is also provided, though not in the bathroom itself, which is a small detail worth noting. Like us, you may search the sink area before discovering it tucked away inside the closet. Despite its size, the bathroom feels efficient and functional, aligning well with the hotel’s overall smart, comfortable, practical style.
Culinary Experience
Breakfast
You can start your day with a hearty breakfast served in the Circa breakfast room in the building just next door. This detail is explained during check-in, and while it means stepping outside briefly, the walk is short and straightforward. Still, dress warmly on chillier mornings, as the dining area can feel slightly cold, especially in the early hours.
Breakfast is served buffet-style between 7:30 AM and 10:00 AM; on weekends, breakfast is served from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM. The breakfast room is bright, spacious, and well-organized. Upon arrival, a friendly staff member checks your room number and offers a brief setup overview. Breakfast is served buffet-style, allowing guests to pick and choose from a generous variety of options.
The selection includes a full traditional Scottish breakfast, featuring sausages, bacon, eggs, haggis, baked beans, mushrooms, and grilled tomatoes—all made using locally sourced ingredients. For those with different tastes or dietary preferences, there are also lighter choices such as cereals, yogurt, pastries, fruit, and toast. Coffee, tea, and juices are available for self-service.
In addition to the buffet, staff are happy to prepare certain items fresh upon request. If you’re in the mood for something more personalised, you can ask for a freshly made omelette or a warm bowl of traditional Scottish porridge. These are not laid out with the main buffet but are quickly and cheerfully made in the kitchen when requested, ask one of the team members, and they’ll be happy to assist.
It’s worth noting that if you arrive right at the opening time, the staff may still be finishing preparations, so a short wait might be necessary before everything is fully laid out.
Although lunch and dinner are not served on-site, the hotel’s central location means you’re just minutes away from many dining options. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual café, a traditional pub, or a fine dining experience, you’ll find plenty of excellent choices within walking distance.
Facilities and Activities
Other Facilities
At the reception area, guests can purchase various practical items such as snacks, bottled water, souvenirs, and basic toiletries, perfect if you forget something or want a small memento from your trip.
For those looking to keep up with their fitness routine, a small but well-equipped gym is available on-site. It features essential cardio and strength-training machines, providing a convenient way to stay active without leaving the hotel.
While the hotel doesn’t have its own restaurant or bar, its central Edinburgh location means you’re just minutes away from vibrant nightlife, cafés, and cultural venues. Other services include free Wi-Fi throughout the building, daily housekeeping, and secure entry via the buzzer system. However, as with many historic Edinburgh buildings, there is no elevator, so be prepared for stairs, especially if you stay on upper floors.
Value for Money
For our stay from April 16th to 20th, 2025, at a total cost of €820.00 for two people, KM Hotel and Apartments offered decent value considering its central location and comfortable accommodations. While it’s not a hotel that aims to wow with luxury or unique experiences, it serves its purpose as a practical, clean, and convenient base for exploring Edinburgh. We appreciated small touches like the books available to borrow on each floor, which made the stairs a bit more enjoyable as we waded up and down. There are trade-offs, some rooms face a back loading area used for grocery deliveries, which can result in early morning noise, especially if you’re a light sleeper.
That said, the waddle to the breakfast room next door wasn’t our favorite part, and the occasional unpreparedness of the staff was noticeable. However, since we spent most of our time exploring the city, these minor inconveniences didn’t significantly impact our overall impression. If you’re looking for a straightforward, no-frills place to stay in a great location without breaking the bank, KM Hotel and Apartments is a solid choice. If you are looking to book it, write us an email at lifeguin@gmail.com, and we can give you a 20% discount.
Other Stuff Good To Know About Hotel Kungsträdgården
- It is situated in the beating heart of Edinburgh, between the historic Old Town and lively Southside, and is also very close to hiking Arthur’s Seat.
- Contacts: reservations@ed.ac.uk, or central reservations: +44 (0) 131 651 2189, and for hotel reception: +44 (0) 131 651 2117
- It is easily accessible from Waverley Train Station.
- Free access to The University of Edinburgh’s Pleasance Sports Complex, including gym and sauna.
- Discounted secure parking available at NCP 2 Viewcraig Gardens (5-7 min walk). Ask reception for a parking discount before parking.
- Pet Policy – dog-friendly hotel, you just need to notify the hotel via email after booking. Charges apply for accommodating dogs. Penguins are for free.
- Look for discounts when booking directly on their website, when booking directly. Or write us an email at lifeguin@gmail.com, and we can give you a 20% discount.
Verdict
★★★☆☆
KM Hotel and Apartments is a smart, practical choice for travelers who value location and functionality over luxury. While it may lack certain comforts like an elevator or on-site dining beyond breakfast, it has clean, well-equipped rooms, a friendly staff, and a central setting that puts Edinburgh’s top sights within easy reach. The added perks, like free access to a nearby gym, a quality Scottish breakfast, and dog-friendly policies, make it even more appealing. It’s not a place for indulgent lounging. Still, for an active city break where your accommodation is a reliable, well-placed base, KM Hotel delivers solid value and a comfortable stay.
Pros
+ Prime location near major attractions
+ Clean and modern rooms
+ Friendly and helpful staff
+ Access to fitness facilities
+ Pets allowed
Cons
– No elevator, which may be challenging for some guests
– Noise from nearby streets and facilities
– Some rooms are compact with limited storage
– No airport shuttle, only private transfer or taxi options
– Breakfast served in a separate building
All Ratings
| Category | Rating |
| Location and Accessibility | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ |
| Cleanliness | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ |
| Comfort | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ |
| Staff and Service | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value for Money | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ |
| Dining and Food Quality | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ |
| Amenities | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ |
| Check-In/Check-Out | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| WiFi and Connectivity | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall Experience | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ |
