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2 September, 2010
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By Hector Mackenzie
Published: 01 May, 2009
WITHIN a stone's throw of Edinburgh Castle, — arguably the biggest tourist draw in Scotland — The Knight Residence seems to have it sewn up for anyone who buys into the location, location, location maxim. That said, it's also just across the road from a strip joint and not a million miles from a lap-dancing club — doubtless themselves both big attractions for a niche clientele. The fact that an office block is also currently being thrown up on a site close to the serviced apartments might also raise eyebrows — until you check out the quite remarkable word of mouth the place has generated. Users of the independent travel website expedia.com voted The Knight Residence the top accommodation of its kind in Europe — a pretty impressive recommendation. Those who have stayed positively froth with enthusiasm and describe standards of service little short of what might be expected at Buckingham Palace. A member of staff revealed that visitors stay anything from "one night to several years". Too good to be true? Before answering that, another question. What's the difference between staying in an apartment and a hotel room and, crucially, what'll it cost you? Prices start at £95 a night for a one-bedroom apartment rising to over £200 for a super-plush pad with up to three bedrooms. Depending on the time of year you visit (all bets are off during the Edinburgh Festival), it's possible to bag something that, price-wise, compares rather favourably to an hotel. The 'home from home' selling point really comes into its own when you throw children into the mix. The attraction of a living room complete with sofa and a massive TV (take your pick from a hundred-plus channels or ask for a DVD or PlayStation) and a fully equipped kitchen (with helpful grocery basics welcome pack thrown in) becomes obvious about 10 seconds after stepping through the front door. Anyone who has ever been stuck in a pokey hotel room with cranky kids will understand... And for some whatever reason, a regular bathroom becomes a sudden source of fascination for the five and unders — bath-time has never been so easy or so much fun. I don't know why — and nor do I care. Could it be the speakers hooked up to the main stereo system or simply holiday-induced joie de vivre? Whatever, it's a bonus.
With children that age, eating out can be more pain than pleasure and the prospect of rustling up whatever you fancy whenever you fancy it has real appeal. It might not be for everyone but plan ahead and the money you save will probably justify the cost of staying there in the first place... Even cooking doesn't seem such a chore when it's not your own kitchen — and you can always cheat and stick to the microwave. The apartments are clean, well appointed and have pretty much everything you could need or want. However it's the standard of service which really shines through. There can be a fine line between helpful and overbearing and staff here get the balance spot on. After a very friendly welcome and run through how everything works, you are left to get on with it — secure in the knowledge that help is a phone call away if you stumble over the cable TV channels or want to order a taxi. The on-site car park will be a weight off for anyone who has ever tangled with the capital's enthusiastic traffic warden. Typical of capital cities the world over, Edinburgh is blessed with the lion's share of the nation's cultural treasures, several within easy walking distance. Shopaholics can reach Princes Street within a brisk ten-minute walk. And a glimpse of the iconic castle is steps from the front door. Wi-fi access throughout — plus free-to-use PCs on each floor — allow internet junkies to stay connected wherever they may be. The acid test? Ask most parents and they'll tell you that when it comes to holidays, when the children are happy, everyone is happy. Our children were so happy, they were reluctant to step outside the front door... And the fleshpots? While not on our itinerary, their gaudy presence went blissfully unnoticed by the little ones who were far more interested in stripping down for their third bath of the day... * Find out more at www.theknightresidence.co.uk or by calling 0131 622 8120. 
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