Apex City Quay Hotel and Spa, Dundee

I’m letting you into my secret here, this hotel is where I sneak away to when I want to destress and relax. The Apex City Quay Hotel is perfectly situated to give you beautiful views when you open your eyes in the morning,  sitting on the waterfront of the River Tay, with views of the Quayside to the east and the Tay Bridge to the west meaning you can watch the sun set and rise from your floor length windows without even having to leave your bed.

The rooms have everything you need and a bit more. The beds are unbelievably comfy, the large flat screen Tv’s on the wall have plenty of channels to watch and a good selection of Twinnings tea, Galaxy hot chocolate and Border biscuits ensure you don’t even have to leave the room. The rooms are uncluttered and simple.

You will definitely want to leave the room though because the Yu Spa downstairs is fantastic. Usually quiet (unless you go on christmas party night which I did, more on that later!) the ozone pool, steam room and sauna are Japanese themed, with changing coloured lights, and relaxing music. I love to go in at night before dinner, when it’s dark outside, at the lights are dimmed. Lying in the sunken Japanese inspired Hot tub, you can almost feel the stress slip away. If your feeling like a bit of exercise there is also a TechnoGym, or if you want to be pampered there are five Elemis treatment rooms, where you can treat yourself to, for instance, an ocean wrap, a hot stone massage, or a deep cleanse facial.

The hotels’ restaurant, the Metro Bar and Brasserie, is an elegant, classy affair. Beautifully laid out with nice views of the Quay, the chefs here use as many locally sourced products as they can, cooking up fresh tasty meals such as Arbroath Smokie Scotch eggs with Cullen skink leeks, or Loin of Venison, pickled brambles, garlic mash and sloe jus. I also hear they do a yummy afternoon tea but I haven’t tried that, it’s on my list. What I really enjoy here though is the breakfasts. I’ve tried many a buffet breakfast and don’t always enjoy them but here they are delicious. There is always a full section of hot foods as well as lots of cereals, hams, cheeses, fruits, fruit juices, toast and yoghurts. You are never rushed and you can spend a while reading the daily papers they have laid out, and have a steaming hot cup of coffee while enjoying the views. I always try and go on a Saturday night as you get a later check out which means I can then go back to my room and lie on the bed and chill out before heading home.
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I visited this time half way through December, and also at the same time the year before, so I knew this time to dress properly to go down to the Spa. Unlike last year when I went down in the robe they provide in the rooms. Picture this- Me in my robe, hair slapped back, trainers on, in the lift. The doors open to a reception room and bar filled with drunken party goers dressed up to the nines in sky scrapper heels and tiny sparkly dresses. Never have I been so embarrassed. So remember if you are going in December, which I like to do, to relax before the mayhem of christmas, they do hold Christmas Party nights. This time though, I was prepared. I dressed up, stuck on my heels, and joined the party. Really good night it was too.

Although this hotel is my favourite they also have three in Edinburgh. I’ve yet to visit the Waterloo which also has a Yu Spa, anybody been?
To have a look at more photos and perhaps book a room have a look at their website http://www.apexhotels.co.uk/en/hotels/dundee/apex-city-quay-hotel/
Oh, and don’t forget your little pressie, he will be in the bathroom!
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