Planning a trip to the Scottish capital with a group of friends, family, or colleagues? Whether you’re coordinating a weekend escape or organising accommodation for a conference delegation, finding the right space can make or break your Edinburgh experience.
Group travel Edinburgh presents unique challenges that standard hotel bookings simply cannot solve. You need rooms that keep everyone close, shared spaces where you can actually spend time together, and the flexibility to cook, work, and relax on your own schedule. Ocean Serviced Apartments in Leith offers exactly this combination, a waterfront location with private apartments designed for groups who want more than just a place to sleep.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about making Ocean your perfect base for group getaways or business trips, from choosing the right apartment mix to planning your days exploring Scotland’s most historic city. Edinburgh is a popular tourist destination known for its historic architecture and attractions, with landmarks like Arthur’s Seat offering visitors a chance to experience both the city’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Why Choose Ocean Serviced Apartments for Group Travel in Edinburgh
When you’re booking for a group, location and space are the two factors that matter most. Ocean Serviced Apartments delivers on both, offering a waterfront setting in Leith that balances convenience with a distinctly different atmosphere from the tourist crowds of the Old Town.
Located about two miles from Princes Street and the Royal Mile, Ocean sits at the heart of Edinburgh’s evolving waterfront district. A taxi ride to the city centre takes roughly 10–15 minutes, meaning you have easy access to Edinburgh’s main attractions while returning each evening to a quieter, more residential neighbourhood. The apartments overlook the harbour near Ocean Terminal, home to the Royal Yacht Britannia, making it an appealing base for mixed-age groups and visiting business guests alike.
What sets serviced apartments apart from booking multiple hotel rooms becomes clear the moment your group arrives. Instead of scattering across separate floors with nothing but narrow corridors connecting you, Ocean’s apartments provide spacious living rooms where everyone can gather, fully equipped kitchens for shared meals, and the privacy of separate bedrooms when you need time apart. For families travelling together, project teams on extended assignments, or sports clubs visiting for a tournament, this setup transforms accommodation from a mere logistics problem into a genuine part of the experience.
Cost-effectiveness matters too. When you calculate the price per person across multiple hotel rooms versus well-appointed apartments with kitchen facilities, the savings add up quickly, especially on longer stays where dining out for every meal would drain your budget.
Whether you’re here for leisure with family and friends or a corporate visit, Ocean provides the foundation for a successful group stay.
Types of Groups Ocean Serviced Apartments is Perfect For
Understanding whether Ocean fits your group type helps you plan with confidence. The apartments work best for groups who value shared time together but also appreciate having their own bedrooms and private space at the end of the day.
Family reunions and multi-generational trips are among the most common bookings. Grandparents, parents, and children can stay in adjacent apartments on the same floor, gathering in one living room for meals while retreating to separate units for bedtime. This arrangement keeps everyone close without the chaos of sharing a single house.
Friends’ city breaks work beautifully here too, whether you’re celebrating a milestone birthday, catching up after years apart, or simply exploring Edinburgh together. Groups of friends appreciate the kitchen for cooking breakfast together, the living space for evening drinks and card games, and the location near Leith’s restaurants and cosy pubs for nights out.
Wedding guests often book several apartments when attending ceremonies in Edinburgh. Staying together creates a sense of occasion that scattered hotel rooms cannot match, and the shared spaces allow for getting-ready gatherings and post-reception wind-downs.
Conference delegates, project teams, and training cohorts find Ocean ideal for extended business stays. Teams can occupy neighbouring apartments, using living areas for informal briefings while maintaining professional separation in bedrooms for focused work and rest.
Relocation stays serve employees and families who are moving to Edinburgh and need comfortable accommodation while searching for permanent housing. The home-like environment eases the transition in ways a hotel room simply cannot.
Ocean welcomes well-behaved leisure groups and business visitors alike. The apartments are not suited for late-night parties or stag and hen groups seeking a venue for loud celebrations, this is a residential-style property where respectful socialising fits perfectly, but excessive noise does not.
Typical apartments range from one to three bedrooms, sleeping between two and seven guests each. Groups of 10–30 or more can spread across several apartments on nearby floors, maintaining proximity while respecting the building’s community atmosphere. For events like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August, Hogmanay at New Year, or gatherings around conferences at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, booking multiple units keeps your whole party together in one location.
Experience Luxury Amenities at Ocean Serviced Apartments
Discover a new level of comfort and style at Ocean Serviced Apartments, where luxury meets convenience in the heart of Edinburgh city centre. Perfectly located for group getaways, our city centre apartments place you just moments from iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Princes Street. With easy access to Edinburgh Waverley station, you and your group can arrive, settle in, and start exploring the Scottish capital with ease.
Our private apartments are designed with large group accommodation in mind, offering spacious living areas, multiple bedrooms, and stunning views across the city and harbour. Whether you’re planning a family reunion, a weekend escape with friends, or a special celebration for hen groups or stag parties, you’ll find the perfect base for your Edinburgh adventure right here.
At Ocean, we believe your group trip should be as memorable as the city itself. That’s why our accommodation features a range of luxury amenities to make your stay extra special. Challenge your friends to a round of mini Highland games in our dedicated games room, unwind in the outdoor space with a relaxing soak in the hot tub, or enjoy a peaceful moment in our beautifully landscaped gardens. After a day exploring the Old Town, climbing Arthur’s Seat, or cheering at Murrayfield Stadium, there’s nothing better than returning to your own private suite to relax and recharge.
Our apartments are ideal for large groups, with some properties accommodating up to 20 guests, perfect for big celebrations, hen parties, stag dos, or extended family gatherings. Each apartment offers a private entrance, giving your group an exclusive, home-from-home experience that you simply won’t find in a standard hotel. With plenty of space to spread out, you can organise group meals, games nights, or simply enjoy the vibrant nightlife and cosy pubs that surround you in Edinburgh city centre.
We know that every group is unique, so our team is always on hand to help you arrange the perfect stay. From food and drink packages to private chefs and catering, we can tailor your experience to suit your needs. Whether you want to explore the restaurants of the Old Town, take a day trip to the Scottish countryside or East Lothian, or simply relax in your apartment, we’re here to make it happen.
With competitive prices, flexible booking options, and a reputation for accommodating groups of all sizes, Ocean Serviced Apartments is the top choice for visitors looking to experience the best of Edinburgh. Book your stay with us and discover why so many guests choose our city centre apartments as their perfect base for exploring Scotland’s most exciting region.
Making the Most of Ocean’s Group Accommodation for Leisure Trips
This section focuses on holiday and social group travel, families, friends, and celebratory gatherings. If you’re visiting for business, skip ahead to the next section for tailored guidance.
The real advantage of a serviced apartment for leisure groups is the shared living space. After a full day walking the cobbled streets of the Old Town or climbing Arthur’s Seat, there’s nothing quite like returning to a proper living room where everyone can collapse on sofas, share stories from the day, and decide what to do next. Hotel lobbies cannot replicate this, and cramped double rooms certainly cannot. Group stays offer a fun, lively atmosphere with plenty of opportunities for social experiences and memorable entertainment.
Fully equipped kitchens transform how groups eat. You can prepare breakfast together before heading out, saving both money and time compared to waiting for restaurant tables. Evening meals become social events, someone handles pasta while others pour drinks and set the table. Most group accommodations in Edinburgh provide large dining spaces for meals, and self-catering properties allow guests to bring their own food and drink. For families with young children, the flexibility of cooking familiar foods at familiar times removes significant stress from travel.
Tip: Place a supermarket delivery order to arrive on your check-in day. Large supermarket chains operate nearby, and having groceries waiting means you can settle in immediately without a rushed shopping trip.
Leith itself offers plenty without requiring a trip into the city centre. Royal Yacht Britannia at Ocean Terminal is within walking distance and appeals to history lovers and families with older children. The Shore, Leith’s waterfront stretch, features restaurants ranging from traditional Scottish fare to international cuisine, plus bars with outdoor space for warmer evenings. Many accommodations have outdoor spaces with BBQs or pizza ovens for al fresco dining, and gardens or patios can enhance the appeal of the property.
Seasonal opportunities shape many group trips. August brings the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, with thousands of performances across the city, staying at Ocean means quieter nights away from the busiest streets. December sees Christmas markets and Hogmanay celebrations, and Ocean’s apartments offer a calm retreat from the festive crowds. Spring and summer open up coastal walks and day trips to the Scottish countryside, with Leith as your launchpad. Many group accommodations in Edinburgh feature hot tubs and games rooms for entertainment.
Sample Itineraries for Different Types of Leisure Groups
Rather than hour-by-hour schedules, these quick itineraries provide starting points you can adapt to your group’s energy and interests.
Family Gathering Weekend: Start with a visit to Edinburgh Castle in the morning, followed by Camera Obscura’s interactive exhibits that children love. Afternoon at Dynamic Earth gives everyone a break from walking, and Sunday morning works perfectly for Royal Yacht Britannia, just a short walk from your apartments. Evenings back at Ocean mean home-cooked meals around the dining table and early bedtimes for tired little ones. Travel time to the castle and Old Town attractions: approximately 15–20 minutes by taxi or 30–35 minutes by bus.
Friends’ City Break: Spend your first full day exploring the Royal Mile and the Old Town’s historic closes, breaking for lunch at a traditional pub. Climb Arthur’s Seat in the late afternoon if the weather cooperates, the views across the city and Firth of Forth reward the effort. Return to Ocean, freshen up, and head to The Shore for dinner and drinks at waterfront restaurants. The nightlife continues in central Edinburgh if you want it, with taxis back to Ocean readily available.
Culture & Festival Stay: During August’s Fringe, your days will be packed with performances across Old Town and New Town venues. The key advantage of staying at Ocean is the escape it provides, returning to a quiet apartment each night, with space to unwind and discuss the day’s shows. Bring a picnic lunch to eat between performances and save proper meals for evenings in Leith, away from the festival chaos.
Making the Most of Ocean’s Group Accommodation for Business Trips
Corporate travellers have different priorities: reliable Wi-Fi, workspace, privacy for focused tasks, and cost-efficiency on extended stays. Ocean Serviced Apartments meets these needs while providing something hotels struggle to offer, a relaxed shared environment for colleagues who spend all day together.
The apartment layout works exceptionally well for teams. Separate bedrooms give each person genuine privacy for sleep, calls, and personal time. The shared lounge and kitchen create natural spaces for morning briefings, end-of-day debriefs, and the informal conversations that strengthen working relationships. Instead of meeting in soulless hotel lobbies or cramped business centres, you gather around a dining table with fresh coffee and actual comfort.
Edinburgh’s main business areas are straightforwardly accessible from Ocean. Offices around Princes Street and George Street, the financial district, and the Edinburgh International Conference Centre are all reachable in 15–25 minutes by taxi depending on traffic. Edinburgh Waverley Station, for those arriving by train, sits at the heart of the city centre and offers direct connections to London, Glasgow, and beyond.
Key business-friendly features include:
- Reliable high-speed Wi-Fi throughout each apartment
- Dining tables that double as meeting spaces for 4–8 people
- Kitchen facilities for quick lunches between sessions
- Quiet residential setting for focused evening work
- Laundry facilities for extended stays
For businesses booking longer assignments, weekly or monthly projects, the cost comparison with multiple hotel rooms becomes striking. Not only do you pay less per person, but the kitchen access means teams can eat breakfast and some dinners at the apartment, significantly reducing meal expenses. Finance teams and project managers appreciate this level of budget control.
Early check-in and late check-out options can often be arranged depending on apartment availability, which proves particularly helpful for delegates arriving on morning flights or departing after afternoon sessions. Speak with Ocean’s reservations team about your specific schedule when booking.
Using Ocean Serviced Apartments as a Base for Conferences and Events
If you’re organising accommodation for a large event in Edinburgh, coordinating where delegates stay can consume enormous time. Ocean simplifies this by allowing block bookings of multiple apartments in one waterfront location.
Major events that bring groups to Edinburgh include conferences at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, trade shows at the Royal Highland Centre near the airport, university graduations across the city’s institutions, and industry summits hosted in central venues. For any of these, having speakers, VIPs, or delegate teams staying together at Ocean creates logistical advantages and a sense of cohesion.
Plan your arrival and departure days carefully. Pre-booked taxis or minibuses from Edinburgh Airport or Edinburgh Waverley Station to Ocean streamline the process, share the pick-up details with all guests in advance, and consider staggered booking if your group arrives on multiple flights.
The apartments themselves serve as informal gathering spaces. Use one unit’s living room for a pre-conference breakfast briefing, hold debrief sessions after the day’s sessions end, or simply let delegates network over evening drinks in a more relaxed setting than any hotel bar provides.
How to Plan and Book Group Stays at Ocean Serviced Apartments
Booking group accommodation requires more coordination than a solo trip. This section walks you through the practical steps to ensure your stay comes together smoothly.
Step 1: Book early for peak periods. Edinburgh’s busiest times include August (Fringe and International Festival), major rugby weekends at Murrayfield Stadium, December and New Year (Hogmanay), and weeks with large conferences. For groups of six or more, aim to book several months ahead during these periods. Midweek stays outside peak season offer more flexibility.
Step 2: Prepare your details before enquiring. Ocean’s team can help more efficiently if you provide:
- Exact or approximate dates
- Number of guests (adults and children)
- Number of bedrooms required
- Purpose of stay (leisure or business)
- Any accessibility needs or special requests
Step 3: Choose the right apartment mix. Groups rarely fit perfectly into a single unit. Ocean can advise on combinations of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments on nearby floors, keeping everyone close while providing the right bedroom count. A group of twelve might book one three-bedroom and two two-bedroom apartments, for example.
Typical minimum stays apply, usually two nights on weekends, though midweek and longer corporate bookings often have more flexibility. Discuss your specific needs with the reservations team.
Book directly with Ocean via their website, phone, or email for the most accurate availability and to discuss bespoke group arrangements. Direct booking ensures you can ask questions, request specific floors, and confirm all details before committing.
Coordinating Rooming Lists, Payments, and Check-In
As the group organiser, you’ll handle logistics that individual travellers never think about. A little preparation prevents confusion on arrival day.
Create a clear rooming list before arrival. Match each guest to a specific apartment and bedroom type, couples sharing doubles, singles in twin rooms, any guests with accessibility requirements in appropriate units. Share this list with Ocean when booking and with your group before travel.
Payment arrangements for groups can be discussed directly with Ocean’s reservations team. Typically, a deposit secures your booking with the balance due closer to arrival, though terms may vary for larger or longer stays. Clarify timelines when you book so there are no surprises.
Check-in procedures at Ocean involve reception or key collection, with ID required for the lead booker. Standard check-in and check-out times apply, but if your group arrives on staggered flights or trains, discuss this in advance, luggage storage may be available, and the team can advise on the best approach.
Arrival day checklist: Confirm travel times with all guests a few days before arrival. Share directions and entry instructions via group chat or email. Agree on a meeting point within the property, perhaps the apartment with the largest living room, where everyone gathers once settled.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Group Stay at Ocean Serviced Apartments
The difference between a good group trip and a great one often comes down to small practical details. These tips address common challenges specific to Ocean’s Leith location.
Plan your transport connections. Regular buses connect Ocean Terminal and Leith to the Edinburgh city centre, with journey times around 20–25 minutes depending on traffic. Most Edinburgh group properties offer free parking, either on-site or nearby, which is especially convenient for those driving. However, parking availability can vary, city centre locations may have limited or paid options, while properties further out often provide ample free parking. The Edinburgh Tram runs from the airport through the city centre, and while it doesn’t reach Leith directly, connecting from Princes Street is straightforward. Taxis are readily available, expect around £12–18 to the city centre during normal hours, with higher fares late at night. For airport runs, pre-booking a taxi saves time and uncertainty. Edinburgh is a busy destination year-round due to its festivals and historic charm, and it hosts major festivals that attract many visitors throughout the year.
Manage food strategically. Use the apartments’ kitchens for breakfasts and some dinners, placing a supermarket delivery on arrival day. This approach saves money and time, freeing your restaurant budget for special meals out. Leith’s Shore area offers excellent dining without requiring a trip to the city centre, while the Royal Mile and surrounding streets provide endless options when you’re exploring central Edinburgh.
Respect quiet hours. Ocean is a residential-style building with a mix of short-stay and long-stay guests. Keep noise levels reasonable in corridors and avoid balcony gatherings late at night. Normal socialising within apartments – shared dinners, films, games, planning sessions – is perfectly welcome at sensible volumes.
Pack smart for apartment stays. Ocean provides bed linen, towels, and basic kitchenware. Bring any preferred special ingredients, board games for evening entertainment, streaming device login details, and work equipment for business trips. Skip the toiletries in excessive quantities, there’s plenty of storage, but you won’t need hotel miniatures when you have proper bathroom space.
Agree on security protocols. Use the secure entry systems consistently and avoid sharing access codes outside your group. For groups returning from evenings in the city, consider a buddy system, travelling back in pairs or small groups rather than individuals navigating unfamiliar routes late at night.
The best time to book group accommodation in Edinburgh is well in advance of peak seasons, as early booking is key for group accommodations in Edinburgh.
Neighbourhood Guide: Enjoying Leith During Your Stay
Leith deserves more than just sleeping in. This historic port district has transformed into one of Edinburgh’s most vibrant areas, and spending time here enriches your visit beyond the usual tourist trail.
Royal Yacht Britannia sits at Ocean Terminal, literally minutes from your apartment. The former royal yacht offers a fascinating glimpse into royal life at sea, appealing to history enthusiasts and families alike. The visit takes around two hours, making it perfect for a morning or afternoon when you don’t want to travel far.
The Shore forms the heart of Leith’s dining and drinking scene. This waterfront stretch along the Water of Leith features a mix of upscale restaurants, traditional pubs with excellent whisky selections, and casual bars with outdoor space when weather permits. For groups who want a full evening out without travelling to the city centre, The Shore delivers everything you need within easy walking distance.
The Water of Leith Walkway offers a scenic walking route towards central Edinburgh for groups with reasonable fitness levels. Following the river through green spaces, the path eventually connects to Dean Village and the New Town area. Allow 60–90 minutes for a leisurely walk one way, or return by bus after exploring the city centre.
Local conveniences matter after late arrivals or busy conference days. Leith has pharmacies, cash machines, coffee shops for morning pick-ups, and takeaway options when cooking feels like too much effort. Ocean Terminal itself contains various retail and food outlets, all within walking distance.
House Rules, Comfort, and Respectful Group Stays
Clear expectations help everyone relax. Ocean welcomes a wide range of guests, and understanding the guidelines ensures your group fits comfortably within the building community.
Ocean Serviced Apartments is designed for families, business guests, and respectful leisure groups. It does not operate as a dedicated stag or hen venue or a property for parties involving loud music and late-night disruption. If your group falls into those categories, Ocean is not the right fit, but for celebrations that involve good food, conversation, and reasonable hours, you’re very welcome.
Behavioural expectations are straightforward: keep noise levels considerate in corridors and shared areas, respect quiet hours in the late evening, and follow guidance on the maximum number of guests allowed in each apartment. Overcrowding creates fire safety issues and disturbs neighbours, so stick to the agreed occupancy.
Normal group socialising is absolutely fine. Cook dinner together, watch films on the living room TV, hold planning meetings around the table, and enjoy conversations at reasonable volumes. The apartments are designed for exactly this kind of use, the difference lies in extending that respect to others staying in the building.
Non-smoking policies apply indoors throughout the property. Designated outdoor areas accommodate smokers, and clear signage indicates these locations. Dispose of waste in the appropriate bins and recycling points, group stays generate more rubbish than solo visits, so stay on top of this throughout your trip.
Between group stays, Ocean’s professional housekeeping and maintenance teams ensure each apartment meets a high standard. Fresh linens, deep cleaning, and equipment checks mean the next group arrives to the same quality you expect for yourselves.
Why Ocean Serviced Apartments Works for Both Group Travel and Business Trips
The best group accommodation balances two seemingly competing needs: shared space that brings people together and private space where individuals can retreat. Ocean Serviced Apartments achieves this balance in a waterfront location that feels distinct from Edinburgh’s crowded centre while remaining easily connected to it.
For leisure groups, families reuniting, friends celebrating, visitors exploring Scotland, the apartments provide a home-like environment where meals, games, and conversation happen naturally. For business groups, project teams, conference delegates, training cohorts, the same spaces enable efficient collaboration without the sterility of hotel meeting rooms.
Flexibility defines the offering. Multiple apartment sizes accommodate everything from couples to large groups spread across numerous units. Different group types stay simultaneously without conflict because the residential approach attracts respectful guests across all purposes. Ocean’s team supports special requests, from block bookings to staggered check-ins, making complex logistics manageable.
If you’re planning group travel to Edinburgh, whether a family wedding weekend, a friends’ city break, or a corporate training programme, contact Ocean Serviced Apartments directly with your dates, group size, and purpose of visit. The team can recommend the right combination of apartments, confirm availability during your preferred period, and ensure your group has everything needed for a successful stay.
Edinburgh awaits. Make Ocean your base for exploring this remarkable city together.
