Checking in – Urban Quarters Dundee

This post was most recently updated on August 31st, 2019

On my recent visit to Scotland I had the opportunity to stay in Urban Quarters Dundee and experience what it is like to “stay different”.  Urban Quarters Dundee are serviced apartments offering space, comfort and flexibility at the price of a regular hotel room. But what really sets them apart from the rest is the attention to detail. They are spacious, uniquely designed and comfortable. Every amenity you could desire is provided and the location is ideal.   Whether you are traveling alone, with a partner or with family and/or friends, if you are looking for a place to stay in Scotland’s “Coolest City” look no further that Urban Quarters Dundee. This is the perfect place to live it up like a local and feel right at home while exploring what Dundee has to offer.

Urban Quarters Dundee is The Perfect Accommodation in The Cultural Quarter

Aside from price to make sure it fits my budget, one of the first things I look at when I need to book accommodations is location.  I do not always have a car or the desire to drive. So being centrally located is a priority. I like a place that is close to city center and all the attractions. And because I like to eat it’s important to have restaurants, pubs, and/or bars within walking distance.  Urban Quarters meets every one of my requirements. It is located in the highly desirable Cultural Quarter and is steps away from great restaurants, bars, and some of the best attractions in Dundee. Here is a small list of what you can easily walk to:

Restaurants/Pubs/Bars (Food & Drink): Innis & Gunn Brewery Taproom, Medina Bar & Grill, 172 at the Caird, The Braes, Wee Slice, Clarks Bakery, The phoenix, Dr. Noodles, Oshibori, Dynasty Dundee, La Baguette, West House

Attractions: Dundee Contemporary Arts, RRS Discovery, V&A Dundee, The McManus, Verdant Works, Whitehall Theater, Caird Hall

Style & Character as Unique as Dundee 

Overall the style is reflective of Dundee’s culture.  One of Innovation and Art. Clean and contemporary space with lots of small imaginative details which really set them apart.  I love how open, light and airy the apartment feels. It is welcoming and comfortable. Furniture is modern with touches of luxury. Minimalist and uncluttered, with neutral, clean tones and some splashes of color.  

The Rooms at Urban Quarters Dundee

What is brilliant about Urban Quarters Dundee is that many of their rooms can be configured to fit you best. This allows for a great level of flexibility which is especially convenient if traveling with family or friends. It means you could set up one room with a super king bed for you and your partner and the other room with twin beds for the kids. There are other possibilities as well and I love that they thought of this. 

You will be able to choose between 4 individual apartments each named after a famous Dundonian. And the quirky artsy style is apparent even before you open the door as each of them is painted to represent the character/name of the apartment.

James Valentine Quarters

This unique basement apartment was named after the famous photographer James Valentine. He produced Scottish topographical views from the 1860 and later became internationally famous as the producer of picture postcards.

It is a cozy space and is most unique because it features indoor and outdoor living spaces.  It is also the only one of the apartments with a 2 separate bathrooms one of which is en-suite.

Mary Ann Baxter Quarters

This apartment was named after the cofounder of the University College of Dundee. Located on the ground floor it provides easy access with just a few steps to reach its entrance.  It has an open floor concept resembling a loft space where living, kitchen and dining areas occupy a single large space.  It offers two separate bedrooms with double bed configuration.

Anna Thompson-Dodge Quarters

Named after the Anna Thompson Dodge who married Horace Dodge the creator of the Dodge Motor Company. This is the largest of the four and is located on the first floor.  It is an open versatile living space with plenty of room to spread out. If you like to cook then you will truly enjoy the large fully equipped kitchen and island. The living/dining area is equipped for 8. It is an ideal space for two groups traveling together, using 2 apartments, to have a single space to gather. 

Patrick Geddes Quarters

The fourth and final room and the one I had the pleasure to stay in. Named after Patrick Geddes who is known for writing and early book on the Evolution of Sex in conjunction with J. Arthur Thompson. He was also the Chair of Sociology at the University College Dundee from 1888 to 1919.

This apartment is located on the top floor (or the attic).  So be prepared to walk up two flights of steps (there is no elevator/lift). It has 2 bedrooms which can be configured as super kings or 2 single beds each. One large sharable bathroom. And a big galley kitchen with a small eat in area and comfortable living space.

Services and Amenities That Set Urban Quarters Dundee Apart 

Every minute detail has been designed with touches of luxury and comfort to make you feel at home. It is these details that set Urban Quarters apart and will make your stay regardless of length a memorable one.

The Comfortable Sleeping Space

All of the apartments have extremely comfortable beds and crisp, soft, quality Egyptian cotton linens. The pillows feel like clouds, soft yet supportive. There is plenty of closet/drawer space if you wish to unpack and store your clothing. Windows allow plenty of natural light and can be easily covered at night to provide privacy and darkness. They also provide face masks for those who need it extra dark to sleep.

The Spacious Well Appointed Living Space

The living space is equipped with all the comforts from home including free high speed Wi-Fi, USB plug sockets, central heating, Smart TVs with Tivo Box and Netflix and a good quality sound bar. The sofas and chairs are comfortable and well placed to take advantage of the space in the rooms.

Like other areas the decor is contemporary and uncluttered with a few quirky retro accessories (cue in the record player and vinyls).  Because there is plenty of natural light the space feels bright, airy, spacious and comfortable. There is ample space to lounge in and proper space to cook and eat if you don’t feel like going out.

Speaking of cooking, the kitchens are fully equipped with integrated oven, microwave, good size refrigerator/freezer, dishwasher and even great extras such as a Nespresso coffee machine and a popcorn maker. So you can save money by cooking at home and start your day with a great cup of Joe.

They even include a washer and dryer in each apartment making it convenient for longer stays where you need to do some laundry.

The Luxurious Bathroom Space

Because they know you like to feel pampered, Urban Quarters Dundee does not skimp on the bathroom amenities. Just like linens in the bedrooms, the bathrooms have plush luxury towels that will feel soft against your skin. And the heated rack and backlit mirror are a nice touch.

The bathrooms are large and fully tiled. The rainfall showers have good water pressure and they provide fresh scented high quality Scottish toiletries. A hair dryer is also provided. So go ahead and leave your soaps, shampoos, and hair dryer at home and save the room in your luggage for some souvenirs.

Other Services and Amenities offered at Urban Quarters Dundee

Another great service Urban Quarters provides and which sets them apart is discounts to local restaurants, services and attractions. As part of your welcome packet you will have basic necessities such as milk, coffee, tea and a Scottish favorite – Tunnocks Teacakes.  And a few cool extras like some cereal and popcorn kernels to pop in your own pop corn machine.

You will also receive a welcome letter with some local recommendations and a discount card.  If you are able I highly recommend you take advantage of this.  These vendors have been carefully selected to be of high quality and you will be trying some local favorites at a great price.

TO SUM IT UP – I would like to use some words from owner Lynn Henderson “My aim with Urban Quarters is to be comparable to a luxury hotel suite for less than the nightly rate”.  After seeing it for myself, I can with confidence confirm it is EXACTLY that and somehow even MORE.  So I dare you to “Stay Different”. 

Planning to visit Dundee? Here is a guide with the Best of Dundee to help you plan your visit. 

 

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Some Practical Information

 

Address: 26 South Tay Street, DD1 1PD Dundee

Phone #: 07876 450 961 ; 07771 790 030

Email: info@urbanquarters.co.uk

Website: https://www.urbanquarters.co.uk/

Disclaimer: I was a guest of Urban Quarters. However, views and opinions are entirely my own.