Edinburgh-based independent hotel group Apex has acquired three more sites which it will develop into luxury hotels.

Subject to planning approval, the properties - one in Edinburgh and two in London - would increase the number of Apex hotels to seven.

The Edinburgh site, located on Waterloo Place in the city centre, is a landmark building as it previously served as the first large-scale hotel in the city.

Apex intends to invest £30m in refurbishing the property and to convert it into a 180-room hotel.

Both new London sites are located in the capital's financial district.

The first is a former office block and is located on Copthall Avenue. Apex plans to spend around £25m to convert the building into an 80-room hotel complete with a restaurant, bar, conference facilities and a fitness suite.

The second new London property is adjacent to Apex's existing City of London Hotel on Seething Lane. The new property will be undergo a £6m transformation into an executive wing and become part of the existing hotel.

Angela Vickers, Apex's managing director, said: “The Scottish Executive plans to grow the value of Scottish tourism by 50 per cent by 2012 and a recent report highlighted a requirement for 1,500 additional beds in the city.

“As we already have three properties, we feel we are best placed to capitalise on this increase in demand.

“Meanwhile, our first London hotel in the City has enjoyed high occupancy. Along with a buoyant market, the demand for more bedrooms is driving our expansion and we are confident our second London property will be equally successful.”