If you have walked through Edinburgh’s New Town lately, you have probably stopped and stared at a shiny, spiraling building that looks nothing like anything else in the city. That is W Edinburgh, and whether you love it or hate it, everyone has an opinion on it.
This guide covers everything about W Hotel Edinburgh, from the rooms and rooftop bar to parking, prices, and the story behind that unmistakable design. Think of it as your one stop shop for the W Edinburgh hotel.
Quick Specs: W Hotel Edinburgh
Star Rating: 5-Star Luxury Lifestyle (Marriott International)
Address: 1 St James Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3AX, Scotland. [Google Maps]
Phone: +44 131 388 8000
Best For: Vibrant nightlife, panoramic rooftop views, luxury stays, and design-led modern luxury.
Nightly Rates: ~£290 – £800+ per night (varies heavily by season and suite tier).
Standout Feature: 360-degree rooftop views from the W Deck and its controversial 12-storey spiraling bronze “Ribbon Building” design.
W Edinburgh Booking Affiliate Link: Agoda
Contents
What Is The W Hotel Edinburgh?
W Edinburgh is a five-star lifestyle hotel sitting at the heart of the St James Quarter development in the city’s New Town. It is the first W Hotel in Scotland and one of the brand’s most ambitious European openings to date.
The hotel is spread across three connected buildings, each bringing a distinct architectural feel:
- The Ribbon Building: A striking 12-storey tower wrapped in a spiralling bronze facade. This is the central, highly photographed icon of the property.
- James Craig Walk: A Category B listed terrace dating back to 1775, fully restored with its original stone front and tall sash windows.
- The Quarter House: A newer building finished in an understated stone style that nods to traditional Edinburgh architecture.
Together, these buildings hold 244 rooms, made up of 199 rooms and 45 suites, including the Extreme Wow Suite, W’s high-energy take on a traditional presidential suite. The property also features the UK’s first W Sound Suite, a professional on-site recording studio designed for visiting musicians, podcasters, and creatives.
The Design (And Why Everyone Calls It “The Golden Turd”)
Let’s address this early, because so many people search for it. W Edinburgh was designed by London firm Jestico + Whiles, working alongside local firm Allan Murray Architects on the wider St James Quarter masterplan.
The coiled, ribbon like shape of the main tower was meant to reflect Edinburgh’s festival spirit. Locals had other ideas. The building earned the cheeky nickname you may have heard, thanks to its swirled, golden bronze shape sitting above the city’s historic rooftops.
Love it or not, the design has made the hotel one of the most talked about buildings in Scotland, and it is genuinely unmissable from Calton Hill.
Rooms And Suites At W Edinburgh Hotel
Rooms are split across the three buildings, and each layout takes on a slightly different personality depending on where you stay:
- Ribbon Building & Quarter House: These rooms feel sleek and modern, featuring dark wood panelling, copper accents, and design details inspired by Scotland’s volcanic roots.
- James Craig Walk: These rooms preserve the terrace’s historic architecture, offering soaring ceilings, deep sash windows, and thick stone walls paired with modern W furnishings.
W Hotels uses its own playful room-naming system rather than standard descriptions. Entry-level rooms start with Wonderful King Rooms, stepping up to Fabulous and Spectacular categories before reaching the suite tiers. Many rooms and suites across all three buildings feature private outdoor terraces, a rare luxury in central Edinburgh.
Food And Drink: Bars, Restaurant, And The Rooftop
This is where W Edinburgh really leans into its lifestyle reputation. The top floors are built for socializing, offering a mix of dining, cocktails, and city views.
| Venue | What It Is | Best For |
| SUSHISAMBA | The hotel’s signature restaurant (and the brand’s first Scottish location), blending Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian flavors. | A proper dinner out with high-energy atmosphere. |
| W Lounge | A relaxed social hub offering a Scottish-inspired menu and afternoon tea. | Coffee, small plates, and daytime drinks. |
| Joao’s Place | A hidden, Brazilian-inspired speakeasy cocktail bar and intimate terrace. | Late-night vinyl listening and curated cocktails. |
| W Deck | The rooftop bar and terrace offering 360-degree views across the city skyline. | Sunset drinks, skyline photos, and heated winter pods. |
The W Deck provides one of the best vantage points in the city, taking in sweeping views all the way to Calton Hill and the Firth of Forth. During cooler months, the terrace features heated, all-weather glass pods so you can enjoy the view regardless of Scottish weather.
Note on Breakfast: Breakfast at W Edinburgh is served à la carte rather than as an open buffet, and it is charged separately unless specifically included in your booking tier.
Spa And Wellness: AWAY Spa
W Edinburgh’s spa is run under the brand’s AWAY Spa concept, designed by Jestico + Whiles with Raison D’Etre as spa consultant. It opened in April 2024, a few months after the hotel itself.
The design draws on volcanic rock, fire, and water, and treatments use Scottish skincare brand ishga alongside [comfort zone] products. There is also a gym and fitness studio for guests who want a workout instead of a massage.
Getting There And Parking
W Edinburgh sits at 1 St James Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3AX, located directly inside the St James Quarter complex.
- By Tram (From Edinburgh Airport): Take the Edinburgh Tram directly from the airport terminal to the St Andrew Square stop (around 30–35 minutes). From there, the hotel entrance is less than a 3-minute walk.
- From Edinburgh Waverley Station: About a 5-minute walk on foot.
- From the Royal Mile: Around 6 to 8 minutes on foot.
- By Car or Taxi: Roughly 6 miles from Edinburgh Airport (25 to 35 minutes depending on traffic).
For driving guests, the hotel offers full valet parking, alongside access to the public St James Quarter multi-storey carpark. Parking is charged per day rather than included free in the room rate, so confirm current daily rates directly with the hotel prior to arrival.
What Does It Cost To Stay at the W Hotel Edinburgh?
Rates at W Edinburgh move constantly based on season and demand, the same as almost any city centre hotel. When it opened in late 2023, rooms started from around £293 a night. Expect prices to swing higher during festival season, Hogmanay, and major Edinburgh events, and lower during quieter winter weekdays.
Booking directly through the hotel or through Marriott Bonvoy often gives you the most flexibility, including the option to use points instead of cash.
Is W Edinburgh Worth It? Quick Pros And Cons
Pros:
- Unbeatable Location: Situated directly inside the St James Quarter, steps from Princes Street and a short walk from Waverley Station and the Royal Mile.
- Bold, Vibrant Atmosphere: If you love modern, design-forward hotels with a lively energy, this delivers like no other property in Scotland.
- Built-in Nightlife: With SUSHISAMBA, Joao’s Place, and the 360-degree rooftop W Deck on-site, you don’t even need to leave the building for an incredible night out.
Cons:
- Annex Separation: Rooms in the historic James Craig Walk terrace feel more secluded, which is great for quiet, but means a short indoor walk to reach the main rooftop bars.
- Extra Costs: Breakfast and parking are charged separately unless explicitly included in your booking package.
Quick Sign Off
Whatever you make of that swirling bronze façade, W Edinburgh has given the city one of its most photographed buildings and one of its most fun rooftop bars. Book a room, or just pop up for a sunset cocktail. Either way, you will leave with an opinion.
If you really liked this property, then here is the direct booking affiliate link from Agoda. (If you book from this link then I will earn a small commission with no extra cost to you!)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is breakfast included at the W Hotel Edinburgh?
Not automatically. Breakfast is typically charged separately unless you book a rate that specifically includes it, so check this at booking.
Does the W Hotel Edinburgh have parking?
Yes. The hotel offers valet parking, along with public on site parking that is charged per day rather than included in the room rate.
Does the W Hotel in Edinburgh have a pool?
W Edinburgh does not have a traditional swimming pool. It focuses instead on its AWAY Spa treatment rooms and fitness centre.
Does W Hotel Edinburgh have a spa?
Yes, it has an AWAY Spa, which opened in April 2024 with treatment rooms designed around volcanic rock, fire, and water themes.
When did W Hotel Edinburgh open?
It opened its doors on 29 November 2023, after several delays from its originally planned opening.
Who owns the W Hotel Edinburgh?
The W Hotels brand is owned and operated by Marriott International. The hotel building itself sits within the St James Quarter development, whose developer is Nuveen.
Is the W Hotel a high end hotel?
Yes. W Hotels is positioned as one of Marriott’s luxury lifestyle brands, sitting alongside names like The Luxury Collection and St. Regis in Marriott’s portfolio.
Why is the W Hotel so expensive?
Rates reflect the brand’s luxury positioning, the central St James Quarter location, the design forward interiors, and the on site dining and nightlife, all of which come at a premium compared with a standard city centre hotel.
When was the W Hotel Edinburgh built?
Construction ran through the late 2010s and early 2020s as part of the wider St James Quarter development, with the hotel finally completing and opening in November 2023.
Why is the W Hotel famous?
As a brand, W Hotels became known for design led, music and nightlife focused properties when Starwood launched it in 1998. The Edinburgh property adds to that reputation locally thanks to its unmistakable, much debated architecture.
Are Marriott and W the same?
Not quite. W Hotels is a brand owned by Marriott International, which acquired the W brand when it bought Starwood Hotels & Resorts in 2016. So W Edinburgh is a Marriott property, but Marriott also runs many other brands.
Is W Hotel a 6 star hotel?
There is no officially recognised 6 star hotel rating system, so W Hotels, including the Edinburgh property, are classed as 5 star.
Is W Hotel a boutique hotel?
Not really. W leans more towards a larger scale luxury lifestyle brand rather than a true boutique hotel, though individual properties like W Edinburgh do have some boutique style touches, especially in the historic James Craig Walk rooms.
Which is the best W Hotel in the world?
This comes down to personal taste, since W properties range from beach resorts to city hotels around the globe. It is worth comparing a few based on what you want from a trip rather than looking for one universal “best.”
Does Marriott own W Hotel?
Yes, Marriott International owns the W Hotels brand.
Which is the largest W Hotel in the world?
That title currently belongs to W Sydney in Darling Harbour, Australia, which has 588 rooms. W Edinburgh, with 244 rooms, is a much smaller property by comparison.
How many 5 star hotels are there in Scotland?
There is no single official running total published for this, since ratings and hotel openings change over time. Edinburgh alone is home to several five star properties, including W Edinburgh, The Balmoral, and The Edinburgh Grand.
What is the W Hotel Edinburgh known for?
Mainly its bold, spiral shaped architecture, its rooftop bar with 360 degree city views, and its lively bar and restaurant scene aimed at both guests and locals.
How far is W Hotel Edinburgh from the airport?
Around 6 miles, which usually takes about 25 to 30 minutes by car or taxi depending on traffic.
How do I get into W Hotel Edinburgh?
The main entrance sits on St James Square, accessible from within the St James Quarter development or directly from the surrounding streets in the New Town.
How much is an Uber from Edinburgh city centre to Edinburgh Airport?
Prices change constantly based on demand, time of day, and traffic, but a private ride between the city centre and the airport commonly falls somewhere in the £20 to £35 range. Always check the app on the day for an accurate quote.
Does the W Edinburgh have a lounge?
Yes, the W Lounge is one of the hotel’s on site venues, offering food and drinks with a Scottish influenced menu.
What amenities are at the W hotel Edinburgh?
Guests have access to the AWAY Spa, a fitness centre, valet and on site parking, multiple bars and a restaurant, meeting and event space, 24 hour reception, and rooms with air conditioning and minibars.
Where is the entrance to the W Hotel Edinburgh?
On St James Square, within the St James Quarter development in Edinburgh’s New Town.
How many rooms does the W Edinburgh have?
244 in total, made up of 199 rooms and 45 suites.
Who designed the W Hotel in Edinburgh?
Jestico + Whiles led the architecture and interior design, working with Allan Murray Architects on the broader St James Quarter masterplan.
Where is the W Hotel in Edinburgh?
At 1 St James Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3AX, in the New Town, close to Princes Street and the Royal Mile.
What is the star rating of the W Hotel Edinburgh?
W Edinburgh is a certified five-star luxury lifestyle hotel.
What is the restaurant in the W Hotel Edinburgh?
SUSHISAMBA, which serves a fusion of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisine.
Is W hotel buffet good?
W Edinburgh does not run a large breakfast buffet in the traditional sense. Breakfast is served à la carte, so if a big buffet spread is what you are after, it is worth checking current dining options directly with the hotel before you book.
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