Edinburgh is a city defined by contrast. Medieval closes wind beneath castle walls. Georgian architecture lines elegant New Town streets. And just steps away from centuries of history sits one of the boldest modern additions to the skyline, the new W Edinburgh Hotel.

During our stay in Edinburgh, the W Edinburgh offered a completely different perspective on the city, combining contemporary luxury with unbeatable access to the Old Town, shopping, and iconic viewpoints.

For travelers used to traditional Scottish hotels filled with tartan and fireplaces, W Edinburgh feels intentionally different. And that’s exactly the point.

Hotel Overview

Located within Edinburgh’s St James Quarter development, W Edinburgh sits at the intersection of Old Town history and New Town energy.

From the hotel, guests can easily walk to Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street Gardens, The Royal Mile, Waverley Station and the Calton Hill viewpoint.

The property itself consists of three distinct buildings built into the St James Quarter Edinburgh mall area:

The Ribbon Building (the hotel’s signature copper-clad structure).
Quarter House
James Craig Walk Townhouses

Together they offer 244 guest rooms and 45 suites designed around modern Scottish inspiration and panoramic city perspectives.

The design has sparked plenty of conversation locally, some love it, others debate it, but once inside, the experience focuses squarely on modern luxury.

Amenities include:

AWAY Spa treatments and wellness spaces.
Fitness center.
Rooftop W Deck terrace with 360-degree city views.
Concierge services and valet parking.
24-hour room service.

The rooftop experience alone has become one of the hotel’s defining features, offering sweeping views across Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat, and the North Sea.

For travelers wanting a central location without sacrificing luxury design, the setting is hard to beat.

Accommodations

Rooms at W Edinburgh lean heavily into the brand’s modern personality. Expect bold colors, contemporary furnishings, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing the city skyline.

For our stay, we had originally booked a Wonderful Twin Room, Guest room, 2 Double room that would fit a family of four, but the maximum occupancy of the room had changed before our stay to only two guests per room. We were able to contact the hotel and get a waiver since we had booked prior to the occupancy change.

At check-in we were pleasantly surprised to receive an upgrade to a James Craig Deluxe Suite with Two Beds, which is located across from the iconic ribbon building.

The James Craig Walk Rooms are located in James Craig Walk, a historic Georgian Townhouse on St James Square where history blends with modern luxury. James Craig Walk guests can benefit from their own exclusive private entrance to James Craig Walk, meaning we were close enough to the buzz of the Ribbon Building yet discreetly tucked away for a home-away-from-home ambiance.

Many accommodations include terraces or balconies overlooking St James Square or Edinburgh’s historic rooftops and suites elevate the experience further with expansive living areas and panoramic terraces. Despite the contemporary design, comfort remains a priority, especially after long days walking Edinburgh’s hills and historic streets.

Families should note that some room layouts favor style over traditional desk space, but the location often means you’ll spend most of your time exploring the city anyway.

Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite Benefits

As Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite members, loyalty recognition is always part of how we evaluate a stay. For our stay we were given a room upgrade from a base Wonderful Room to a Suite, likely due to out Marriott Bonvoy Titanium status (previous year was at the Ambassador level) and breakfast was included for everyone at SushiSamba every morning (kids were free, which was a nice surprise). The breakfast benefit here is very strong and has impressive rooftop views of Edinburgh.

Dining

Dining is one of W Edinburgh’s standout features. The hotel’s upper floors house several destination venues that attract both guests and locals.

SUSHISAMBA Edinburgh

Located high above the city, SUSHISAMBA combines Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisine in a lively setting for dinner and serves breakfast in the morning. The restaurant has quickly become one of Edinburgh’s most talked-about dining destinations.

W Lounge and W Deck

The signature W Lounge offers all-day dining and direct access to the rooftop W Deck. This is arguably one of the best viewpoints in Edinburgh. The 360-degree terrace allows views stretching across iconic landmarks and surrounding hills.

Joao’s Place

An intimate cocktail bar inspired by Sao Paulo adds another layer of personality to the hotel’s nightlife offerings.

Overall Impression

W Edinburgh isn’t trying to be a traditional Scottish hotel. Instead, it embraces modern luxury within one of Europe’s most historic cities. For travelers who want historic charm, Edinburgh offers countless options, but for those looking for something energetic, design-forward, and perfectly positioned to explore the city on foot, W Edinburgh delivers a unique experience.

During our stay, mornings began with skyline views and easy walks into Old Town exploration. Afternoons blended sightseeing with shopping and dining steps from the lobby and we spent many evenings overlooking the city lights from the rooftop terrace. It’s a stay that feels unmistakably modern, while still rooted in one of the world’s most timeless destinations.

W Edinburgh Review: Modern Luxury in the Heart of Scotland’s Historic Capital