W Edinburgh

St James Square’s sleek new stay
VERIFIED LUXURY

Standing out from the crowd can be a challenge in a historic city, but W Edinburgh is up to the challenge. Occupying a striking egg-shaped structure that appears to be enveloped in a bronze ribbon, W Edinburgh certainly makes a statement. While the unique exterior has been the cause for much of the attention, the November 2023-debuted luxury hotel’s wraparound terraces with their spectacular skyline views are proving to be quite the crowd-pleasers as well.

Marking the brand’s first foray into Scotland, W Edinburgh combines its daring design with elements of local heritage to create a modern and mindful retreat. A minimalist lobby features Old World touches like a tartan tapestry and wood paneling. Works by contemporary Scottish photographers line the walls of buzzy restaurants and bars. And while most of the accommodations occupy the striking Ribbon Building, a handful of the 244 rooms sit within a classic Georgian townhouse for those craving something more classic.

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Our Inspector's Highlights

  • Skyline views from W Edinburgh’s 12th-floor wraparound terrace are a huge perk of staying at the new St James Square hotel. Head upstairs around sunset (with a drink, of course) to take in some of the best vistas in town.
  • W Edinburgh occupies a central location within arm’s reach of the Royal Mile, the St James Quarter shopping and dining district and Waverley station, should you want to venture further afield.
  • After a day spent exploring Edinburgh’s sites, head to the hotel’s intimate four-room Away Spa for some locally inspired pampering. Treatments featuring seaweed-infused skincare products from Scottish brand Ishga are bound to leave you feeling refreshed.
  • All accommodations feature a dash of W flair with low midcentury-modern-inspired furnishings, bold pops of color and fully stocked in-room bars. W Edinburgh blends this contemporary vibe with a touch of the past with spacious balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city’s striking skyline.
  • Wow and Extreme Wow suites are a cut above thanks to unique curved architecture, spacious fire-pit-equipped balconies and circular beds that swivel to face either the TV or the spectacular St James Square views.

The Restaurants

  • The Edinburgh hotel's restaurant Sushisamba puts a Scottish spin on Japanese-South American fusion plates — think gyoza stuffed with Highland-bred wagyu or tuna ceviche made with Scrabster-sourced fish — while also delivering Brazilian-inspired cocktails and panoramic skyline views.
  • There’s something decidedly enchanting about Sushisamba’s interiors. Black-and-white tiles arranged in a wave pattern make the floors seem to sway while a two-story tree sprouting copper blossoms imagined by Harry Potter set designers instantly transports you away from Edinburgh’s bustling city center.
  • Take a page out of James Bond’s book by enjoying a nightcap at a secret speakeasy with international flair. Jaoao’s Place is a cozy hideaway serving Tokyo-meets-Sao Paulo-themed sips such as Brazilian Bamabo (cachaca, umeshu sake, orange bitters) and Tropicalismo (yuzu and coconut gin, guava juice passionfruit cordial, lime).
  • With its Mad Men-inspired interiors and panoramic views, W Lounge is a cozy spot from which to grab a morning coffee or an afternoon pint.

Amenities
24-hour room service
Bar
Gym
Meeting rooms
Restaurants
Spa
Getting There
1 St James Square, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 3AX
TEL44-131-388-8000
NEARBY AIRPORT(S)
EDI (22-50 min)   GLA (1 hr 5 min-1 hr 40 min)  
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