W Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy's global portfolio, has announced the reveal of W Edinburgh with unrivalled happenings, bold, unexpected design, and signature Whatever/Whenever service. Highlights include a striking rooftop deck offering never-seen-before 360° views, as well as the W Hotels brand's signature Sound Suite recording studio, a first for the UK and the second in Europe, empowering musicians, podcasters, DJs, and artists to create and record inspired by Edinburgh's diverse influences. W Edinburgh sits at the heart of the St. James Quarter, a newly revitalised neighbourhood in the city centre that combines world-class retail, entertainment, and dining.
Inspired by the best of Scottish culture and history, the hotel sits across three distinct buildings, offering a locally rooted vision with a spirit all its own. Destined to become a cultural hub in the lifestyle district of St. James Quarter, W Edinburgh will attract locals and global guests alike with immersive day-to-night programming unique to the world's leading festival city.
"The unveiling of W Edinburgh not only signifies our exciting entry into Scotland, but it also proudly marks our second property and continued expansion in the United Kingdom," said George Fleck, Vice President and Global Brand Leader at W Hotels.
"Our bold approach to luxury hospitality, complemented by culture-driven programming, and cutting-edge design, will surely infuse the city with a playful, yet refined ambience. W Edinburgh invites locals and global travellers alike to explore the city through the brand's distinct lens."
Interior designers Jestico + Whiles have reimagined the best of Scotland with locally rooted influences and creative collaborations throughout W Edinburgh's design. The hotel comprises three distinct buildings positioned around St. James Square: the Ribbon Building, James Craig Walk, and the Quarter House, with a total of 199 rooms and 45 suites, many with outdoor terraces, which offer a new perspective on the city.
The 12-story Ribbon Building features a striking exterior façade, evoking the celebratory spirit of Edinburgh and creating a modern-day landmark in the heart of the city. Top floor terraces offer guests breath-taking, 360° views from Arthur's Seat to the sea, while igloos on the roof terrace will allow for guests and locals to enjoy the view whatever the Scottish skies. In contrast, James Craig Walk is a heritage-listed terrace dating from 1775, that epitomises the character of historic Edinburgh, with its robust, honest stone façade, high ceilings, and tall sash windows. Newly built and interlinked with the Ribbon Building, the Quarter House is also predominantly a stone façade inspired by traditional Edinburgh architecture.
Interiors draw influence from the elements of the coastal city built on volcanic rock, with fire and water providing juxtaposed inspiration throughout. Dark 'charred wood' panelling in many of the public areas is complemented by striking copper touches, including a fringe ceiling feature in the W Lounge. Volcanic rock is featured in the Welcome Desk, while the W Lounge bar and minibars use tonal hues throughout, a nod to local with thistle and woad blue.
Spanning 1,600 square feet with iconic views of the Edinburgh skyline, the Extreme Wow Suite (the W Hotels spin on the Presidential Suite) offers a social living area with a spacious dining room and unique rock bar inspired by the city's volcanic beginnings. Designed to maximise comfort, the guestroom features a playful, round super-king-sized bed and walk-in wardrobe. The bathroom has a free-standing bath, private sauna, walk-in shower and vanity, while the suite's expansive private terrace is ideal for entertaining with unrivalled views of Edinburgh Castle.
The state-of-the-art event spaces serve as the perfect platform for inspiration, and the professional-grade Sound Suite empowers musicians and podcasters, to take a stance and be heard, creating a buzz that's right here, right now. W Edinburgh is anticipated to become an evolutionary heartbeat of the city with detail-driven design and impactful programming, coupled with an Away Spa and FIT fitness centre.
