W Hotels Edinburgh is a striking hotel. It may have only been only a couple of months but it is already making its mark. The hotel, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 hotel brands was inspired by the best of Scottish culture and history. The 12-storey Ribbon Building at the St James Quarter has a striking exterior façade, evoking the celebratory spirit of Edinburgh. There is no doubt it is a modern-day landmark in the heart of the city.
Local Interior designers Jestico + Whiles have harnessed locally-rooted influences and creative collaborations throughout W Edinburgh’s design. It’s top floor terraces offer guests breath-taking, 360° views from Arthur’s Seat to the sea while igloos on the roof terrace allow guests and locals to enjoy the view.
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.
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 interlinking with the Ribbon Building, the Quarter House is also predominantly a stone façade, inspired by traditional Edinburgh architecture. In contrast, 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 features in the Welcome Desk, while the W Lounge bar and mini-bars use tonal hues throughout, a nod to local with thistle and woad blue.
The hotel also boasts 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.
Spanning 1,600 square ft 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 dining room and unique rock bar inspired by the city’s volcanic beginnings.
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.
W Edinburgh also has three innovative dining concepts. The top floors and panoramic terraces of the hotel are home to the country’s first SUSHISAMBA restaurant alongside a buzzing iteration of the W Lounge, and a Brazilian-inspired speakeasy named João’s Place.
There’s also an Away® Spa and FIT® fitness centre