[2025 Edinburgh Stay] Travel Guide for W Edinburgh (Updated Mar)

On November 29, 2023, W®, a subsidiary of Marriott International, will open in Edinburgh, UK. This will be the second W® hotel in the UK. |Location| The hotel is located in the St. James area at the eastern end of Edinburgh city center, surrounded by shopping malls and historical sites. The building is called The Ribbon and was built by Allan Murray. The facade is designed in the shape of a spiral ribbon, which is said to be a tribute to the once prosperous printing industry in local history. Many people believe that this is a symbol of the city embracing the future, and many British netizens were not very polite and named the building the Poop Building. |Design| Although the hotel was signed in the Starwood era, the interior style clearly belongs to the new generation W® system created by Marriott Group. Following the W Hotel in London, the London design firm Jestico + Whiles once again worked hard to create a "love house" for the UK. The interiors are vibrant and contemporary, yet inspired by Scotland’s rich history. The highlight space is undoubtedly the SUSHISAMBA restaurant. Both the bar and the lounge area are full of the spirit of W® and the vibe of South America. |Guest Rooms| The hotel has 244 stylish guest rooms (starting from 25 square meters), including 45 suites (starting from 41 square meters, with a suite rate of an astonishing 18%), including 10 room types. The iconic mini bar and semi-open toilet design are relatively novel; some rooms have a view of the castle, and the superior suites have a panoramic view of the Edinburgh skyline. The guest room living room is dominated by rock gray and white of urban interface, dotted with dark red, mineral blue and orange soft furnishings, countertops and wall decorations, which are very eye-catching. |Dining| A world-renowned Japanese, Brazilian and Mexican fusion restaurant SUSHISAMBA will take over the rooftop restaurant, using local Scottish ingredients to cook signature dishes such as tempura and sushi, Brazilian barbecue and seafood stew, Peruvian skewers and ceviche; W Lounge is an all-day restaurant with a 360-degree view of Edinburgh city, and offers a gourmet food and cocktail menu in the evening; Joao’s Place is a speakeasy-style bar, offering special cocktails inspired by Brazil to the sound of melodious vinyl records. | Facilities | The hotel is equipped with an open-air rooftop terrace, Away Spa with 4 treatment rooms, a 24-hour gym, and 283 square meters of meeting and event space. However, the hotel does not have the classic Wet Deck®.

The hotel is ideally located in the St. James Quarter at the east end of Edinburgh city center, approximately 400m from Waverley Station. It's close to the GO shopping center and historical sites, making it convenient for both travel and leisure. The hotel has 244 guest rooms, each with a unique layout due to the building's architecture. The basic rooms are 26 sq m. Though compact, they are well-appointed. While they lack bathtubs, the beds face floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a relaxing holiday atmosphere. The clever use of mirrors in the bathroom enhances the sense of space and adds a touch of romance. The dining experience is truly exceptional. The SUSHISAMBA restaurant offers Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisine. In the center of the bar, a maple tree with vibrant red leaves, complemented by pillar lights, creates a captivating ambiance.

💞Reasons to Recommend: This place is amazing and you will get wonderful memories

#europetrip An unforgettable fusion of bold design, contemporary luxury, and Edinburgh’s rich heritage—W Edinburgh is not just a place to stay, but a statement. Perfectly positioned in the heart of the historic city, the hotel offered an experience that was fresh, immersive, and brimming with personality. From the moment I stepped inside, W Edinburgh redefined my expectations of hospitality. Its striking design, full of edgy elegance and local inspiration, set the stage for a stay unlike any other. Every corner oozed creativity, seamlessly blending the city’s old-world charm with the hotel’s signature modern vibrance. My room was a chic sanctuary, complete with bold touches, state-of-the-art amenities, and sweeping views of Edinburgh’s iconic skyline. It felt like a true reflection of the city: dynamic, stylish, and effortlessly cool. Beyond the room, the hotel delivered a seamless mix of relaxation and energy. Whether sipping craft cocktails at the buzzing rooftop bar or enjoying innovative dining experiences inspired by Scotland’s culinary heritage, every moment was designed to excite and delight. W Edinburgh became my gateway to exploring the city’s character. Its prime location put me right in the center of Edinburgh’s iconic attractions, from the Royal Mile to hidden gems tucked into cobbled lanes. Yet, even with the city at my doorstep, the hotel itself felt like a destination—alive with energy, creativity, and exceptional service. For those seeking a fresh, unforgettable way to experience Edinburgh, W Edinburgh is more than a hotel—it’s a celebration of culture, style, and modern hospitality, offering a stay as vibrant as the city itself.

Edinburgh is a charming city with its brownish tones. As I sorted through my photos and reminisced about my trip to Edinburgh at the end of April, I felt the urge to visit again. It's hard to tell if the brownish tones are due to aging or if they were always like that, but either way, it adds an artistic touch. There are street performers dressed in traditional Scottish attire here and there, and thanks to them, the unique British vibe is even more alive. I didn't see many Koreans around! For those who love nature, I highly recommend taking a Highland tour while you're here.

When I first planned my trip to the UK, Edinburgh wasn't on my list. However, after doing some research and seeing so many people recommend it, I realized it was a city where I could fully experience the unique charm of the UK. Although I was worried about the travel route since my next destination was France, I decided to visit Edinburgh, thinking there must be a reason why so many people recommend it. For someone like me who prefers small towns and nature over big cities, it was the perfect choice. While in Edinburgh, I went on a Highland tour, which I'll post about in my next feed. That tour was also a brilliant decision. Even if it complicates your travel route, Edinburgh is a city you must visit. It made me want to explore the UK even more.

What kind of experience is it to live in this pile of golden shit? The hotel was very generous and recognized the suite voucher and gave me the WoW suite. Suites are indeed different. In Europe, where small rooms are everywhere, Living in a suite is like living in China. The facilities are very new (after all, it was only opened in 23 years). The decoration is not as young as the W in China (not so neon. The balcony of the suite is very large, and you can light a bonfire on the terrace. The view is also very good.