Expert reviews
“W Edinburgh has enjoyed rather a lot of publicity before it even opened. In the flesh it is sleek and international, although its location — sandwiched into a gap within the £1 billion St James Quarter shopping centre and just moments from Waverley railway station — is quintessential Georgian Edinburgh.”
“The five-star W Edinburgh opened in late 2023 in the middle of the new St. James Quarter; its central Ribbon Building — architecturally inspired by the printing history of the area — has added a distinctive spire to the Edinburgh skyline. Among its highlights are a rooftop deck offering 360-degree views of the city.”
“It’s curvy, it’s controversial, it’s a confusion of cultures – from Gaelic-themed cocktails to Japanese and South American cuisine. W Edinburgh is design-driven with arty ambitions, offering slick, stylish rooms, good food and drink and a great city centre location. But forget all that because really, it’s all about the staggering views.”
“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.”
What guests liked
- Top location
- Friendly staff
- Comfortable beds
- Delicious breakfast
- Spa
All you need to know
The W Edinburgh is a striking modern landmark that redefined the city’s skyline upon its opening. Designed by the architecture firm Jestico + Whiles, the hotel is famously anchored by “The Ribbon Building,” a 12-storey structure wrapped in a continuous, spiraling bronze steel facade that evokes the celebratory energy of Edinburgh’s world-famous festivals.
The hotel complex is a fascinating blend of old and new, consisting of three distinct buildings. While the Ribbon Building offers a futuristic aesthetic, the project also incorporates the historic James Craig Walk, a beautifully restored Grade II-listed terrace dating back to 1775. This clever integration allows the hotel to feel both cutting-edge and deeply rooted in Edinburgh’s architectural heritage.
Inside, the design leans heavily into Scotland’s volcanic landscape and local folklore, featuring dark charred wood, copper accents, and deconstructed tartan motifs. A standout feature is the rooftop terrace, which offers panoramic, 360-degree views stretching from the ancient Arthur’s Seat volcano all the way to the North Sea.
Beyond its walls, the hotel is perfectly positioned within the vibrant St James Quarter. Guests are just a short, pleasant walk from iconic city treasures like the Royal Mile, the historic Edinburgh Castle, and the lush greenery of Calton Hill.
Whether you are exploring the nearby National Museum of Scotland or simply enjoying the hotel’s “W” brand signatures—like the Sound Suite recording studio—it serves as a bold, high-energy contrast to the more traditional stone-clad streets of the capital.
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Location
Recent guest reviews
9 April 2026
Great staff, awesome room, location and the view
The location and the building itself. It was very modern and clean.
A bit noisy since it's right in the heart of Edinburgh but windows are thick enough to block the noise.
9 April 2026
Great stay
Location , staff , rooms are comfortable
Prices
8 April 2026
Our new favourite in Edinburgh!
Amazing Ribbon building, a new iconic Edinburgh landmark!! Excellent location and accommodation. Every member of the W team we encountered was absolutely a credit to hospitality.
Absolutely nothing.
7 April 2026
Surpassed expectations
Staff were except
Nothing
6 April 2026
Quality
Great location. Amazing staff. Lovely rooms
6 April 2026
Exceptional
Very clean and very good location
5 April 2026
Exceptional
Very nice comfortable rooms with 2 double beds. Rooftop bar had great views of the city. Good location close to the station.
Nothing
4 April 2026
Fantastic, staff were outstanding.
Surrounded by history, almost invisible as a modern day hotel in the middle of 18th century architecture
Little confusing getting about,
2 April 2026
Fantastic location, friendly staff, class rooms. The bar was lovely and the views were incredible
Central location Big room Very clean
N/a
2 April 2026
Very enjoyable and comfortable.
Breakfast was excellent, bars and dining areas stunning, great views great service. Evening bar snacks were superb.
The glass fronted toilet door in the room that opened out onto the room, and the same with the shower , lack of privacy and indeed dignity.
2 April 2026
Fabulous stay in the center of Edinburgh.
Excellent location. Close to everything in the New and Old Town. Very clean and modern.
31 March 2026
Staff, location, facilities, views, all exceptional.
Everything!
Nothing.
29 March 2026
Phenomenal
Very clean. Very very very nice and friendly staff.
Close by to every attraction in the city. Staff are very helpful again.
28 March 2026
Exceptional
I would loved to have stayed in the main building . But the room we had was very special .
28 March 2026
Exceptional
Wonderful bed and a cozy high tech room.
28 March 2026
Fabulous
The. Close proximity to the city center and Train station
25 March 2026
Good overnight stay
Location is fantastic and the hotel and rooms are very nice. Breakfast was also very good.
Check in was a bit slow. I booked several rooms under my name and the other people I was travelling with couldn't check in until I arrived.
24 March 2026
We had a lovely stay! It was for my birthday weekend and the W went all out to make it really special! We can’t wait for
Lovely property and very attentive and helpful staff. It was a great location too!
Nothing we thought it was great.
21 March 2026
We have now found our new favourite hotel in Edinburgh
Exceptionally good service from the moment we entered reception.
Nothing to add here
20 March 2026
Luxury with a friendly atmosphere.
We found everything to our liking. We had an exceptional sleep in the most comfortable bed. Loved the quality throughout our room. Staff were friendly and very professional.
I can honestly say we couldn’t find a single thing we didn’t like.
19 March 2026
One or two minor niggles but would stay again. Balcony rooms not worth extra unless guaranteed a view
Central location. Staff were all very helpful and pleasant. Reception staff great in sorting out a problem.
Breakfast was à la carte and choice not that great. Bit off that in a 5 star hotel there are no side plates / knives or that tea comes in a cup with tea bag in it. Even John Lewis serve tea in a teapot
15 March 2026
Exceptional
Everything.
Nothing.
14 March 2026
overall very good - the spa facilities should have been free as staying in hotel
location and atmosphere
we asked to use the sauna and was informed it was a cost of £60 per person! joke
13 March 2026
We chose to go for luxury for a special occasion and it came up to all our expectations.
Efficient, guest-friendly, food good, easy access to main shopping areas. We had an invalid’s room which was very well set up.
Our room had a poor view but the comfort made up for everything.
6 March 2026
An amazingly luxurious stay
Amazingly comfortable and luxurious rooms. Fabulous staff, great location and the restaurants were brilliant.
Nothing
6 March 2026
A superb experience.
The view of the city skyline from the top deck is superb. The rooms are intelligently designed, sockets where I needed them to be, lighting controls in the right place and the whole building is well laid out. The staff during my stay couldn’t do enough, they were responsive, helpful and interesting to talk to, they bring personality with them.
6 March 2026
Exceptional
Lovely hotel,very clean modern,great location, lovely rooms.
Little bit pricey for 1 night
5 March 2026
First class met all of our expectations.
Didn’t have breakfast. The hotel was first class in all areas.
Everything was good.
5 March 2026
Exceptional
Everything. Room was amazing and the roof top bar was fantastic, great views.
3 March 2026
Exceptional
Great location
The staff were fantastic
2 March 2026
Good
Staff were brilliant. Room was excellent
Didn't explain when booked we'd be on the other side of the road. Didn't like that I wanted to be in the main hotel. Felt let down by this.
1 March 2026
Exceptional
Stunning breakfast !
Didn't like the 12% service charge which isn't optional at the bar only complaint
26 February 2026
Exceptional
Amazing hotel, fantastic views from the view point and breakfast areas. Well located, quiet and very comfortable. Stylish furnishings and lovely helpful staff. Would go back again and again!
26 February 2026
Very good
We stayed here for my suprise night away for my partners birthday. At check in we arrived at 3pm on time for check in as it should have been to be told the room wasn't ready yet so we had to wait about for another half hour, it seemed that every other person checking in was being given keys to the rooms straight away with a welcome drink which we were never offered. When we got in to the room it wasn't fully made up pillow cases were missing off the pillows and the decorative pillows were not on the bed, the pillow cases were later bought up by the house staff which was fine. I did ask prior to our arrival as a gesture if they could arrange for a small birthday token for the room which they did and even more they gifted a bottle of prosecco which was lovely and a small birthday cake with a message so was delighted with this. I couldn't fault the staff or the room it was really just the experience we had when first checking in that let it down slightly but we still had a lovely stay! Thank you W Edinburgh
Longer wait to get checked in to the room , room not fully made up on arrival
24 February 2026
Perfect getaway for a luxury overnight.
Our room was very spacious and had everything we could need, staff were very helpful and friendly as soon as we walked in to the hotel to the minute we left.
The safety deposit taken at check in takes 10-14 business days to go back into your account which we were not made aware of, i generally don’t mind but would be nice to know in future.
23 February 2026
Exceptional
The hotel went above and beyond for our trip
Not one thing
23 February 2026
Exceptional
Was great we got a complimentary upgrade to the w suite it was amazing
23 February 2026
Incredible
Everything was 10/10
22 February 2026
Love to come back to this special hotel
Great friendly staff. Great atmosphere . Great views
Nothing
22 February 2026
Fabulous location, very welcoming and attentive staff!
The staff were so welcoming! We really enjoyed our first stay here and would happily return!
Nothing
21 February 2026
It was the best of the best
All of the staff were the best team I’ve ever seen. They were so helpful, so kind and very friendly to us. They tried their best to make our stay unique. I’ve stayed in so many hotels until now, but this was the best stay of my life, I definitely suggest W Edinburgh to everyone!
21 February 2026
Great for a weekend away with your partner, staff made us feel very welcomed and room was even nicer than in the picture
great location!
nothing
21 February 2026
The best international trip I’ve ever had.
The property was beautiful and very accommodating. I loved every bit of it. The customer service and the food service and the room service were impeccable. Preet took very good care of us she gave exceptional customer service at the beginning middle and end of our day. I can’t wait to visit again and I will definitely be staying at the W again.
non-applicable
18 February 2026
Exceptional
Exceptional place to stay, staff always welcoming, hotel room amazing & views from the top are breathtaking!
Nothing
17 February 2026
The deluxe rooms are perfect for a short getaway and the location and service from staff was superb
N/A
16 February 2026
The most special 30th birthday stay in the heart of Edinburgh
The hotel itself is finished to such a polished high standard. Everything felt slick, clean and stylish. We checked in for a nights stay for my 30th birthday and the hotel kindly surprised us with an upgrade, a bottle of bubbles, some sweet treats and a lovely card. We also got to check in early with no bother. It was so touching to be made to feel special. The room itself was beautiful, really unique and comfy. Everything you could need was available in the room from a wireless charger (my husband forgot his charger so this was great) to a steamer to umbrellas, tote bags, comfy robes and slippers and more. The bed was so comfy. We had breakfast included in our stay at SUSHISAMBA. The restaurant is stunning and views of Edinburgh are wonderful. It was a lovely breakfast, very generous. The location of the hotel is perfect for an Edinburgh getaway. We will 100% be back and be recommending to all our friends and family.
The doors to the toilet and shower weren’t completely private which felt a little intrusive (frosted glass). Wouldn’t put me off staying again though!
16 February 2026
Excellent, stylish, great customer service.
Staff friendliness. Location. Quality.
Nothing
15 February 2026
Great Hotel
First class hotel in a great location.
Nothing
12 February 2026
Amazing care. My sister was taken ill and the amount they did for us post check out was incredible. True care. And a men
Everything, especially customer service from all staff.
Nothing
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Heating
- - Air conditioning
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Concierge service
- - Private check-in/check-out
- - Invoice provided
Outdoors
- - Terrace
- - Sun terrace
- - Outdoor furniture
- - Outdoor fireplace
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Activities
- - Spa and wellness centre (additional charge)
Parking
- - Parking garage
Accessibility
- - Wheelchair accessible
- - Toilet with grab rails
- - Raised toilet
- - Lower bathroom sink
- - Emergency cord in bathroom
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Security alarm
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Delivered food is securely covered

More photos

10 April 2026
Excellent location and luxurious