W Edinburgh

Agency: Jestico + Whiles
Client: Nuveen Global

Opened at the end of last year, W Edinburgh offers a new perspective on an ancient city, referencing its unique cultural, historic and geographical context and celebrating its vibrant festival spirit. The hotel comprises three distinct buildings positioned around the newly redefined, historic St James Square, which acts as a focal point and performance space for both the hotel and the wider city.

The Ribbon Building, the centrepiece of the hotel, is a bold and striking architectural statement that embodies Edinburgh’s culture of rebellion and creativity. The building innovatively positions public areas on the uppermost floors, culminating in a vast roof terrace that offers guests unprecedented panoramic views of Edinburgh’s iconic landmarks, from Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill out to the North Sea. In contrast, James Craig Walk retains the historical charm of its 18th-century origins. This listed terrace has been meticulously restored, preserving its robust stone façade, high ceilings, and sash windows, which together evoke the architectural elegance of old Edinburgh. The Quarter House, predominantly stone-faced, acts as a seamless transition between the Ribbon Building and James Craig Walk. It embodies a more reserved, understated elegance. Together, the three complementary buildings are designed to celebrate the changing face of the city in one dynamic hotel. The hotel’s interiors are inspired by the elements of Edinburgh, a coastal city built on volcanic rock, with references to fire and water throughout. Dark ‘charred wood’ panelling is complemented by copper detailing, with tonal hues referencing thistle, copper and woad blue, and a deconstructed tartan motif appearing across soft furnishings and carpets. The hotel’s welcome desks and bedroom bars are crafted from natural rock, a tribute to the city’s volcanic geology and rugged terrain. The luxury spa continues the elemental theme, with distinct rooms themed around fire, water, earth and air. Across its three buildings, the hotel has 199 rooms and 45 suites. The Extreme Wow suite is the pinnacle of luxury, spanning 1,600 square feet and offering a spacious dining room, bar, living area, personal sauna and private terrace, as well as a bedroom featuring a unique circular and rotatable super king size bed. The hotel boasts three innovative drinking and dining options, each offering a playful twist on Scottish culinary culture. The W Lounge acts as the social heart of the hotel, featuring a 12-metre monolithic rock bar carved from granite and 360-degree views of the city. João’s Place, meanwhile, is an intimate speakeasy designed to evoke a 1960s Sao Paolo apartment, complementing the Brazilian, Japanese and Peruvian fusion cuisine on offer at the hotel’s main restaurant, Scotland’s first SUSHISAMBA.