The W Edinburgh’s rooftop bar is like nothing else the Scottish capital has to offer (Picture: Supplied)
Metro Checks In to The W Edinburgh, a now-iconic landmark in the centre of the Scottish capital with the best views of the city (after Arthur’s Seat).
Scotland’s 2025 Hotel of the Year is much-hyped, as the first American W chain to open in the country.
This walnut whip-shaped 12-storey luxury hotel, encased in an architectural steel ribbon, offers much more than its glossy looks, which stick out like The Shard in a skyline of weathered limestone and chimney tops.
In short: it lives up to the fuss. But there’s more to discuss, plus an all-important caveat.
Where is it?
The W’s location is brilliant: it’s less than a 10-minute stroll from Edinburgh Waverley train station, and just a few minutes more up to the rickety, cobbled streets of the old town.
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This feat of architecture is more than just its glossy looks (Picture: Supplied)
It overlooks the new town’s main haunts Prince’s Street and George Street; a haven in the sky from hectic city life, but within touching distance to all your exploration needs.
Edinburgh Airport is just 7km outside the city, and can be accessed via a 30-minute £5 bus, tram, or 25-minute drive, traffic dependent.
The modern St James’ Quarter complex is also home to the brilliant Glasgow-born restaurant Kapow, featuring an array of delicious Asian-fusion dishes.
Two minutes away is Dishoom with its world-famous modern Indian menu, and right across the road is chic tapas and wine bar, Rollo.
What’s the vibe?
Opened in 2023, The W is a new kid on the block that everyone’s fawning over.
Gloss sheens The W’s ‘design-led luxury’ making you feel spoiled even while you wait in the lobby. But its luxury goes deeper than the polished, modern architecture.
A complimentary glass of welcome fizz – don’t mind if I do (Picture: Kitty Chrisp)
Let’s just say you won’t be left wanting: waiters are with you with the flick of an eye in their direction, and the check-in desk staff are the friendliest folk in Scotland. (If overly-attentive staff with impeccable posture make you feel awkward, then best stay somewhere a bit more low-key.)
I genuinely felt like a filmstar, with much worse hair, nails, and clothes, as I acknowledged during my complimentary welcome glass of fizz…
What are the rooms like?
The 244 rooms – including 45 suites – are spread out in the main ribbon building and across the street in Georgian townhouse, James Craig Walk.
It’s worth staying in the ribbon and on the highest floors possible – with a balcony ideally (which can be just £30 more) – to make the most of the iconic views, which are its most impressive asset.
My upgraded premier suite – no biggy – had one of the most spectacular wrap-around private balconies I’d ever encountered (and I worked for three years as a luxury safari tour operator).
A Nespresso-machine coffee from my mini-bar alongside that view set me up like a queen for the day.
The bedrooms are full of all the little luxuries you might expect from such a hotel – though the deluxe rooms could have a little more space for relaxing (Picture: Kitty Chrisp)
I also enjoyed a his and hers vanity station; a luxurious stand-alone bathtub; a mini living area; lots of buttons for mood lighting; and electronic curtain opening, ala Kate Winslet in The Holiday…
Deluxe rooms are the standard, and don’t scrimp on luxuries either, with a spacious bathroom area, double vanity mirrors, robes, slippers and the whole hog. However, there is no living space except a small side table by the window and two stools, which seems underwhelming for a hotel of this calibre.
Can you eat and drink at the hotel?
The SUSHISAMBA restaurant – serving an interesting blend of Peruvian, Brazilian and Japanese cuisine – is located on the 10th floor, with an incredible skyline view. Its focal point is an orange tree sculpture, encases by a wrap-around bar.
The only caveat to the five-stars The W is teetering on was the food in The W Lounge, set on the 11th floor. The chocolate pudding was gorgeous, but the butternut rigatoni fell short of a star: it was good, but nothing memorable. (That’s something to consider when just two minutes away sit an array of modern, exciting restaurants.)
This chocolate pudding at The W Lounge was delicious (Picture: Kitty Chrisp)
The rigatoni fell short of mind-blowing, though I am a foodie obsessive (Picture: Kitty Chrisp)
Cocktail bar and nibble-haven Joao’s Place is also on this floor, and offers a nice speakeasy vibe to chatter the night away in. It won Scottish Cocktail Bar of the Year 2025, so she’s a keeper.
The W Deck on the 12th floor makes up for lacklustre pasta ten-fold. With a 360 view of Edinburgh and the hills in the distance, it’s a sight that will stay with you long after your next meal.
What about the facilities?
Aside from the restaurants, The W also has a spa complete with a sauna, steam room and a huge array of treatments on offer including body wraps, facials, couples massages and manicures.
SUSHISAMBA restaurant is all about the decor (Picture: Supplied)
How much does it cost?
Like many Edinburgh accommodation options – which contribute to its reign as Europe’s most expensive city in 2025 – The W wok on a dynamic pricing model, where per night costs fluctuate depending on demand.
In September prices start with a rare £258 per room per night and go up to £452 for a deluxe, and in October prices are much the same. In November there are more sub-£300 options, so it seems booking up in advance is advisable.
Suites tend to at least double in price from the deluxe options, and can even go into the thousands. To include breakfast it costs generally £30 extra on top of the room charge.
Everything you need to know: at a glance
Check in/check out: 3pm and 12pm.
Disability access? Yes. The hotel is wheelchair accessible with lifts to all floors.
Standout feature: The views.
Perfect for: Anyone who loves luxury living and honeymooners on a special, spoiling getaway.
Not right for: Families or anyone on a budget.
Kitty Chrisp was a guest of The W Edinburgh.
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