{"id":387047,"date":"2025-08-31T11:35:15","date_gmt":"2025-08-31T11:35:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/387047\/"},"modified":"2025-08-31T11:35:15","modified_gmt":"2025-08-31T11:35:15","slug":"i-stayed-in-the-best-hotel-in-scotland-this-is-my-honest-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/387047\/","title":{"rendered":"I stayed in the best hotel in Scotland \u2014 this is my honest review"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"646\" height=\"414\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/W-Deck-3d81-e1755637890108.jpg\" class=\"article-image wp-image-23953736\" alt=\"A view over Edinburgh's hills from the W Edinburgh rooftop bar, on a bright day.\" decoding=\"sync\"\/><br \/>\n\t\tThe W Edinburgh\u2019s rooftop bar is like nothing else the Scottish capital has to offer (Picture: Supplied)<\/p>\n<p><a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/metro-checks-in-hotel-reviews\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Metro Checks In<\/a>\u00a0to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriott.com\/en-us\/hotels\/ediwh-w-edinburgh\/overview\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The W Edinburgh<\/a>, a now-iconic landmark in the centre of the Scottish capital with the best views of the city (after Arthur\u2019s Seat).<\/p>\n<p><a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/scotland\/\" data-track=\"inline-tag-auto-link_article\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Scotland<\/a>\u2019s 2025 Hotel of the Year is much-hyped, as the first American W chain to open in the country.<\/p>\n<p>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 <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/author\/the-shard\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Shard <\/a>in a skyline of weathered limestone and chimney tops.<\/p>\n<p>In short: it lives up to the fuss. But there\u2019s more to discuss, plus an all-important caveat.<\/p>\n<p>Where is it?<\/p>\n<p>The W\u2019s location is brilliant: it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tSign up to The Getaway newsletter\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p>Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration.\u00a0<a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/newsletters\/the-getaway\/?ito=travel-article&amp;signup-source=travel-article-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sign up here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t<img width=\"646\" height=\"485\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/5wQEeVAI-d408.jpg\" class=\"article-image wp-image-23953734\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\/><br \/>\n\t\tThis feat of architecture is more than just its glossy looks (Picture: Supplied)<\/p>\n<p>It overlooks the new town\u2019s main haunts Prince\u2019s Street and George Street; a haven in the sky from hectic city life, but within touching distance to all your exploration needs.<\/p>\n<p><a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/edinburgh-airport\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Edinburgh Airport<\/a> is just 7km outside the city, and can be accessed via a 30-minute \u00a35 bus, tram, or 25-minute drive, traffic dependent.<\/p>\n<p>The modern St James\u2019 Quarter complex is also home to the brilliant Glasgow-born restaurant Kapow, featuring an array of delicious Asian-fusion dishes. <\/p>\n<p>Two minutes away is <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/07\/27\/14-years-people-still-queuing-dishoom-21290978\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dishoom<\/a> with its world-famous modern Indian menu, and right across the road is chic tapas and wine bar, Rollo. <\/p>\n<p>What\u2019s the vibe? <\/p>\n<p>Opened in 2023, The W is a new kid on the block that everyone\u2019s fawning over.<\/p>\n<p>Gloss sheens The W\u2019s \u2018design-led luxury\u2019 making you feel spoiled even while you wait in the lobby. But its luxury goes deeper than the polished, modern architecture.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t<img width=\"646\" height=\"672\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/edi-11-844a-e1755637977455.jpg\" class=\"article-image wp-image-23953718\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\/><br \/>\n\t\tA complimentary glass of welcome fizz \u2013 don\u2019t mind if I do (Picture: Kitty Chrisp)<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s just say you won\u2019t 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.)<\/p>\n<p>I genuinely felt like a filmstar, with much worse hair, nails, and clothes, as I acknowledged during my complimentary welcome glass of fizz\u2026<\/p>\n<p>What are the rooms like?<\/p>\n<p>The 244 rooms \u2013 including 45 suites \u2013 are spread out in the main ribbon building and across the street in Georgian townhouse, James Craig Walk.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s worth staying in the ribbon and on the highest floors possible \u2013 with a balcony ideally (which can be just \u00a330 more) \u2013 to make the most of the iconic views, which are its most impressive asset.<\/p>\n<p>My upgraded premier suite \u2013 no biggy \u2013 had one of the most spectacular wrap-around private balconies I\u2019d ever encountered (and I worked for three years as a luxury safari tour operator). <\/p>\n<p>A Nespresso-machine coffee from my mini-bar alongside that view set me up like a queen for the day.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t<img width=\"646\" height=\"672\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/edi-6-3263-e1755638050586.jpg\" class=\"article-image wp-image-23953676\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\/><br \/>\n\t\tThe bedrooms are full of all the little luxuries you might expect from such a hotel \u2013 though the deluxe rooms could have a little more space for relaxing (Picture: Kitty Chrisp)<\/p>\n<p>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\u2026<\/p>\n<p>Deluxe rooms are the standard, and don\u2019t 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. <\/p>\n<p>Can you eat and drink at the hotel?<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0SUSHISAMBA\u00a0restaurant \u2013 serving an interesting blend of Peruvian, Brazilian and Japanese cuisine \u2013 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. <\/p>\n<p>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\u2019s something to consider when just two minutes away sit an array of modern, exciting restaurants.)<\/p>\n<p>\t\t<img width=\"646\" height=\"742\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/edi-9-8584-e1755637929641.jpg\" class=\"article-image wp-image-23953689\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\/><br \/>\n\t\tThis chocolate pudding at The W Lounge was delicious (Picture: Kitty Chrisp)<\/p>\n<p>\t\t<img width=\"646\" height=\"668\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/edi-10-86bf-e1755638006167.jpg\" class=\"article-image wp-image-23953707\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\/><br \/>\n\t\tThe rigatoni fell short of mind-blowing, though I am a foodie obsessive (Picture: Kitty Chrisp)<\/p>\n<p>Cocktail bar and nibble-haven Joao\u2019s 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\u2019s a keeper. <\/p>\n<p>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\u2019s a sight that will stay with you long after your next meal. <\/p>\n<p>What about the facilities?<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t<img width=\"646\" height=\"431\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/SUSHISAMBA-Edinburgh-Tree-at-Bar-f86c.jpg\" class=\"article-image wp-image-23953735\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\/><br \/>\n\t\tSUSHISAMBA\u00a0restaurant is all about the decor (Picture: Supplied)<br \/>\nHow much does it cost?<\/p>\n<p>Like many Edinburgh accommodation options \u2013 which contribute to its reign as Europe\u2019s most expensive city in 2025 \u2013 The W wok on a dynamic pricing model, where per night costs fluctuate depending on demand. <\/p>\n<p>In September prices start with a rare \u00a3258 per room per night and go up to \u00a3452 for a deluxe, and in October prices are much the same. In November there are more sub-\u00a3300 options, so it seems booking up in advance is advisable. <\/p>\n<p>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 \u00a330 extra on top of the room charge. <\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tEverything you need to know: at a glance\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p><strong>Check in\/check out:<\/strong>\u00a03pm and 12pm.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Disability access?\u00a0<\/strong>Yes. The hotel is wheelchair accessible with lifts to all floors. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Standout feature:<\/strong>\u00a0The views. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Perfect for:<\/strong>\u00a0Anyone who loves luxury living and honeymooners on a special, spoiling getaway. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Not right for:<\/strong>\u00a0Families or anyone on a budget. <\/p>\n<p>Kitty Chrisp was a guest of The W Edinburgh. <\/p>\n<p><a class=\"metro-button share-bar-comments\" data-vars-position=\"bottom\" href=\"#metro-comments-container\"><br \/>\n\t\t\tComment now<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\tComments<br \/>\n\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"metro-more-link\">Arrow<br \/>\nMORE: <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2025\/08\/30\/masked-men-try-break-migrants-hotel-anti-asylum-protest-24036555\/?ico=more_text_links\" class=\"\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Masked men try to break into migrants hotel during anti-asylum protest<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"metro-more-link\">Arrow<br \/>\nMORE: <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2025\/08\/30\/dental-nurse-wins-25-000-co-worker-rolled-eyes-her-24033603\/?ico=more_text_links\" class=\"\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dental nurse wins \u00a325,000 after co-worker \u2018rolled her eyes at her\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"metro-more-link\">Arrow<br \/>\nMORE: <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2025\/08\/30\/explored-unpretentious-caribbean-island-probably-nicest-place-earth-24009627\/?ico=more_text_links\" class=\"\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">I explored the \u2018unpretentious\u2019 Caribbean island that\u2019s probably the nicest place on Earth<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tThe Getaway<\/p>\n<p>Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The W Edinburgh\u2019s rooftop bar is like nothing else the Scottish capital has to offer (Picture: Supplied) Metro&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":387048,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8816],"tags":[748,1102,4884,10238,388,134162,712,183,27563,16,24358,15],"class_list":{"0":"post-387047","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-edinburgh","8":"tag-britain","9":"tag-edinburgh","10":"tag-great-britain","11":"tag-hotels","12":"tag-lifestyle","13":"tag-metro-checks-in","14":"tag-scotland","15":"tag-travel","16":"tag-travel-reviews","17":"tag-uk","18":"tag-uk-travel","19":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/115123173825160827","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/387047","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=387047"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/387047\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/387048"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=387047"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=387047"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=387047"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}