Last updated: February 12, 2025
W Hotels have a unique energy that sets them apart from other luxury hotel brands. Bold and daring designs, vibrant colour and cutting edge tech make them stand out from the rest and W Edinburgh which opened last year, is definitely no exception. It’s a luxury hotel which definitely has that WOW factor!
W Edinburgh’s Design
Get ready to experience the dopamine hit from the minute you enter the lobby at W Edinburgh. You’re warmly welcomed with a glass of fizz served in a chic coupe while you’re checked in at the desks made of volcanic rock (a nod to Edinburgh’s volcanic history.)
The design of the W Hotel’s facade has divided opinion, but we think it’s absolutely incredible. The ‘Ribbon Building’ a spiralling coil made from bronze coloured steel celebrates the city’s ‘festival’ spirit and is a contemporary addition to Edinburgh’s historic and architectural landscape. Together with James Craig Walk and Quarter House, the hotel has transformed the new St. James’ Quarter of the city with a beautiful shopping centre and easy access to Princes Street.
Far from boring, the lift journey up to the 9th floor of the 12 storey hotel is a feast for the senses with W’s neon light bending experience transforming this dull space into something quite spectacular that has you reaching for your camera phone.
The W Edinburgh’s WOW Suite
But that’s nothing compared to the WOW Suite we’re staying in. Set across a generous 1076 sq ft with an open plan design, this party pad is impressive – guaranteed to bring out the rock star vibes in you even if you’re normally quite reserved!
In no time at all, we’ve made ourselves at home, kicking back as the champagne flows and admiring this expansive space which has been thoughtfully designed so that each area flows seamlessly into the next.
The signature volcanic rock bar stands out against the sexy black worktops against a backdrop of statement artwork from Scottish artist Jodie Mann. Cabinets are filled with fancy champagne glasses, wine carafes, whisky decanters and expensive ornaments, and 2 gigantic TVs hang on a divider wall – behind which you’ll find the playful round bed which leads into the beautifully designed bathroom. The vanity unit has a range of mirrors, clever lighting rings and toiletries including mouthwash, face wipes and lotions in case you’ve forgotten anything.
The shower is all glass – but then this is the WOW suite, and if you’ve opened the blackout curtains and blinds (which can also be operated at the touch of a button), you’ve got a pretty amazing view beyond the hotel’s terrace and out towards the Edinburgh skyline. The standalone deep soak bathtub is also positioned to face the terrace so it feels like you’re almost bathing outside, and there’s a candle and curated relaxation playlist to provide the perfect chill out soundtrack to your incredible stay.
While the décor indoors pops with vibrant colour, there’s contrasting Georgian style panelling and saltire inspired wood flooring throughout.
What really puts the WOW into this stay though, is the extensive outdoor terrace which runs the entire length of the suite. There must be seating for 50 guests out here including sofas, chairs, loungers and even a hammock. Floor-to-ceiling glass in the W’s WOW suites lets all the light in and provides the most incredible backdrop to this fabulous space.
SUSHISAMBA
SUSHISAMBA is the perfect fit for the W Edinburgh’s main restaurant and puts to shame many other 5 star hotels and their soulless dining rooms!
Breathtakingly beautiful, the expansive glass surround shows off the city’s skyline beyond an impressive bar area which shows off the statement copper tube ceiling installation above the iconic signature tree.
While SUSHISAMBA offers a delicious all day menu with a huge selection of inventive dishes, W Edinburgh’s SUSHISAMBA have just launched a new Afternoon Tea experience and it is definitely one to try.
Including a range of delicious teas, Champagne, and sweet and savoury dishes served on a hand-crafted 3 tier tree, the offering, as with all their food takes inspiration from Japan, Brazil and Peru.
Some of our favourite savoury dishes included Highland Wagyu Katsu Sando (Japanese style sandwiches) with arenkha caviar, aji panca which are mild and fruity Peruvian chili peppers, wagyu steak and a hit of sweet garlicky goodness from the Sriracha mayo; Green Bean Tempura which had a perfect crisp to it and tasted heavenly dunked in to-die-for creamy black truffle aioli; and the Samba Waffle Taster with three gorgeous fillings stuffed into the waffle ridges – spicy tuna with avo, snow crab with chilli and sweet potato.
There are too many good desserts to choose a favourite, but the Chocolate Cremeux is definitely a decadent treat with 66% rich dark chocolate, miso, yuzu and yoghurt – a total taste sensation!
Canton Teas meanwhile put the luxe into the leaves – I went for the Chocolate Noir tea which had rich chocolate notes and was delicious served black, but there are actually 9 to choose from in total. You can also upgrade Afternoon Tea to Champagne Tea with a glass of Laurent-Perrier Brut for only £10 extra.
Sushisamba Edinburgh’s Afternoon Tea is £65pp, £75pp with a glass of champers, or £100pp with a glass of Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle.
Additional WOW Factors at W Edinburgh
W Edinburgh is home to the AWAY Spa where you can indulge in a range of rejuvenating treatments, from soothing massages to invigorating facials, while the state-of-the-art fitness centre is open 24 hours if the gym is part of your every day routine.
W Lounge is the hotel’s signature all day dining offering and you can also access the W Deck here which has 360 degree views of the city and cosy igloos to relax in.
Joao’s Place is a Brazilian inspired speakeasy with a brilliant selection of beautifully curated cocktails and an extensive wine list.
Book Your Stay
Whether you’re visiting Edinburgh for business, pleasure, for the first or the tenth time, you can guarantee that staying at the W will enhance you’re experience in every way. From its energetic atmosphere, to the style, quirkiness and glamour, you’re in the centre of it all with bars, restaurants, shops, The Royal Mile, train station, comedy and festivals right on the doorstep. If we didn’t know better, we’d think the W definitely stood for WOW. Book here.
