The hype
Guests are blown away by the views and the staff's friendliness, but many find the room layouts impractical and the bar service chaotic.
W Edinburgh
$250-450/ night
Book this if You want to be the main character in Edinburgh's most controversial, design-forward building with the best rooftop views in the city.
Why People Love It
- The 360-degree rooftop deck offers arguably the best views of Edinburgh Castle and Arthur's Seat
- Direct access to St James Quarter shopping and dining is incredibly convenient
- SUSHISAMBA on the 10th floor brings a global 'scene' vibe that Edinburgh lacked
Quick Take: It's a shiny, loud, architectural statement piece that prioritizes 'vibes' and views over peace and quiet.
Reviewed by @thebonvoyist: I stayed at the new W Edinburgh and was blown away. The modern design is stunning, but the real highlight is the rooftop deck—sipping cocktails with that panoramic city view was unforgettable. Definitely the coolest spot in town right now.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Golden Turd' exterior is a local laughing stock, but the interiors are genuinely stunning—if you can sleep through the rooftop DJ.
- You care more about Instagrammable moments than square footage
- You want to party where you sleep and don't mind a 20-minute wait for a cocktail
- You love modern tech like wireless chargers and Dyson hairdryers in-room
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally sharp and daily, though turndown service can be inconsistent (sometimes just water, sometimes missed entirely).
- Bathroom hygiene: Sparkling new, but isolated reports of 'drain smells' in showers suggest some plumbing teething issues.
- Maintenance: Excellent condition as it's brand new, though the high-tech room controls can be glitchy.
- Linens & towels: Top-tier, plush, and abundant. Robes are particularly high quality.
- Odors & scents: Heavily scented with the signature W fragrance in common areas; rooms are fresh but can smell of 'new carpet'.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Bass thumping from SUSHISAMBA (10th floor) affecting floors 8-9
- Heavy fire doors slamming in hallways
- Street noise from St James Square (lower floors)
Before you book
Good to know
- You need to take two elevators to get to your room (Ground to Lobby, Lobby to Room)
- Valet parking is steep (£40/day); self-parking in St James Quarter is cheaper (£25/day) and has a direct hotel lift
- The 'W Deck' rooftop is open to the public and gets very crowded on weekends
What to pack
- Earplugs (essential for Ribbon building stays)
- A windbreaker (the rooftop deck is spectacular but windy)
- Smart casual outfits (the hotel enforces a 'dress to impress' vibe after dark)
Room Genie
Best picks
- James Craig Walk suites for a historic, quieter townhouse feel with high ceilings
- Ribbon Building 'Castle View' rooms on floors 6-7 (high enough for views, low enough to miss the bass)
Rooms to avoid
- 9th floor Ribbon Building rooms (directly under the restaurant/bar)
- Standard 'Wonderful' rooms in the Ribbon curve (often oddly shaped with wasted space)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love a room in the 'Quarter House' or 'James Craig Walk' section for better layout and quiet. If I must be in the Ribbon building, please assign a room on floors 5-7 facing the Castle, strictly avoiding the 9th floor to escape rooftop noise.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a pool?
No. There is a 'hydro pool' inside the private Elements Spa Suite, but no general swimming pool for guests.
Why is the building called the Golden Turd?
Locals nicknamed the bronze, spiraling ribbon exterior the 'Golden Turd' (or Walnut Whip) due to its unfortunate shape and color.
Is breakfast included?
Usually not. It's à la carte at SUSHISAMBA and costs around £20-30 per person if paying cash.
Can I hear the nightclub from my room?
Yes, if you are on the 8th or 9th floors of the Ribbon building. Request a lower floor or the James Craig Walk building.
Is it pet friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at W Edinburgh (unlike many other W hotels).
How far is the Royal Mile?
Very close. A 5-10 minute uphill walk across North Bridge gets you to the heart of the Old Town.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Quarter House' rooms are interlinked but feel like a completely different, calmer hotel compared to the Ribbon building.
- ✨
You can access the hotel directly from the St James Quarter car park (level B3) without going outside.
- ✨
Skip the hotel breakfast and walk 5 mins to 'The Edinburgh Larder' for a far better, cheaper local meal.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Sound Suite' is a cool recording studio feature that 99% of guests will never use or see.
💡The bathroom sinks in some rooms are located in the open bedroom area, not a separate room.
💡You can buy the vibrating 'sand bed' mattress if you really like it (it's a unique W Edinburgh feature).
💡The 'W Lounge' stops serving food surprisingly early, leaving you with room service as the only late-night option.
💡The lifts are 'experience' lifts with dark lighting and loud music, which can be jarring at 8 AM.
Local Playbook
Map
See where W Edinburgh is located and what's nearby.