W Edinburgh hotel (finally) opens

After a long period of construction and pandemic related delays, as well as criticism of its, ahem, poo-shaped design on the Edinburgh skyline, the W Edinburgh hotel is finally open.

Set in the new St James Quarter, the hotel offers 199 rooms and 45 suites, many with outdoor terraces, across three buildings. Parts of the hotel date back to 1775.

The top floors include a W Lounge, a branch of SUSHISAMBA (this is a big deal, based on the impact the brand had in London and elsewhere) and Joao’s Place cocktail bar and terrace. There is a 360 degree panoramic view of the skyline from the rooftop W deck. The hotel includes a signature W Sound Suite recording studio.

The hotel website is here. Rates start at £300 this month and from £283 in January. For July you are looking at £600+ although it remains to be seen if this is actually achievable.

You can check out our reviews of the new competition – Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is reviewed here, and Gleneagles Townhouse is reviewed here. Both are excellent so the W has a lot to live up to.

I am hoping we can take a look at W Edinburgh once it has bedded in.

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How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points and status from UK credit cards (March 2025)

There are various ways of earning Marriott Bonvoy points from UK credit cards.  Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.

The official Marriott Bonvoy American Express card comes with 20,000 points for signing up, 2 points for every £1 you spend and 15 elite night credits per year.

You can apply here.

Marriott Bonvoy American Express

20,000 points for signing up and 15 elite night credits each year Read our full review

You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points by converting American Express Membership Rewards points at the rate of 2:3.

Do you know that holders of The Platinum Card from American Express receive FREE Marriott Bonvoy Gold status for as long as they hold the card?  It also comes with Hilton Honors Gold, Radisson Rewards Premium and MeliaRewards Gold status.

We reviewed American Express Platinum in detail here and you can apply here.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

The Platinum Card from American Express

80,000 bonus points and great travel benefits – for a large fee Read our full review

You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points indirectly:

• American Express Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• American Express Rewards Credit Card (10,000 bonus Amex points)

and for small business owners:

• American Express Business Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• American Express Business Platinum (50,000 bonus Amex points)

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 8th April 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Business Gold is increased from 20,000 Membership Rewards points to 60,000 points. You receive 40,000 points when you spend £6,000 within three months and a further 20,000 points if you spend on the card between Month 14 and Month 17. Points convert 1:1 into Avios and many other programmes. Click here to apply.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 8th April 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Business Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to 120,000 points. You receive 80,000 points when you spend £12,000 within three months and a further 40,000 points if you spend on the card between Month 14 and Month 17. Points convert 1:1 into Avios and many other programmes. Click here to apply.

The conversion rate from American Express to Marriott Bonvoy points is 2:3.

Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which can be used to earn Marriott Bonvoy points.