Starwood Hotels & Resorts has announced it will debut its W Hotels brand in Scotland at the 12-storey ‘ribbon’ building designed by Jestico + Whiles in the heart of Edinburgh.

The striking building – which has proven controversial due to its eye-catching steel facade and mooted location in the centre of the historic city – is set to complete in 2020. It will be the centrepiece of the Edinburgh St James scheme – a 1.7m sq ft development, designed by Jestico + Whiles and Allan Murray Architects, incorporating retail, entertainment, leisure and residential apartments.

The hotel will have 214 guestrooms, including 20 suites. The rooftop will feature a destination bar and outdoor terrace looking over the famous skyline. Other areas will include a signature restaurant, a workout facility and an AWAY-branded spa offering W’s signature health and wellness experiences.

“As an established business hub with a thriving global tourism industry, we are confident that there will be a huge appetite for our innovative lifestyle brand in the Scottish capital,” said Michael Wale, president of Starwood’s Europe, Africa and Middle East portfolio.

“W Edinburgh’s location at the pulsing heart of the new Edinburgh St James development, combined with its innovative design, contemporary interiors and the W brand’s signature programming, will create a perfect setting.”