Marriott will run new St James hotel in Edinburgh

THE new hotel at the heart of the St James Centre transformation will be run by Marriott after it took over the '˜W' brand.

St James hotel

A 214-room ‘ribbon’ hotel will boast a presidential-style suite with a jacuzzi and rooftop bar, as well as a spa, restaurant and event space.

When the operator – W – was first announced, it came under Starwood Hotels’ ownership – but the firm has since merged with Marriott.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon yesterday welcomed the company’s plans to open seven new hotels in Scotland in the next four years.

Speaking from New York, she said: “Despite the uncertainty brought about by Brexit, Scotland’s economy and tourism sectors remain strong and I am delighted that big businesses like Marriott International are choosing to show their confidence by investing here.

“Scotland’s performance in hotel markets is exceptionally strong, with latest figures showing that we are outperforming 11 of the main 12 European hotel markets, including Paris, Madrid and Berlin – only London was higher.”