A Listing of W Hotels Around the World
We
like to think we're pretty hip.
We
may not be 20 anymore, but we still know what's hot when we see
it, whether it's a pair of sleek black leather boots or the next
big trend in hotels. And believe us W Hotels are all that
and then some.
Wait,
we know what you're thinking. Hotel chains lack originality. Yes,
some do...for some chains, a room in San Diego is just a carbon
copy of a poorly decorated room in Houston or another one in Madison,
Wisconsin. A stuffy, claustrophobic room with wild striped comforters,
cheap faux brass lamps that reminds you of, yes, yet another hotel
room.
We
want more. For those of us who travel frequently, we want to walk
into a room and sigh, feeling immediately at ease. We want a cushy
bed with a soft, fluffy comforter. We want a spacious, open atmosphere
that resonates style without being overbearing and obnoxious.
We want sophisticated decor, not something left over from the
1980s. We want a hotel that caters to business travelers, but
doesn't forget that we need more than just a bed at the end of
the night. We need a home away from home.
And
that's where W Hotels come in. When we first stayed at a W (in
Atlanta earlier this year), we became so enamored of the W philosophy
(not to mention the fine amenities, which we'll tell you more
about later) that we felt like shouting it from the rooftops.
But since we're not completely insane (yet), we decided to do
the next best thing: write a story about our experience for you,
our loyal readers. After all, we know you're hip too.
Founded
in 1998 and part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, a
total of 20 W Hotels will be open by the end of 2001, including
new properties in Miami, Chicago, Philadelphia and San Diego.
A W hotel room is luxurious without being frilly or ostentatious.
A W room is simple, almost Zen-like with its cool, fresh color
schemes, emphasizing the things that really matter to us: comfort,
technology, style and convenience (although we'd really recommend
better quality hair dryers).
So
far we've experienced three of the 14 operational W hotels --
Atlanta, Los Angeles Westwood and New York. And even though the
W hotels all have the same fine amenities, each one has its own
distinct feel and flavor. We're starting with the following three
reviews and will be adding more to the list as we experience them.
So stay tuned!
A T L A N T A
We stayed at the W Atlanta while on assignment, testing out the new Jaguar X-Type. It was this hotel that hooked us, got us thinking about possibly writing a story about the W chain. The rooms, so spacious and soft, made us almost not want to leave. Almost -- keep in mind we were testing a new Jaguar, after all.
We also enjoyed the hotel lobby, with its comfy lounge feel and selection of books. The lobby reminded us of a huge living room, where we could sit back and relax after a long day. Located in Perimeter Center, an upscale northern suburb of Atlanta, the W Atlanta opened in February 1999, the second W Hotel to debut.
Its location is pretty central: 20 minutes from the Buckhead District, and only 45 minutes from Hartsfield International Airport.
With its 252 guest rooms and 22 suites, W Atlanta provided the perfect combination of business luxury and Southern hospitality.
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L O S A N G E L E S
Just 20 minutes from the Los Angeles International Airport, W Los Angeles is located in a secluded area of Westwood. We liked the hotel's proximity to the shops and activity of Westwood, and how even though we were right in the middle of it all, we still felt nestled in a luxurious hideaway. And call us superficial, but we also liked being greeted by the W's employees -- handsome hard-bodied men dressed in form-fitting black clothing. However, we thought the W Los Angeles seemed to sacrifice good service for good looks. For example, Mojo, the W's restaurant, is aesthetically pleasing with amazing decor, lighting and attractive waitstaff, but we had to send back our food twice to be cooked to our liking. And the restaurant, which serves Nuevo Latino cuisine, was blaring music that didn't fit the image Mojo was striving to achieve...and frankly, was too loud for the 6 p.m. dinner crowd.
Our room, like all that we've experienced in the W chain, was expertly decorated and comfortable. The pillowtop beds (standard in all W rooms) are by far the most comfortable we've ever experienced in a hotel. Although we did enjoy the comforts of the our room (and the pool view), we were disappointed in what seemed to be a security issue in our suite: the room door didn't automatically close behind us, which we didn't notice until after taking a nap and a shower.
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N E W Y O R K
union square
Housed in New York's old Guardian Life Building, the W New York Union Square has (so far) been our favorite W hotel. Completely stylish, the 270-room hotel embraces the gorgeous architecture and feel of the historic building, which has undergone extensive renovations. The overall feel is reminiscent of the grandeur of an early 20th century hotel with a distinctly modern touch. Details such as the gold-topped Corinthian marble columns found in the hotel's ballroom are unique -- details that just can't be found in newly constructed buildings. The elaborate ceilings and immense iron staircase in the lobby are breathtaking.
The staff was extremely friendly and accommodating and the hotel location in Union Square is beyond excellent. We enjoyed the atmosphere (and food) of Olives, the hotel's restaurant, but could've done without the seemingly mile-long walk to the restrooms (which were upstairs). In all fairness, the staff later told us the reason behind the odd location was to prevent people from coming off the street and using the facilities. Makes sense.
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C
H I C A G O --
Two W hotels from which to choose when in Chicago -City Center
at the Loop or Lakeshore. The Loop W has its own DJ in the
hotel lobby and 390 deluxe guest rooms, 11 suites, and 38 loft-style
rooms. Lakeshore, as its name implies, is located on Lake
Shore Drive near the Navy Pier - the only hotel in Chicago directly
overlooking Lake Michigan. The 556-room hotel provides easy access
to the beach as well.
H
O N O L U L U -- Aloha, W Honolulu! Located at near Diamond
Head and Kapiolani Park, W Honolulu has a more intimate
feel with 48 guest rooms.
N
E W O R L E A N S -- Yet again, a city with two W hotels from which to choose. The W New Orleans, located on Poydras Street, has 423 guest
suites. The W New Orleans French Quarter has 98 spacious
guest rooms, four carriage houses and two deluxe suites. A perk
we know we'll love - a gumball machine filled with goodies in
each room.
N
E W Y O R K -- One big city. Four Ws. The original
W that started it all, located on Lexington Ave., takes up 18
floors for its 713 rooms. The hotel's decor and design is inspired
by nature's elements - earth, wind, fire and water. The W New
York The Court is located on a tree lined street in the heart
of midtown Manhattan and offers 155 deluxe rooms and 43 one-bedroom
suites.
Next is the W New York The Tuscany, a boutique hotel located near Grand
Central Station, has an intimate 106 deluxe rooms and 16 king
and parlor suites. The fourth W hotel in New York City is the W New York Union Square, which we reviewed on the previous
page. Click here to go back.
S
A N F R A N C I S C O -- You'll find the W
San Francisco located in the heart of downtown "South
of Market" area, featuring 423 deluxe guest rooms.
S
E A T T L E -- Topped with a steel-and-mesh pyramid, the 26-story W Seattle hotel has 418 guest rooms and 8 suites and is
located in the heart of downtown.
S
Y D N E Y -- Say G'Day! The W Sydney, a boutique hotel,
has been ranked as one of Conde Nast Travellers "Hot List"
hotels for 2001. Located in the heart of a luxury marina, entertainment
and apartment complex, The 104 guest rooms and 36 spacious loft
rooms are within walking distance to the Central Business and
Shopping District, Sydney Opera House.
N
E W A R K , C A L I F. -- W's only all-suite hotel, W Suites is located in the 'burbs, near San Jose and the businesses of
Silicon Valley. The 174 guest suites have a custom designed headboard
with moveable "wings" so your necessities are always
within reach. And in-room Ethernet access - yet another God-send
for us busy travelers. |
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