Fodor's Expert Review W Hotel New York

The OG, the one that started it all 20 years ago remains a bustling hub for business people from afar and around the block. W New York remains the largest of the lot with 697 rooms that nearly all differ in configuration (old buildings!) but offer the signature spacious W guest experience with all amenities, all the time. This particular location also has lots of music programming and a full-scale Bliss Spa that’s accessible inside the hotel.

room

The least-dressed up of the W properties in New York, the rooms are rather simple—that’s not to suggest they lack character. They definitely don’t. However, the symbolic W purple makes its appearance in the room, but more subtly, and the decor isn’t embossed this or croc that. Likewise, the rooms sway on the side of smaller than the other properties. However, considering its neighborhood, all the amenities and conveniences needed, especially for business travel, are at one’s fingertips.

bathroom

The W loves a standing shower—and that’s no different around here, though a few bathtubs can be found in certain corners of the hotel. NB: the bathrooms are rather dark. Apply the mascara somewhere else.

lobby

Often referred to as a “Mini Grand Central,” the lobby is a moving installation of people heading either towards the Living Room, its restaurant Heartbeat, the Bliss Spa Upstairs or elsewhere. It's behind the reception where the famed Living Room parties continue to steer into the night, even these days.

spa

The W’s brand partner Bliss Spa has a 1200 sq. foot facility inside the hotel that has 17 massage rooms and its patented age-rewinding facials and body scrubs. This is the biggest Bliss in the country!

gym

The W emphasizes a sweat regimen, and this W’s gym is large and in charge with lots of machines, mats and medicine balls.

dining

Heartbeat is the proprietary restaurant that serves all three meals a day and delivers to the rooms. Still seems to be a power lunch spot serving American with a latin twist.

drinking

In the Living Room is a full-stocked bar where most guests take their cocktails but there is a bar inside Heartbeat as well.