JW Marriott Hotel Sao Paulo

The JW Marriott Hotel Sao Paulo, a Michelin Key Selected property, is widely praised as a luxurious oasis in Brazil's largest city, offering a sophisticated and distinctly Brazilian experience. Originally opened as a Four Seasons in 2018 and rebranded in 2022, the hotel caters well to both business and leisure travelers seeking high-end amenities and exceptional service.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for the JW Marriott Hotel Sao Paulo is overwhelmingly positive, with an average overall rating of 4.8 out of 5. Guests frequently describe it as "fantastic in every way," "modern, great service, clean, spacious and elegant," and a "polished sanctuary." Many consider it their "new go-to hotel in SP" and express a strong desire to return.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several aspects of the hotel:

• Design & Architecture: The hotel's architecture, from the lobby to the spa and executive lounge, is described as stylish, polished, and on point, featuring black marble, rich wood accents, and bold Brazilian art.
• Amenities: The wellness facilities are a major draw, including a spacious, well-equipped 24-hour gym and an appealing indoor/outdoor pool. The serene JW Spa with its five treatment rooms and exceptional English-speaking masseuses also receives high marks. The executive lounge is frequently highlighted for its panoramic city views, solid breakfast spread, all-day refreshments, and curated evening hors d'oeuvres. The JW Garden, a terrace off the lobby with a gushing fountain, offers a tranquil space.
• Service & Staff: The staff are consistently lauded as "super lovely, friendly and responsive," "impeccable," and "exceptional." Their attentiveness, warmth, and willingness to go the extra mile are frequently mentioned.
• Atmosphere: The hotel successfully creates an "urban oasis" that offers an escape from the bustling city of Sao Paulo.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at the JW Marriott Sao Paulo are designed for comfort and luxury:

• Comfort & Design: Rooms feature calming hues, polished walnut floors, crisp white linen, and plush king beds with pillowtop mattresses and down comforters. They are described as comfortable, spacious, and elegant.
• Views: Many rooms offer floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views of the Sao Paulo skyline, including the iconic Estaiada Bridge, and the Pinheiros River, with a green park providing a nice contrast to the urban landscape. However, some suggest a city view is preferable to a river view.
• Amenities: Rooms include roomy closets, sitting areas with conveniently positioned power outlets, and wide desks with international outlets. Bathrooms are impressive with excellent water pressure and sleek designs, with some larger rooms offering both a tub and shower. Turn-down service with chocolates and water is also provided.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers commendable dining options:

• Restaurante Neto: The main restaurant, Neto, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, blending Italian and Brazilian flavors. The food is described as "exquisite" and the breakfast spread is particularly impressive, featuring tropical fruits, housemade pastries, hot dishes like pancakes, eggs, bacon, and Brazilian cheese bread, along with a selection of smoothies.
• Bar Caju: Located in the lobby, Bar Caju is a vibrant and stylish spot perfect for drinks with live music.
• Executive Lounge: The executive lounge offers a complimentary breakfast (though a smaller continental selection compared to the main restaurant) and all-day refreshments including salads, nuts, pastries, and an evening happy hour with a hot and cold buffet. Excellent red wines are also available during happy hour.

5. Service & Staff

The service at JW Marriott Hotel Sao Paulo is a consistent highlight. Guests frequently praise the staff for being "super lovely, friendly and responsive" and "impeccable." They are known for making guests feel valued, remembering names, and going the extra mile to assist with requests, such as providing local tourist and dining recommendations. Elite Marriott Bonvoy members also report excellent recognition, including complimentary Executive Lounge access, late checkout, and welcome gifts.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel is situated in the upscale business district of Chacara Santo Antonio, along the Pinheiros River, offering views of the Estaiada Bridge. It is considered convenient for business travelers due to its proximity to the city's financial district. Mass transit, including the Morumbi-Claro station on Line 9, is nearby, making it easier to explore the city, and a new monorail line connecting to Congonhas airport is anticipated. The hotel is also adjacent to a shopping mall. However, some guests note that the location can feel "weird" for a hotel and that it's "too far off from the center" with a "horrible neighborhood vibe around the hotel," making it less ideal for first-time tourists who want to be closer to restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions.

7. Value & Pricing

While considered a luxury property, the JW Marriott Hotel Sao Paulo is seen by some as offering "exceptional value for money" compared to the average hotel price in Sao Paulo. With an average room price of $324, it provides "unparalleled comfort and world-class amenities that are worth every penny." The hotel has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 for value for the money.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few minor criticisms have been noted:

• Executive Lounge Breakfast: One guest mentioned a dislike for not being able to order egg dishes or other items from a menu for breakfast at the executive lounge, implying a more limited selection compared to the main restaurant.
• River View: While offering views, the Pinheiros River itself is sometimes described as "not much to behold," leading to a recommendation for city views instead.
• Location for Leisure Travelers: As mentioned previously, the location, while good for business, can be a drawback for leisure travelers looking for easy access to central tourist attractions, restaurants, and bars without needing to travel by metro or car for an extended period.

Sources

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