W New York - Union Square
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Hotel Details
Location
201 Park Ave S, New York, NY 10003
United States, North America
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Expert Review: W New York - Union Square
The W New York - Union Square, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers a blend of historic Beaux-Arts architecture and bold contemporary design, making it a stylish and vibrant choice in the heart of Manhattan.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general consensus for W New York - Union Square is largely positive, with guests frequently describing their experiences as "amazing," "fantastic," and highlighting its stylish ambiance and unbeatable location. The hotel holds an average overall rating of 3.9 out of 5 on Marriott's platform. Other review aggregators show ratings ranging from 7.3 to 8.5 out of 10. The hotel is frequently recommended, particularly after its recent renovations, which have significantly improved the guest experience.
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently praise the hotel's prime location directly by Union Square, offering excellent access to subway lines, shops, and dining. The hotel's design, which beautifully blends historic architecture with modern aesthetics, is also a significant highlight. Recent renovations have been well-received, contributing to a much-improved stay. The attentive and friendly staff are frequently mentioned as a positive aspect of the guest experience.
3. Room Quality
The rooms at W New York - Union Square are described as modern, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed with luxurious touches. Many guests appreciate the recent upgrades and find the rooms to be spacious, especially for New York City standards. Room types range from "Wonderful" to "Premier Park View" and various suites, offering different sizes and views. Amenities often include signature linens, upscale toiletries, work desks, Wi-Fi, and entertainment systems. However, some standard rooms, such as the "Deluxe City View," have been noted as potentially feeling a bit small and gloomy, with limited views. Some guests have also noted a lack of drawer space and insufficient lighting in some rooms.
4. Dining Experience
The hotel features Seahorse, a signature seafood restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which has quickly become a popular dining spot. Guests have lauded Seahorse for its delicious breakfast and brunch options, with some describing it as a big improvement over previous dining establishments. The Living Room Bar & Lounge serves as a café and co-working space by day, transforming into a vibrant cocktail bar with light bites in the evening (Wednesday to Saturday). A complimentary Lavazza coffee experience with a freshly baked croissant is available in the lobby daily. Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite members and higher typically receive complimentary breakfast. Room service is also available and highly rated by some guests. There have been past instances where the Living Room Lounge was closed for private events without prior notice, which was a point of disappointment for some guests.
5. Service & Staff
The service and staff generally receive high praise for their friendliness, attentiveness, and helpfulness, from the front desk and doormen to concierge and cleaning teams. Many staff members have a long tenure at the hotel, contributing to a strong culture of hospitality. However, some guests have reported inconsistencies, such as brusque check-in experiences or a failure to acknowledge Bonvoy status. There have also been instances of missed requests, such as a promised cheesecake delivery not materializing.
6. Location & Accessibility
The W New York - Union Square boasts an "unbeatable" and "prime" location at the northeast corner of Union Square. It's celebrated for its easy access to several subway lines (4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, W), providing convenient transportation throughout New York City. The neighborhood offers a vibrant atmosphere with iconic NYC vibes, extensive shopping, and a diverse dining scene, including proximity to attractions like the Union Square Park, Webster Hall, the Flatiron Building, NYU, and Greenwich Village.
7. Value & Pricing
The pricing for rooms at W New York - Union Square can range significantly, with standard rooms starting from around $782 USD, and suites going up to over $3,900 USD, though cheaper rates around $300-$700 per night have been reported depending on booking and season. Many guests acknowledge that they are paying a premium for the excellent location and the recently upgraded, spacious rooms, often feeling that it offers good value despite the cost. The hotel charges a daily "destination fee" of $25 plus tax (sometimes listed as $40). This fee often includes credits for minibar and laundry, enhanced internet, and a complimentary coffee/croissant experience. However, some guests express concerns about the overall value for the price, especially when considering ongoing renovations and limited amenities.
8. Common Complaints
While generally well-regarded, some recurring issues have been noted by guests:
- Inconsistent Service: Despite many positive interactions, some guests have experienced less-than-stellar service, particularly during check-in or with follow-through on requests.
- Room Atmosphere/Comfort: Criticisms include rooms being too dark, lacking sufficient lighting, or having inconveniently placed power outlets. Some older bathrooms may not have been fully renovated.
- Amenities Limitations: Guests have reported a lack of amenities during previous renovation periods, with some facilities like the Living Room Lounge being closed unexpectedly for private events. The planned rooftop bar has been anticipated but not always open.
- Elevator Issues: There have been reports of elevators breaking down, leading to long waits or guests needing to use stairs.
- Air Conditioning Issues: A notable complaint, particularly during "shoulder seasons" (e.g., April), is that the hotel's central system may only have heat or AC available, not both, leading to uncomfortable room temperatures on unexpectedly warm days.
- Destination Fee: While it includes credits, the mandatory daily destination fee is a point of contention for some guests.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •While generally well-regarded, some recurring issues have been noted by guests:
- •Room Atmosphere/Comfort**: Criticisms include rooms being too dark, lacking sufficient lighting, or having inconveniently placed power outlets. Some older bathrooms may not have been fully renovated.
- •Elevator Issues**: There have been reports of elevators breaking down, leading to long waits or guests needing to use stairs.
