W San Francisco

The W San Francisco, a Michelin Key Selected property, generally garners positive feedback for its vibrant atmosphere, prime location, and stylish design, though some aspects draw recurring criticisms.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The W San Francisco consistently receives positive ratings, with an impressive overall score of 8.4 on Agoda and an average of 3.9 out of 5 stars on Marriott Bonvoy based on over a thousand reviews. Guests often describe their stays as memorable, appreciating the hotel's luxury and style.

Key Highlights

Guests frequently praise the hotel's unbeatable location, modern design, and excellent amenities. The fitness center, known as FIT, is a standout, often described as one of the "coolest" hotel gyms with impressive lighting, design, and a wide array of equipment. The hotel's lobby, with its bright and airy "Living Room" social area, also receives appreciation for its natural light and seating. The W San Francisco is also noted for its pet-friendly policy.

Room Quality

The hotel offers 389 rooms and suites, many of which were remodeled in 2019, incorporating elements inspired by the 1800s gold rush with gold triangles and linear "veins" in the decor. Rooms are described as comfortable, well-appointed, and designed with modern amenities. Guests can expect signature W Hotels Beds with pillow-top mattresses, ergonomic workspaces, Nespresso machines, and stocked W Mix Bars. Some "Cool Corner Guest Rooms" and "Mega Rooms" offer clear views of the Salesforce Tower and a glimpse of the Bay. While some guests find the rooms "super modern, updated, and cute," others have described older decor as "quirky" or "medicinal and airport-like," especially compared to the more contemporary public spaces. Bathrooms typically feature glassed-in showers with good water pressure and MOMO or Davines branded toiletries.

Dining Experience

The W San Francisco features TRACE, its signature restaurant, which serves farm-to-table, seasonal breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, focusing on local and sustainable ingredients. The Living Room Bar serves as the lobby bar and is a popular spot for drinks and light bites. In-room dining is also available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. While complimentary breakfast for elite members is generally acknowledged, one guest noted that it was not offered during their stay as the restaurants were not open for breakfast at that time.

Service & Staff

The hotel generally receives praise for its friendly, helpful, and attentive staff, with many guests commending the smooth check-in process. Staff members are often described as putting guests at ease and handling requests with a beaming smile. However, some guests have reported "lukewarm" interactions with receptionists, feeling they were rushed during check-in and that elite status was not acknowledged or benefits explained adequately.

Location & Accessibility

The W San Francisco boasts an "unbeatable" and "prime" location in the SoMa (South of Market Street) district. It's conveniently situated directly across the street from the Moscone Center and adjacent to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) and Yerba Buena Gardens. Key attractions like Union Square, Oracle Park, and the Ferry Building Marketplace are within walking distance or a short ride away. The hotel offers easy access to public transport, including the Caltrain - 4th & King Street Station, bus stops, and streetcar lines, connecting guests to various parts of the city and the Bay Area. Valet parking is also available.

Value & Pricing

Room rates for the W San Francisco can vary, with standard rooms typically ranging from $220-$280 per night, and "Member Rate Flexible" bookings around $426 per night, including taxes and fees. Marriott Bonvoy points redemptions can range from 50,000 to 94,000 points per night. Many guests find the hotel to be a good value, especially during certain periods. However, a common point of contention is the mandatory daily $40 destination fee. While this fee includes benefits like a $40 food and beverage credit, SFMOMA tickets, and bike rentals, some guests feel the overall cost, including this fee, is not always justified.

Common Complaints

The most frequent complaint among guests is the $40 daily destination fee, which is often seen as an annoying additional cost. Other criticisms include the perceived dated decor in some older parts of the hotel, particularly the lobby, compared to the more modern rooms, although renovations have addressed some of these concerns. Some guests have experienced "lukewarm" or inattentive service from front desk staff, particularly regarding elite status recognition and benefits like complimentary breakfast. The area around the hotel can also be perceived as "dead at night." Additionally, some reviews mention a fee for in-room Wi-Fi (though it's free in the lobby) and occasional issues with in-room TV connectivity. The hotel also does not feature a swimming pool.

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