Stayed there for a week while attending a friends wedding. Have stayed in LOADS of starwood hotels and Im not quite sure about the "W" brand... seems like they are trying just a bit too hard to be cool.
The room was roomy enough for SF, nothing to complain about with the decor or condition of the room (nothing to rave about either). Staff was friendly- even were let up to the roof for some great views by a electrician that we happened to speak to in the elevator which was neat. The best thing at the hotel was perhaps the Acura car- they would take you anywhere in the city for free (w/in 1 mile but that wasn't enforced) considering it was actually hard to catch a cab from the hotel sometimes this was a great bonus. Oh and ditch your car- its $40 a day to park... you dont really need one in SF anyhow... trust me it will only lead you to frustration if you are not a native :).
Only downside to the place is that its across the street from the convention centre- great if you at a convention... not so great if you are not. Seems to be the hot spot for mid-day, afternoon, and evening drinks for people from the centre meaning that the bar/ entire lobby area is ALWAYS packed with people.... during the week stay I had the unfortunate luck of getting 2 drinks spilled on me as I was trying to get into the hotel!
Overall think that the brand is trying a bit too hard. We stayed at the Place hotel when we were in SF last time and I would totally stay there again over the W.
hotel reviews