Came to Seattle with my husband for a business trip. I was excited about my stay at the famous "W" hotel but once we got here, I was a little let down. As others wrote, internet in the room is $15/day! "W"hat's UP with that?!?!? I traveled 6.5 weeks in the summer all over Canada and US and never ONCE paid for wifi! So this was disappointing to say the least. There is FREE wifi in the LOBBY (where I am now writing this review from) so I guess that's something.
In the lobby (on Wednesday night, no less!) there was a huge disco type scene - very loud music, lots of people milling about. Too much I think. I guess there's a bar in the lobby. I actually couldn't tell cause it was soo dark, lights turned down and dark furniture and furnishings make for not being able to actually SEE what is there!
The rooms are very nicely appointed but the covering on the bed is way too bulky and the room gets quite warm in the night (like the AC just clicks off after a certain time?!?).... so I called down and asked for a simple blanket. The one brought up was too small for our king bed so I had to call down to ask for another one. The bathroom is huge and very well lit - so if you need to actually see anything, you have to go into the bathroom. Huge tub, nice counter space, thick towels. Robe in closet, nice. No stand for luggage - again "W"hat's up with that?!?! There is a safe in the closet. Fridge is mini-bar style with extremely overpriced stuff in it. A small bottle of Fiji water on the bedside had a $5 tag on it. There is a bucket for ice and glasses for wine and a wine bottle opener. There is a DVD player and movies I understand you can get for a fee - I didn't check the price cause I was sure it was too much.
The sound on the wall-mounted flat screen HDTV is limited and with the hum of the AC it makes certain programs hard to hear. The lighting in the room is horrible - it's supposed to make it all "atmospheric" but for middle aged people, as our vision starts to deteriorate, we need MORE light!! MORE LIGHT!!!! This is actually a common theme in a lot of hotels and a big bone of contention for me when traveling - but it was even darker here at the W.
They are very kind and courteous to your every question or request. When you call the operator or front desk (or the "W"hatever/"W"henever line) they answer the phone with your name. Super duper service!
The concierge is fabulous! Travis was particularly wonderful! The lobby has candles at the front desk check in. Dark wood and dark counter adds to the overall DARKNESS of the hotel.
Parking for $44/valet per night is totally ridiculous. There is a lot next door for $30/nt I think. We didn't know about it til it was too late.
You do need a room key to go up to the guest rooms which adds to security especially for single women traveling alone.
But overall the W is highly overrated. I wish I could have given it a better review but most of the things that other people have written in their reviews were true and makes it not great for the price.
I think the W is going for a different look with all the dark wood, candles, darkness in the rooms, loud music in the lobby.... but it does not inspire in me the desire to come back here any time soon. Perhaps the younger crowd loves it all. The older generation needs MORE LIGHT!
For the money, stay somewhere else. The Crowne Plaza is supposed to be very nice. And even the Westin.
Claire of the 'Couve
Vancouver, WA, USA
hotel reviews