Sucked in by the hype

As a frequent business traveller to New York (2 weeks a month) I was very disappointed by the W Union Square. The communal areas and lobby are very smart and trendy but the rooms are small, dark, depressing and cheaply furnished - unless you particularly like brown in which case you will be in your element. Even when I upgraded to a larger executive room I was not impressed. The windows are small and didn't close properly so lots of traffic noise and room dark. Even the bath towels are only slightly larger than hand towels. The wardrobe was 8 inches wide so just enough room for 3 shirts and a pair of trousers. The bathroom was very nice but unclean and the shower pressure cannot be adjusted - it is fixed at industrial fire-hose strength. The hotel uses lots of crafty ways to charge you for extras so be careful. Nothing is free/included except the $2 worth of Avida products - even the slippers and the water and newspapers come at a hefty price. Don't even contemplate the mini bar at $24 for a tiny bottle of wine. I'm told that you even pay to RECEIVE calls into the room - though not sure if that's true - though I wouldn't be surprised. Rooms are way overpriced and I'd suggest that it's easy to get a better hotel for same price as the supposedly trendy W. Best thing about the hotel is that you can earn Starwood reward points. Oh, yes and the bed IS very comfortable. Get a high floor to avoid traffic noise.

I can only assume that the glowing reports posted on this site about this hotel have been written by the hotel management!!!

Overall not worth the money - stay elsewhere and don't get sucked in by the hype.

Over-hyped, over-rated

I was looking forward to my stay at W Union Square because of all the hype about it - but the hype way exceeded the substance. Yes the lobby looks "cool" & the bar draws a "cool" crowd - but nothing special about the room, and at W prices, I resent having my desk covered with overpriced retail items - like a bottle of water for a cool 8 bucks!

Another "cool" touch: the bathroom door slides on a ceiling track. But the track was busted, and the door didn't close. That door must malfunction often, because the track and ceiling were covered with greasy fingerprints. Despite the "cool" fixtures and Aveda bath products, the bathroom lacked a window, a fan, any ventilation at all!

An $8 can of air freshener would have been welcome.

The Best!

We booked a "Spectacular King" room for one night at the special 5th anniversary price of $298 and were upgraded to a "Mega King". The room was large, with a huge work area; an exceptionally "Heavenly Bed" with big fluffy comforters and down pillows; a luxurious bathroom with beautiful countertops, fixtures and Aveda products; big TV with cable and movies on demand; and wonderful details like chenille throws and suede pillows, all in soothing colors.

We had high ceilings and huge windows overlooking Union Sq. Park and the staff was very friendly. The entire hotel has such attention to design and detail and is incredibly warm and inviting.

We are New Yorkers and have chosen this is our hotel of choice for a mini-getaway or as our recommendation to out-of-town friends. This place was truly a relaxing oasis and so comfortable and indulgent from start to finish.

Four Fantastic Days

I spent four nights at the W Union Square and LOVED it. We were upgraded to a fantastic corner room on the top floor (#2105). The room had two windows overlooking the square, a large bathroom with a tub/shower combo and of course the Heavenly Bed. The staff were all very nice, the food at Olives was great and even though the Living Room was often very crowded, we were able to find a seat and enjoy a cocktail. We went down to the Underbar for a drink and weren't too impressed though - but with so many other great places within a few blocks of the hotel, not a big deal. The location is great - perfect for journeying both uptown and down to Soho for some shopping. Overall, I'd recommend this hotel in a minute and will certainly stay here again!

Bad experience

took my girlfriend out for a romantic evening. Walk-in rate was quoted $249; to my surprise, the checkout letter the next morning showed a rate of $349. Basically the check-in clerk made a mistake of misquoting me the rate, however, they claimed that the rate is never bellow $349 and refused to refund the difference. If I knew it would have been $349, I would have never stayed there in the first place. On top of that, the toilet didn't flush! Travelers, be ware, and dont trust the clerks, they will smile in your face, but want to get rid of you as soon as possible.

The best W Hotel in NYC

I have stayed at all the W Hotels in NYC and the W Union Square is superior in all respects. The staff and service are beyond compare. All the W Hotels in NYC are very nice but the W Union Square is exceptional. The rooms are spacious, the bathrooms modern, the restaurant and lounge are great and the staff is the best I have encountered at a Starwood hotel. You will not be disappointed.

As a second choice, try the W Court or W Tuscany -- they have very large rooms. I would not recommend the W Times Square -- it is new and the rooms are well done but the bathrooms are cramped. The staff at the W Times Square is the worst I have encountered at a W Hotel -- in marked contrast to the other W's in NYC.

Excellent service

The hotel has exceedingly good service. All the employees are friendly and professional, making your stay even more enjoyable.

Heavenly beds!!!

Wonderful, or to use their word, Heavenly beds. On the weekends there was a voicemail with the daily weather forcast. The only drawback was the price, a bit expensive, even by NYC standards. Only a block or so from the subway, great restaurants nearby. All the staff were quite helpful and friendly. Having Aveda products in the bathroom is a plus. If you feel like splurging on a hotel in NYC this is the place to stay. I will stay here again on my next visit to the city.

This W's the best!

I've stayed at all the NYC W Hotels (except the new Times Square) and this one is the best! The service from check-in to check-out was outstanding, gracious and friendly. The concierge really knows his stuff and put us on the guest list for two great clubs and also recommended restaurants and bars. Our room was huge for NYC standards and had a great view of Union Square- ask for a corner room!

I'll never forget the staff or the hotel - 1st rate!

I was lucky enough to spend Christmas & New Years with the staff of the W Hotel Union Square, & they made me feel more at home than I can begin to describe! The hotel is beautiful, the rooms are very comfy, out of loyalty, I can't imagine spending my time in NY anywhere else now!