Hotel W San Francisco Review

On Howard @ Third Street, a 30 story hotel with impeccable style and an unbeatable location is at your service. Located right across from Moscone Convention Center near the new Sony Metreon Entertainment complex and sf MOMA is "W". Design is from Banana Republic and Pottery Barn and is operated by Starwood (Sheraton, Westin, etc.).

The hotel features internet e-mail access, cordless phones, and high-speed Ethernet modem connections. The beds feature goose-down comforters and natural fabrics. If you are looking for personalized service as a high-tech entrepreneur, journalist, or entertainment industry figure -- "W" has been designed for you. The hotel has an edge for sophisticated travelers.

The 423 rooms include use of a lap swimming pool and an outdoor deck. The hotel's sexy style are sure to make it a top choice in the City.

W is highly recommended by our editors,

M.A. writes, "I spent a week at the W Hotel in San Francisco, arriving on September 8 and leaving on the 15th. The guest room was very nice with a window seat in one corner, overlooking 3rd Street. They even provided a blanket and pillows with which to relax on the window seat. The bed was marvelously comfortable with down comforter and pillows. Coffee service was provided and greatly appreciated; however, I did plan ahead and bring my favorite brand of coffee from home. The bathroom was large and well-appointed, but I would have preferred a solid wood door rather than the glass pocket door (not much privacy there!) The biggest drawback was the amount of closet/storage space. For two people packing for a full week, we needed more hanging room (I did know enough to bring extra hangers). There were only three small drawers built into the closet, so part of the clothes were on the closet floor and more kept in the one suitcase we could access. The others had to be stored upright.

We did not utilize room service, but we did have a snack in the bar. Being smalltown folks from Florida, we were a bit amazed at the price of this little snack. We also breakfasted in the XYZ Restaurant; one meal had scorched scrambled eggs, cold toast, undercooked bacon, and tasteless home fries. The other was much more edible, but we were not interested in trying dinner there.

The lobby/elevator areas were extremely dark and uncomfortable. I really would have appreciated better lighting there, or at least had flashlights provided. I took advantage of the terrace on the 4th floor most every day and used the hot tub once. It was nice, but the lap pool was much too cold to enjoy.

We had read a review which indicated the staff members were not very helpful to that guest, but everyone with whom we came in contact was respectful and helpful to us. Of course, we didn't ask for a lot, either! The only thing we really used the concierge for was trying to get information on airports which had re-opened after the 9/11/01 tragedy. Eventually I walked over to the Delta office to get the information we wanted. The concierge also made airport transportation reservations for us to Oakland via Quake City. I wouldn't recommend them very highly -- the van was not in good shape, it was late arriving and had another pickup after us. As my father used to say, he drove like a bat out of hell."

A reader writes, "Stayed at the W Hotel for the Black & White Ball weekend. The hotel service was excellent and prompt. Had to have my tux Fed Ex'd from home and the hotel made sure it was pressed and ready by ball time. Plush rooms and the bar was great. This one was a no brainer."