W New York - Union Square - New York, NY Review

I have stayed here several times on business trips and it is one of my favorite W Hotels in NYC.  What I like most about this hotel is the location.  There is a regular farmer's market in Union Square, which is directly across the street.  Even though I have never bought anything there I like walking through and taking in the sights and sounds.

The other reason it is a good location is that many of the clients and partners I visit are in this part of NYC.  In the past I had by default stayed in the upper 40's and lower 50s.  This is in the lower 20's and more accessible for many appointments.  Be sure to plot out your visit and see if this location will work.  It is a nicer, homier, less corporate part of New York.

In their words, "the hotel is "Ringed by the essentials-shopping, music art-W New York Union Square's landmark 1911 beaux arts Guardian Life building, re-invented by David Rockwell, has the city at its fingertips. Pete's Tavern and the Village's cozy coffee houses are a walk away. "  They have 270 guest rooms and a good work out facility called SWEAT.

I always like the healthy and interesting (although sometimes too interesting) dishes in W restaurants.  This location has mediterranean-style food at Todd English's Olives restaurant.  The bar has curtained alcoves.  It is called the UNDERBAR. They also have a collection of sofas at the front where you can order a drink or read the paper.

While I really like W Hotels for their "Heavenly Beds" and generally modern and clean rooms, the over the top night club feel of some of their lobbies is a negative to me. I know this attracts younger travelers and makes the hotel seem like a hot spot, but as a business traveler I would prefer they tone it down a bit.  On the other hand, there are other hotels that are quiet as a mouse and boring which is not so great either.