Points Miles & Martinis contributor Nicky shares his thoughts on the W Hotel San Francisco on a recent visit to the Bay Area. 

The W Hotel San Francisco is located in the SoMa area, just right across Yerba Buena Gardens and adjacent to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA).  The area is great for business travelers (conventions and surrounding tech companies) and leisure travelers (shops, museums, local attractions), however not so much with family travelers.  There are many Starwood properties in the SoMa area including the St. Regis, Park Central (a Westin hotel),  and Palace Hotel (a Luxury Collection Hotel).

I used the SPG app to do a mobile check-in and use the keyless feature for the app to get to my room.  However, the app told me to head to the front desk.  I already had intentions to go to the front desk to get a physical key in the event my phone went dead. I was concerned my room wasn’t ready upon arrival (I arrived around 1:30pm) but luckily my room was indeed ready.  

I booked a Fabulous Room and was given one on the 30th Floor.  I had a great view of the Yerba Buena Gardens along with the SFMOMA, St. Regis, and San Francisco skyline.  Upon entry, I had a Nespresso Machine (complimentary coffee and tea) to my left and the bathroom with a sliding door to my right.  

The bathroom could have been a bit bigger.  In the bathroom was the standard Bliss Spa toiletries, which served its purpose but could have been a different scent.  Be advised that the sliding door for the bathroom is frosted glass with no lock.  

Moving past the bathroom was a closet which had a bathrobe and tote bag, both of which were for sale.  I had hope to use the tote bag during my stay but there is a tape/sticker that if tampered, you have purchased the bag.

Then on to the main room.  The room has a king size bed with 37in flat screen smart TV that you could swivel in any direction.  The bed was very comfortable and I was able to sleep right away.  I also loved the the wood accents of the bed with the art.  There were plugs on either side of the bed so charging electronics was never an issue.  The desk was very efficient – also had many power plugs available.  The room was accented by locally inspired art, which balanced the room.  Something I found interesting was the night light Buddha.  

The room had a lot of natural light due to the high floor and large windows that I rarely used the hall lights.  I did find the blinds interesting but a pain to close each one individually.  I also like the banquette area at each window which was fantastic to sit and look out.    

I booked through the SPG app and the rate included WiFi for 8 devices.  The WiFi was pretty fast and consistent.  However, if you booked elsewhere or if you are not an SPG member, prepare to fork over $14.95 a day.  Also, as an SPG member, I was entitled to daily bottled water – it was a Dasani water, not the Smart Water for sale.  However, this will save you $5.00 each bottle.  

The gym is located on the 4th floor past the Bliss Spa, and is open 24 hours a day with the key card.  The gym was large and had a good amount of machines and free weights.  However the large seating area in the middle of the gym could have been utilized better (either a stretching area or more machines).  There was one machine that was broken but was fixed when I used the gym the next day.  The gym definitely emphasized the club like atmosphere with the mood lights and music.  Even though the hotel has 400+ rooms, the gym never felt crowded.  

Bottom Line

My three night stay went by quickly and it was time for me to leave.  Check-out was easy and the agent was friendlier than the first one.  She asked me how was my stay and if I needed any other assistance.  I thanked her and just requested my bill to be emailed.  

Overall, I had a wonderful stay at the W Hotel San Francisco.  The room had a local yet chic environment and served its purpose well.  If there was one thing I could improve about the room is the bathroom.  It looks very standard Sheraton/Westin and could be updated.  The front desk team seemed hit or miss but the housekeeping team was fantastic.  They were always friendly and welcomed me back when I saw them.  

Have you stayed at the W San Francisco before? Feel free to share your thoughts below!