W San Francisco Hotel

Frommer's Review

Starwood Hotels & Resorts' 31-story property is as modern and hip as its fashionable clientele. Sophisticated, slick, and stylish, it suits its neighbors, which include the Museum of Modern Art, the Moscone Center, and the Metreon entertainment center. The trendy, urban style extends to the guest rooms, which are decorated in whites and bright, eye-popping colors, with ample mirrors completing the feel. Each contains a feather bed with a goose-down comforter and pillows (there's even an official W pillow menu should the one on the bed not be to your liking), an oversize desk, an upholstered chaise longue, and louvered blinds that open to (usually) great city views. Bathrooms are super-sleek and stocked with Bliss products. Whimsical touches like kaleidoscopes and mini Buddha statues make the place all the more homey (only easily nicer than any home I have ever lived in). The names of the accommodations types are fitting, too: Choose from a Wonderful, Spectacular, Cool Corner, or Fabulous Room, or a Fantastic or Extreme Wow Suite if you're feeling really fancy.

Furthering the cool vibe is a bi-level XYZ bar and restaurant, which serves wonderful Californian cuisine within a beautiful modern interior full of couches and heated by one massive fireplace. The adjoining three-floor entry boasts some striking pieces of furniture art -- grab a complimentary board game and pull up a cowhide chair -- as well as textured walls by Moss & Lamb and mood lighting that changes color as the evening progresses (and, accordingly, your cocktails from XYZ send you to a happier place). In 2005, the W welcomed a 5,000-square-foot outpost of NYC's Bliss Spa to the premises. Surprisingly for a hotel of such caliber, pets are allowed; in fact, even dog-walking and grooming services are on hand, and litter boxes, beds, bowls, and gifts are available as well (a one-time $100 cleaning fee applies). All in all, this is one of the top places to stay in San Francisco, particularly if you enjoy the nightlife scene, which quite literally begins at the W's doorstep.

Facilities:
Restaurant; 2 bars; concierge; fitness center; heated atrium pool and Jacuzzi; room service; secretarial services; spa; sun deck; free Wi-Fi in public spaces

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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