W Union Square

Hotel description

Sure, there’s a family resemblance with the other W hotels, but this one, fittingly for a hotel on Park Avenue South, feels a bit more old-money than the rest. Maybe it’s the Beaux-Arts architecture of the former Guardian Life building, or maybe it’s the spiraling grand staircase in the soaring lobby — whatever the reason, the result is less playful, less cute than some of its close relatives, and yes, that’s a compliment.

That’s not to say there aren’t some oddball décor choices — live grass on the reception desk, we’re looking at you — and the names of the room categories range from the cloying ‘wonderful’ to the truly dire ‘extreme wow.’ This last more than earns its appellation, however, with a dining room, an office area, a bar and a jaw-dropping view of Union Square.

Actually, to be fair, you can’t much argue with any of the rooms here; some stylish hotels are light on substance, but not this one. If Starwood knows anything, it’s how to run a hotel, an underrated skill, believe it or not — you’ll appreciate solid and thoughtful comforts like Bliss bath products and that famous pillow-topped mattress. Add a big-name restaurant, an achingly hip hotel bar, spa and fitness facilities, and that much-vaunted 24-hour service, and you’ve got yourself a winner.