Manhattan is a grid of chaos. If you’ve ever tried to hail a cab in the rain near Penn Station, you know exactly what I mean. In the middle of that noise, the W Hotel Manhattan properties—specifically W New York - Times Square and the newer W New York - Union Square—serve as these weirdly chic, neon-lit sanctuaries that people either absolutely adore or find way too loud. Honestly, choosing between them is more about your personality than your Marriott Bonvoy points.
You’ve probably heard the brand's whole "Whatever/Whenever" pitch. It sounds like a marketing gimmick, and mostly it is, but it also defines the vibe. It’s for the traveler who doesn't mind a DJ in the lobby at 2:00 PM.
The Times Square Identity Crisis
Let's get real about W New York - Times Square. It sits right on 47th and Broadway. For some, that’s a nightmare. For others, it’s the only way to see New York.
The lobby (they call it the "Living Room," because of course they do) is perched above the street level, giving you this bird’s-eye view of the digital billboards and the throngs of tourists below. It’s high-energy. It’s also a bit of a time capsule. While the rooms have seen refreshes, there is still that unmistakable early-2000s "cool" that the W brand practically invented. You get the blue acrylic accents, the mood lighting that makes everyone look like they’re in a music video, and those signature W beds that are, frankly, some of the most comfortable in the industry.
Is it quiet? Not really. Even on the higher floors, the hum of the city vibrates through the glass. If you're looking for a Zen retreat to read Tolstoy, you're in the wrong zip code. But if you want to walk out the front door and be at the stage door of the Minskoff Theatre in three minutes, this is the spot.
✨ Don't miss: Things to do in Hanover PA: Why This Snack Capital is More Than Just Pretzels
The Union Square Alternative
Then there’s the W New York - Union Square. This one is different. It’s housed in the 1911 Guardian Life Building, which means you get these incredible Beaux-Arts architectural details paired with the W's "look at me" interior design. It’s a jarring contrast that somehow works.
This location feels more "New York" and less "Tourism Central." You’ve got the Union Square Greenmarket right there. You see locals buying organic radishes and actual NYU students scurrying to class. The rooms here tend to have higher ceilings because of the historic bones of the building. It’s a bit more sophisticated, maybe a little more "grown-up" than the Times Square sibling.
What You’re Actually Paying For
Let’s talk money and value. W Hotels aren't cheap. You’re paying for the brand, the location, and the "scene."
- The Living Room Culture: Unlike a Hilton or a Marriott Marquis where the lobby is just a place to wait for an Uber, the W wants you to linger. They spend a fortune on "Sound Specialists" (DJs) to curate the atmosphere.
- The Bliss Amenities: Or at least, the spirit of them. While the brand has shifted its bath products over the years, the focus remains on high-end, lemon-scented luxury.
- The Concierge: They call it the Whatever/Whenever desk. In Manhattan, this is actually useful. They have "ins" at restaurants like Carbone or Polo Bar that you simply won't get by refreshing Resy on your own.
The downside? The "Destination Fee." It’s a plague on NYC hotels. At the W, this usually runs around $35-$45 per night. They try to justify it by giving you a food and beverage credit or laundry allowance, but it’s essentially a mandatory tax. Just factor it into your budget so you aren't annoyed when you see the final bill.
🔗 Read more: Hotels Near University of Texas Arlington: What Most People Get Wrong
Hidden Details Most Guests Miss
Most people don't realize that the W Times Square has some of the coolest suites in the city that aren't the Presidential Suite. The "Extreme Wow" suites (their version of a Penthouse) often feature wrap-around windows that look directly down onto the Ball Drop spot.
Also, the fitness centers—branded as FIT—are surprisingly good. In a city where "hotel gym" usually means a broken treadmill in a basement, the W Manhattan locations usually have Peloton bikes and actual squat racks. It’s a small thing, but when you’ve spent the day eating dollar slices and Magnolia Bakery cupcakes, you’ll appreciate it.
The Verdict on the "Vibe"
There is a specific type of person who hates the W. If you like beige curtains, hushed hallways, and traditional bellmen in white gloves, stay at the St. Regis or the Lowell. The W is intentionally provocative. The elevators are dark. The hallways are often scented with a custom fragrance that smells like "ambition and sandalwood."
It’s a lifestyle brand.
💡 You might also like: 10 day forecast myrtle beach south carolina: Why Winter Beach Trips Hit Different
Making the Most of Your Stay
If you’ve decided to pull the trigger on a stay at a W Hotel Manhattan property, don’t just use it as a place to sleep. That’s a waste of the premium you're paying.
- Check the Event Calendar: Both Manhattan locations often host "hidden" events—cocktail tastings, live sets from emerging artists, or even fitness pop-ups. Ask the Whatever/Whenever desk what’s happening during your stay.
- Request a High Floor: In Times Square, this is non-negotiable. The street noise is a beast. Anything above the 30th floor starts to feel like a different world.
- Use the App: Marriott’s mobile key works pretty well here. Skipping the check-in line in the Living Room when a DJ is blasting deep house at 5:00 PM is a pro move.
- Explore the "Secret" Bars: The bar at the Union Square location is often overlooked by tourists but loved by locals for an after-work drink. It’s great for people-watching.
New York doesn't care if you sleep. The W Hotel Manhattan locations embrace that. They are loud, they are flashy, and they are quintessentially "New York" in that they refuse to apologize for being exactly what they are. Whether you choose the neon-soaked corner of Times Square or the historic elegance of Union Square, you're getting a slice of the city that most people only see in movies. Just don't forget to pack your "cool" shoes. You're going to need them.
Next Steps for Your NYC Trip
- Verify your Marriott Bonvoy status: If you are Gold or higher, the W is notorious for "hidden" upgrades to "Cool Corner" rooms if you ask politely at check-in (and if the hotel isn't at 100% capacity).
- Compare the Destination Fees: Check the current daily rate for the mandatory "Destination Amenity Fee" on the official Marriott website, as these fluctuate seasonally and can impact your total "all-in" price by hundreds of dollars over a long stay.
- Map the Subway Lines: The Union Square location has a massive advantage with the 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, and W lines right outside, making it significantly easier to reach Brooklyn or Lower Manhattan than the Times Square location.