Great location, but disappointing
I stayed here recently on business using my Starwood Preferred Guest points.
I travel a lot for business and usually alternate between Westin, Sheraton and Marriott hotels. I've never stayed at a W hotel before, so I thought I'd give it a try. The W Times Square looked swank, contemporary and very appealing for a young professional.
Unfortunately, it was a disappointing experience. Notwithstanding, its location is incredible and within a 15-minute walk of most major attractions in Manhattan.
When I checked in, I asked for a single bed. I was told none were available, but was promised an "upgraded double with a nice view." This was hardly the case. My room was literally right across from the elevator and my view was of what was basically an alley. I called down and said this was unacceptable and was moved to a new room, but the only thing that was different was a slightly better view.
Both rooms were very contemporary. While it was stylish, it was a little too basic and frankly came across a little cheap, in my opinion. It reminded me a lot of the brute minimalist Aloft brand of hotels.
The internet was fast, but expensive. The rooms could have been kept up better, especially in the bathroom. One day my room wasn't done by housekeeping though they strangely replaced the water in the room. The housekeeping cart and trash cart sat outside my room for two consecutive days. I also had regular problems with my key, which made going down to the front desk to get a replacement quite annoying.
At night, the hotel does have a strong vibe with lots of late 20-somethings and early 30-somethings in the bar, drinking and socializing with live music. The Blue Fin restaurant downstairs at street level has amazing food and reasonable prices, especially by New York standards.
All in all, this is, in my mind, an overrated hotel with a great location but poor service. I would rather stay at a Marriott, if I had to do it over again.