blackfur
Aug 30, 00, 8:28 pm
Although W Suites, Newark (CA) is only about 15 miles from where I live, I needed to pick up one more night for the Free Saturdays from Starwood's current promotion. Since I had been curious about the hotel and was able to get a $129 weekend rate for last Friday, my partner and I decided to try it out.
Summary: Classic W style in a weird, out-of-the-way locale. Still working out some "new hotel" glitches.
I must admit I've been puzzled by the location ever since the hotel was announced. It would have seemed to make more sense to locate a W in downtown San Jose; it seems more fitting with the W theme than the rather isolated and almost desolate location in Newark. It's practically in the south San Francisco Bay marshlands, almost at the foot of the eastern Dumbarton Bridge anchorage. No scenic views, though. I suspect that the land price was substantially lower there, and there are actually several large companies not too far from the location, but the W concept seems more appropriate for an urban, downtown location. This sensation was only heightened by the completely deserted lobby/bar I encountered on my check-in last Saturday night -- a stark contrast to the bustling energy of the other W's where I've stayed.
I'm a big fan of the W "look and feel," and W Newark lived up to my expectations in that regard. Comfortable, attractive furniture, including seating around a lobby fireplace. The bar/cafe opens onto the pool area, and there's plenty of tables for outdoor dining. Attractive decor, in standard W blacks and bright colors, but with nice bamboo accents. I especially liked the black river-rock wall "fountain" behind the front desk. Well, the "front desk" actually looked more like a couple of game show contestant podiums. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
The room was large and comfortable. Not a true suite; really a "junior suite," but quite acceptable. Plenty of seating, a 27" TV, WebTV and Ethernet access to the Internet, CD player, refrigerator, microwave, and separate tub and shower.
By the way, the microwave is more necessary then it might sound at first. There is no room service at W Newark. However, according to their amenities binder, their cafe prepares "gourmet TV dinners" that you can purchase and heat up in your room. We weren't there long enough to sample either the cafe or its TV dinners, but the web site describes a "menu of signature skewers, flatbread pizzas, sandwiches and salads."
Service is the one area that W Newark still needs to refine. There were several glitches indicative of a new hotel with an inexperienced staff.
I booked by telephone directly with W Newark, and was quoted a room rate of $129. Upon check-in, the reservation computer showed that a rate of $199 had been entered. The clerk promptly changed this to the correct rate without my asking.
Our room did not have any bath robes, a price list for mini-bar items, a "Do Not Disturb" sign, or the standard hotel amenities binder, and had only one hanger in the closet. Additionally, the mini-bar refrigerator contained an empty bottle of water, and -- quite oddly -- I found two crushed soda cans stuffed between two of my bath towels. A call to the Whatever/Whenever staff quickly resolved these issues, and they were properly embarrassed and apologetic. Personally, I was far more amused by the situation than irritated, but my reaction might have been different if I had just arrived from a transcontinental flight.
Overall, I felt that the staff handled the difficulties appropriately and to my satisfaction. I sent my comments to SPG so that they could forward them to the manager and work on tightening up the service a bit.
In summary, I liked W Newark, and think it will be a fine addition to the lineup once the staff gets more experience. But I still think the location is a big drawback. There's nothing around there. Be prepared to drive into San Jose (or BART up to San Francisco) to entertain yourselves.
Summary: Classic W style in a weird, out-of-the-way locale. Still working out some "new hotel" glitches.
I must admit I've been puzzled by the location ever since the hotel was announced. It would have seemed to make more sense to locate a W in downtown San Jose; it seems more fitting with the W theme than the rather isolated and almost desolate location in Newark. It's practically in the south San Francisco Bay marshlands, almost at the foot of the eastern Dumbarton Bridge anchorage. No scenic views, though. I suspect that the land price was substantially lower there, and there are actually several large companies not too far from the location, but the W concept seems more appropriate for an urban, downtown location. This sensation was only heightened by the completely deserted lobby/bar I encountered on my check-in last Saturday night -- a stark contrast to the bustling energy of the other W's where I've stayed.
I'm a big fan of the W "look and feel," and W Newark lived up to my expectations in that regard. Comfortable, attractive furniture, including seating around a lobby fireplace. The bar/cafe opens onto the pool area, and there's plenty of tables for outdoor dining. Attractive decor, in standard W blacks and bright colors, but with nice bamboo accents. I especially liked the black river-rock wall "fountain" behind the front desk. Well, the "front desk" actually looked more like a couple of game show contestant podiums. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
The room was large and comfortable. Not a true suite; really a "junior suite," but quite acceptable. Plenty of seating, a 27" TV, WebTV and Ethernet access to the Internet, CD player, refrigerator, microwave, and separate tub and shower.
By the way, the microwave is more necessary then it might sound at first. There is no room service at W Newark. However, according to their amenities binder, their cafe prepares "gourmet TV dinners" that you can purchase and heat up in your room. We weren't there long enough to sample either the cafe or its TV dinners, but the web site describes a "menu of signature skewers, flatbread pizzas, sandwiches and salads."
Service is the one area that W Newark still needs to refine. There were several glitches indicative of a new hotel with an inexperienced staff.
I booked by telephone directly with W Newark, and was quoted a room rate of $129. Upon check-in, the reservation computer showed that a rate of $199 had been entered. The clerk promptly changed this to the correct rate without my asking.
Our room did not have any bath robes, a price list for mini-bar items, a "Do Not Disturb" sign, or the standard hotel amenities binder, and had only one hanger in the closet. Additionally, the mini-bar refrigerator contained an empty bottle of water, and -- quite oddly -- I found two crushed soda cans stuffed between two of my bath towels. A call to the Whatever/Whenever staff quickly resolved these issues, and they were properly embarrassed and apologetic. Personally, I was far more amused by the situation than irritated, but my reaction might have been different if I had just arrived from a transcontinental flight.
Overall, I felt that the staff handled the difficulties appropriately and to my satisfaction. I sent my comments to SPG so that they could forward them to the manager and work on tightening up the service a bit.
In summary, I liked W Newark, and think it will be a fine addition to the lineup once the staff gets more experience. But I still think the location is a big drawback. There's nothing around there. Be prepared to drive into San Jose (or BART up to San Francisco) to entertain yourselves.