Just got back from a wonderful-albeit brief weekend trip-to NYC. A frequent guest of Starwood properties, this was my first stay at a "W" property (the W Hotel NYC, Lex and 49) ... and I must say I was quite impressed.

The room (standard)--small but fashionably decorated (painted leaf print detail on the walls) with neat amenities (mini-metallic pens, a remote keypad that allows internet/email access, a cordless phone)

The clientele--diverse, probably heard more foreign languages spoken here than at any other Starwood property

The front lounge area--comfortable leather chairs, lots of open space, big columns shooting up toward the ceiling, a mini-bar

All in all a rather hip place with the right amount activity. A nice place to peoplewatch.

The only downside was that the check-in terminals at the front desk are too close together (get a squished in feeling) and I did catch a bit of an attitude among the staff (mistakenly charged twice for the room, no apology)...

jexjex

I'm definitely considering staying at the new W in San Francisco next time in town there-though the St. Francis sure is nice.