Intro

Another review, another home run by the W brand. However, this particular property was one which I felt differs from the others I have stayed at. If you've read my reviews, you've seen that I've stayed at the W San Francisco, W Hollywood, and W Lakeshore in Chicago. All have been great stays and each property differs from the other, and all in good ways. I was traveling to NYC for 4 days, mainly for business and a little bit of leisure. Staying in Manhattan would have been very convenient, the easy thing to do, but also the expensive thing to do. I was first looking at the W on Lexington and the W Time Square, going back and forth on which one of those hotels I would stay at. In the end, and after doing a bit of research...I settled on the W Hoboken, across the river in Hoboken, NJ. It was not only a great decision, but the next time I am in NYC...I will always select this hotel over any other W in the city. Here's why...

Arrival & Check-in

Flying in from Orlando and connecting through Atlanta, I actually arrived into LaGuardia about 40 minutes ahead of schedule. This was a little concerning for me only because I didn't know if a room would be ready for me. Nevertheless, I took a cab down to Penn Station, and then walked over a block to 33rd where the PATH train starts/ends. A total of 4 stops before reaching Hoboken station (the stops are 23rd, 14th, 9th, Christopher St.), and the total time on the train was maybe 15-20 minutes. When you get to Hoboken station, there are a bunch of cabs outside of the entrance which is very convenient. Since I didn't know how far the hotel was, I decided to take a cab...some $4.50 later, I arrived at the main entrance where the staff unloaded my bags and walked inside to the Welcome desk. I was greeted with a friendly smile by the two Welcome desk members, and the first thing I noticed (aside from how nice and professional they were) was the fragrance in the lounge. I'm still not quite sure what it was, but no other W that I've been to has this. It is something that every guest arriving will notice, it's not too strong but strong enough to grab your attention. The Welcome desk member that checked me in (I forget his name but he deserves a lot credit, he showed great enthusiasm and told me all about the features of the property) informed me that I was upgraded to a Fantastic Suite (amazing start by the W Hoboken) but the room would be ready in a little bit as it was being styled. This wasn't a big issue for me and did not surprise me too much as I did arrive at the hotel earlier than even I expected, so I stored my bags and decided to walk around the area as I was getting hungry. About 5 minutes later, the gentleman called my mobile and informed me that my room was ready, so I walked back to the hotel. The lobby itself is very nice, looks brand new, very well maintained and just had a very pleasant and relaxed feel to it. Comparing to the other W lobby's, this one was probably the best. Coming in second would be the W Hollywood, then the W San Francisco, and then the W Lakeshore...which had a bit of a disappointing feel to it, nothing special and rather bland. The W Hoboken was the exact opposite, and I was looking forward to seeing the room.


Welcome desk and lobby...very nice feel to it.


The Living Room area

The Room

Going up to the 8th floor, I arrived at my room which revealed absolutely breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. When I stayed at the W San Francisco, I had a great view of the Bay Bridge. When I stayed at the W Lakeshore, a really nice view of Lake Michigan. At the W Hollywood, a view of the downtown LA skyline and the Hollywood sign...which unfortunately was hidden by the haze (it was still nice though). But the view from the room (and I suspect it to be similar in the other rooms) was just amazing! The pictures do not show just how great it is. And the room itself? Fantastic would be the right word...it is a Fantastic suite afterall right? The separate living room is big and comfortable, offering views of Manhattan and the Hudson...the bedroom itself...no different. The beds at the W, I really don't know what it is but they are always just so comfortable. This bed though, was no different and probably more comfortable than the others. When it comes to hotels, no matter how nice the beds might be...I still have a hard time falling asleep. However, I slept very well on all 3 nights at this property. And I really think the bed had something to do with it. The bathroom was very nice as well, there is a separate walk-in shower, and tub. All the usual toiletries, and very clean. The best part of the room? Leaving the curtains open at night and falling asleep with the beautiful view of the Manhattan skyline at night...and waking up to the same thing every morning. Just for this reason alone I would stay at this property. The room was fantastic!


Bedroom. And the extremely comfortable bed.


Bathroom. Walk-in shower area can be seen. Nice and clean.


View from the balcony.


The amazing view I fell asleep to. Honestly, the pic does not tell how nice it really was.

The location & convenience factor

The PATH station is about a 5 minute walk from the hotel. And believe me, it's a very nice walk. There's a bike trail, and plenty of people sitting out in Pier A Park. I honestly can imagine sitting out there all day enjoying the view of the skyline across the river. Taking the PATH into Manhattan is very convenient, and although staying in Manhattan would have allowed one to get to certain areas more quicker...the property is in a convenient location. A couple blocks away on Washington Ave, you'll find a bunch of restaurants and convenience stores. Just about everything one might need is within walking distance. I took the PATH into Manhattan and back a couple times a day and it was convenient. If you like to walk, you'll enjoy the location very much as I did. Staying in Manhattan would have meant a more hectic environment at all times during the day...this was different, and a good different.


The view when walking to the PATH station from the W, and back.

Hotel features & Final thoughts

The Chandelier Room is the hotel lounge/club, often busy on certain nights. It was busy a couple nights, but since it's located on another floor and there is a separate entrance to it, guests would just not be bothered by it. Which is a good thing. Some complain about the Drai's club at the W Hollywood, and I can understand why...but even I didn't think that was too bad, it's different at the W Hoboken. The one interesting thing I will note is the good mix of hotel guests, there were young people and there were older people as well that had kids. Typically at the W properties I've stayed at, the guests tend to be younger for the most part...the W Hoboken is different and that might be appealing to potential visitors that are concerned about guests that stay here. I've read about how some think a younger crowd is a negative as there are people that prefer a quieter environment...I found the W Hoboken to be a great balance that will please guests of any age group. If you're young and looking for a great time, this hotel will do that for you. If you're with a family, this hotel will do it for you. Business traveler like myself? Same thing. Couple looking to spend a quiet weekend in NYC? Once again, this hotel has it. The one regret I have is not being able to dine at Zylo, I walked by the Tuscan Steakhouse every day and absorbed the smell from there...made me hungry every time. However, I will do that next time. Business might be in Manhattan...the bulk of NYC nightlife and culture might be in Manhattan...but I will stay at the W Hoboken again and again. It's a convenient location, offers fantastic views of Manhattan, the property is extremely clean and modern, I rate the rooms higher in terms of quality and appeal as compared to the other W's I have stayed at...and to top it off, the staff was incredibly helpful and pleasant to deal with. I must note that, because great customer service can enhance any stay and this was no different. I noted it in my other reviews as well, and I'll do so this time. Every staff member I encountered was enthusiastic, friendly, and always did little things like ask me how my stay was going, if there was anything they could do for me, and wishing me a nice day. You'll be surprised as to how many hotels I've stayed at where this does not happen, and some of the chains are quality chains as well...but the staff impressed me quite a bit here, and management deserves a lot of credit for training. If you're looking to stay in the New York City area, please do take a look at the W Hoboken. You will enjoy the location and all it has to offer. It is more affordable than Manhattan hotels as well, and that will also make one smile...knowing that they stayed a few minutes away across the river, and got to experience a highly quality property such as the W Hoboken! Enjoy!