Overall, the W has a lot of potential and is easily one of the most unique properties in the portfolio - surrounded by the Yas Marina Circuit with some of the most interesting exterior architecture, the hotel is a gem to look at...on the outside. Similarly on the positive side, the service and breakfast offerings here are easily 5-star. The challenges here exist in the rooms - some needed TLC is needed on these rooms to bring them up to what I would expect for a W and to increase the comfort coefficient. Here are my pros, cons, and photos:

Note: In response to posts upthread, I was never informed of an Elite evening happy hour and never saw any signage about it, either. One post further up suggests it was given due to being on a corporate rate. Lots of inconsistent reports.

Pros:

• Upgraded the night before arrival to a Fantastic Suite (base suite type), which is a full suite with 1.5 bathrooms, a separate living room and bedroom, and a large dressing area - mine was in the further Marina Building - elevator to 2 in the Main Building, walk across the track through an interior bridge, then Marina elevators to the 4th floor where my room was
• Shower pressure from the rainfall head was actually really strong and nice (didn't look like many water holes, but it packed a punch)
• TVs did have YouTube on Internet TV OS, if I remember correctly
• Service was fantastic
  • Very personable front desk
  • Delivered a wonderful tray of 3 truffles, 6 sprinkle and chocolate covered strawberries, and a plethora of Arabic pastries
  • Bellhop remembered my first name 24 hours after my first interaction while I was passing him in the hall walking with another customer - "have a great day, Mr. [First Name]!"
• Breakfast (Elite welcome gift choice, but added in conjunction with 1000 points) was delicious
  • Full buffet in Garage restaurant with made-to-order eggs - extensive selection
  • Tasty peach smoothies, cappuccinos
  • Yummy salmon benedict (I had to ask for salmon as it wasn't a choice on the paper, but there was no problem)
  • Pretty good pancakes
  • Really good hashbrowns
• Lovely exterior architecture and it's fun to watch the cars on the track (especially on the bridge between the Main Building and Marina Building)
• I had to ask myself, but they gave me 2 PM late checkout without a problem
• Each building has a rooftop pool
• Massive amount of towels in room - 6 of each type
• Suite was ready around 1 PM - offered a free beverage from the coffee shop during my 15-minute wait (quoted as 30 minutes)
• The Yas Island location is walkable to one of my favorite pizza shops from back home, Emmy Squared that has a single UAE location on the Waterfront by the Hilton - delicious Detroit-style pizza even without pork-based toppings

Cons:

• Some significant wear and tear in the suite - especially the tears and scratches in the board behind the head board
• The bed needed significant improvement - pillows overly lumpy, mattress a bit firm, covers too thin for a W (felt like a Hyatt Regency)
• The interior design is a bit sparse and cold-feeling - needs more color and elements that add warmth
• Car noise is noticeable during the day, but the worse issue is the club music that goes on until 2 AM, even on a Monday
• Turning on the bathtub led to a rather-gross instance of brown sandy water coming out of the nozzle (quickly adjusted back to clear) - pretty obvious no one had turned on the tub in a while
• Toilet paper holder placement was dumb - right where your left knee should be, so you had to sit on the toilet at an uncomfortable angle

Would I return? Perhaps, but I would really like to see a refresh of the beds here to bring them up to plush W standards at a minimum.

Photos: