It all began with the recognition that there are customers who seek substance as well
as style in their hotel experience. Webster’s dictionary defines substance, as that which
has mass, occupies space, and can be perceived by the senses. The W embodies all this with a strikingly modern approach to style that is refreshing, comfortable and with exceptional amenities.

The W San Francisco is set in the South of Market district at Third and Howard in this magical city with its abundance of sights and activities. The hotel has all the perks you would expect of a large hotel operation with the style nevertheless of a boutique hotel. The 31 floors are set up to give you all the amities a luxury traveler is in need of. Out-of-towners can enjoy this trendy, spare atmosphere with new-fangled gadgets that fill the rooms, while dezidens too can imbibe both at the downstairs restaurant and the upstairs bar hidden behind strings of metal beads.

Lobby/Living Room
The dramatic octagonal, three story lobby beckons you. Tinted solar glass and flowing curtains create a uniquely warm aura. This space is dubbed the Living Room. Immediately you are taken by the striking gray granite façade, piped with polished black stone. The hard angles of the lobby are offset by a whimsical design approach. Guests can pass time in the lobby playing Yatzee or Clue, or read one of the many books scattered throughout the lobby. Original art adorn the walls, while funky low sofas with faux fur throws provide the perfect seat for viewing. The lobby has one of a kind socializing, and immediately one knows that this hotel is more than just a place to sleep. The walls have been broken down and the open floor plan allows you to view the entire lobby area while lounging on a couch or sipping a cappuccino at the W cafe. The lighting is low in the bar and lobby area, the music is piped in every area; the lobby, valet deck, the bar, the elevators and even in the restrooms. At night the lobby is lit with dozens of candles. Ultimately it is not the individual pieces that distinguish this place so much as the way the different ingredients have been combined. The W is a subversive urban resort that is daring, imaginative and down right cool. Prime location is a key aspect of the W’s appeal. It is situated in the SoMa district and lends itself greatly with its neighbors that include the Museum of Modern Art, the Moscone Center, Yerba Buena Gardens, Metreon Sony Entertainment Center and is also the jumping nightlife scene south of Market Street. Everything at the W San Francisco is beautifully orchestrated to surround you with style, service and comfort. At the “Whatever, Whenever” concierge desk, their staff is on hand to provide you with whatever you want, whenever you want it.

Rooms
The hip, urban style of the lobby extends itself to the rooms. Part of the ever expanding trendy chain of the W, its sleek chic design won’t appeal to you if you are looking for an old approach to elegance. Rather guests here know that part of the W’s allure is the built-in nightlife and sleek modern décor. As with most San Francisco real estate, the rooms are small, but plush and well decorated. The bedrooms have a natural palette typical of W hotels – black, cream, mocha, with spots of navy, silver, and mahogany. Rather than curtains, there are louvered shades. It’s telling that its chief designer Theresa Fatimo hails from the practical-chic Pottery Barn. The W hotel is the most practical of concepts, tailored for the young entrepreneur.The 432 rooms do their best to soften you up with a truly comfortable bed, fluffy goose down comforter and pillows, and 250- thread counts linens. Each room contains an oversized desk, and a compact media wall complete with Sony CD and video cassette player, a library of extensive Cd’s and a 27-inch color TV with Internet services. Black and white photographs of San Francisco lean on picture rails and chenille blankets resting on upholstered banquettes are perfect for curling up and gazing over the sweeping views of the entire city. The bath? Super sleek and stocked with custom formulated Aveda products. Room service too was marvelous. Sometimes the greatest indulgence is to stay in your room, watch a film and order room service. A hotel has to be able to do a good hamburger no matter how acclaimed the restaurant might be. The W held it’s ground here.

Recreation
The hotel provides a recreational room on the fourth floor fully equipped with cardio vascular amenities and personal training programs. One can also simply relax in the adjacent atrium pool or enjoy a therapeutic whirlpool or steam.

Dining
The Staff, from the bartender to concierge is personable and efficient and sleekly clad in black attire. They are young, good-looking and very friendly. The restaurant puts a new spin on fine dining. XZY looks a little like a fine dining room of a cruise ship with its rich, dark-paneled walls and portholes filled with colored glass looking almost jewel like. The thought of cruise ship food even at its best bears no resemblance to the culinary experience here. Chef Jeffrey Ambers approach to food is an ultimate delight.

The lobster risotto had a nice balance between delicate and smooth taste and was studded with fresh lobster. I could not help but tipping the plate to get the last bite––Pinkies out, of course. If chefs would make risotto as good as Ambers does, I would order it everywhere. The simple salad combination of spinach, Stilton cheese and red grapes is marvelous. It was not only visually pleasing, but a pure gastronomic pleasure as well. As for the entrees, the prime filet of beef is one of the best I’ve had, accented with a burgundy sauce reduction and horseradish potato mousseline. The special grilled skatewing with julienned vegetable also superb.

The wine list was extensive and well chosen. Desserts were particularly delicious. I loved the brioche bread pudding with apple compote moistened with brown butter and served with caramel ice cream. I could not have asked for a better dining experience, it truly was one of the best parts of my stay and is a must while staying. It seems as though young trendsetters with sophisticated palates and disposable incomes have developed a taste for W San Francisco. The bar, located upstairs of the restaurant can be seen from guests dining below. XYZ bar is designed in a euro-lounge style, complete with provocative visuals, sultry grooves and sensuous candlelight. The sexy fusion of incredible cuisine, chic cocktails and definitely hip clientele, make the bar inside the W a San Francisco favorite. Whether it is style or substance you are in search of, the W San Francisco will indulge all your needs. Whatever you want, whenever you want it.

Salomeh Semsar
Style Director