W New York - Union Square
A dynamic, design-forward visual feast
Following a $100 million renovation, W New York – Union Square now embodies W Hotels’ design-forward ethos to stunning results. The former Guardian Life Building, this 256-room hotel is a Beaux-Arts-styled beauty that wonderfully contrasts its historic architecture with a bold and eclectic interior. The design incorporates art deco elements, playful nods to New York City and contemporary style, connecting guests to the city's vibrant heritage.
The W tapped the Rockwell Group, the design studio that oversaw the hotel’s 2001 debut, to reimagine the brand’s global flagship. The outcome is a revitalized space featuring updated guest rooms, a signature Living Room lobby with soaring ceilings and marble columns reminiscent of Grand Central Station, a 22nd-floor rooftop cocktail bar and a stylish seafood brasserie.
These spaces exude an electric energy that mirrors the dynamism of the city. The hotel's Union Square location makes it an ideal choice for design-minded business and leisure travelers alike.
The W tapped the Rockwell Group, the design studio that oversaw the hotel’s 2001 debut, to reimagine the brand’s global flagship. The outcome is a revitalized space featuring updated guest rooms, a signature Living Room lobby with soaring ceilings and marble columns reminiscent of Grand Central Station, a 22nd-floor rooftop cocktail bar and a stylish seafood brasserie.
These spaces exude an electric energy that mirrors the dynamism of the city. The hotel's Union Square location makes it an ideal choice for design-minded business and leisure travelers alike.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- W New York – Union Square’s Living Room, the brand’s signature take on the hotel lobby, is a sight to behold. Here, guests can feel the building’s Beaux-Arts history, thanks to the soaring ceiling spotlit by the intricate, carved rosette moldings and towering marble columns. However, the space still feels alive and current with a lively, double-height cocktail bar, curated cultural programming and unexpected twists on art deco furniture.
- The New York hotel’s design includes delightful, subtle references to the city. The Guardian Rooftop bar has floors with white stripes that mimic the sidewalk pattern found outside. Guest rooms feature taxi-yellow faucet handles, subway-inspired grid tiling and chessboard-patterned side tables.
- The 22nd-floor rooftop, with a capacity of 100 people, provides an intimate sky-high retreat. Featuring a retractable roof and decor inspired by iconic New York nightlife venues like Warhol's Factory, it promises to be a year-round go-to destination.
- The hotel occupies a prime location at the intersection of Uptown and Downtown and the East and West sides, with the lively Union Square Park as a backyard.
- Seahorse, a brasserie-style seafood restaurant from John McDonald (SoHo’s Lure Fishbar), is the hotel’s primary dining spot. The menu focuses on raw dishes and fresh catches while featuring a buzzy atmosphere that’s enhanced by subtle nautical decor (dark blue leather booths, wood finishes and a stunning mother-of-pearl inlay).
The Rooms
- The generously sized rooms feel even more spacious thanks to abundant natural light and intentional design touches, such as discreet plugs tucked into the seating areas.
- Despite having nearly 300 rooms, the hotel has a distinctly boutique charm, thanks to the intentional, creative room flow, residential feel and personalized service.
- The rooms embody the brand’s design-forward ethos, with burnt-orange velvet headboards, curved lacquer panels, jewel-toned banquettes, ombre wallpaper and floral-inspired carpeting worthy of MoMA.
- The meticulous attention to detail in the room's design extends to the in-room amenities. Guests will find bathroom products from renowned Italian brand Davines, convenient Marshall speakers on the nightstand and a mini-bar filled with local favorites like North Fork Potato Chips and Hudson Whiskey.
- The sprawling Penthouse Suite clocks in at an impressive 1,215 square feet and boasts panoramic views, designated living and sleeping spaces, and a private bar perfect for entertaining.
Amenities
24-hour room service 
Bar
Gym
Meeting rooms
Pet friendly
Restaurants
Getting There
W New York - Union Square
