Top 10 best W Hotels in the world

Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today: Top 10 best W Hotels in the world

Now part of the Marriott Hotel Group, the world-famous W hotel brand was born in 1998 from the bold attitude and 24/7 culture of New York City when the first W Hotel opened on Lexington Avenue in midtown Manhattan. Trailblazing its way around the globe, the brand has now a large following among the younger demographic and breaks the norms of traditional luxury wherever its iconic W sign lands. W has also gotten a lot of credit over the years for creating the social lobby, even insisting on calling it the living room at each of its hotels. IMHO, W Hotels’ portfolio of nearly 60 hotels is a mixed bag, and mainly consists of solid 5-star albeit slightly underwhelming and sometimes overpriced hotels & resorts. There a few exceptions though, and in this article, I’ll walk you through the best W Hotels wordwide which are worth the stay (but keep in mind that they do cater more towards young professionals than traveling families or discerning travelers).

There is more information (with reviews & YouTube videos) below my slideshow. What’s your favorite W Hotel? Leave a comment!

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10. W BOGOTA, COLOMBIA

W Bogota Hotel adds a vibrant vibe to Colombia’s always-bustling capital. The hotel is located in the iconic neighborhood of Usaquén, where traditional colonial architecture mixes with great restaurants, bars and shopping options. Guests can choose from 168 guest rooms with LCD smart HDTVs, rain-forest showers, and other sharp features. Enjoy access to the W brand’s modern gym concept and Away Spa – both are retreats for detoxing and refueling. Restaurant W Bogota features a farm-to-table menu of world-class dishes accompanied by local fruits and vegetables. Delectable cocktails and live DJ sets keep the party going into the wee hours at the W Lounge. Anything is possible with the always accommodating W talent, including the W Insider, who can provide exclusive access to Bogotá.

• Hotel website: W Bogota
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and welcome amenity).

9. W AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS

Split across two unique buildings, a former telephone exchange and a bank, W Amsterdam is an intriguing design mix of heritage and contemporary style. Mixing historical Dutch architectural elements with cutting-edge design right next to Dam Square, W Amsterdam is at the epicenter of this energetic and forward-thinking city. Experience the innovative design and luxury of 238 stylish guest rooms, including 23 suites, three wow suites and two lavish extreme wow suites. Indulge in one of the resort’s destination restaurants – The Duchess and Mr Porter –  and taste signature sips at the rooftop W Lounge which overlooks the Royal Palace and the city lights and boasts an iconic pool. Get exclusive access to a vibrant nightlife, dining, shopping and fashion scene with the brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever service, provided by in-the-know W Insiders.

• Hotel website: W Amsterdam
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Classic Travel (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and welcome amenity).
• Review: read my review of W Amsterdam here.

8. W DUBAI – THE PALM, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

The W Dubai – The Palm is located in Dubai’s most prestigious neighborhood, offering Insta-perfect views of both the city skyline and the Arabian Gulf. Whether unwinding or entertaining, bold design elements and dreamy amenities complemented by playfully furnished balconies and terraces redefine vibrant beach living across 347 guest rooms and suites on the iconic Palm Jumeirah. Go further and experience our two signature venues, the playful and audacious Italian Torno Subito a Massimo Bottura production and award winning Japanese Chef Akira Back’s self – titled restaurant. The hotel’s epicenter – a phenomenal pool deck – is an adult’s only playground with live entertainment, Friday brunch, delicious beverages and a vibrant food offering. Sobe offers the perfect space to sip cocktails and watch the uninterrupted sunset views whilst Away Spa is your go to for complete relaxation.

• Hotel website: W Dubai – The Palm
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Classic Travel (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and welcome amenity).

7. W MALDIVES

W Maldives is a luxury 5-star private island resort in the North Ari Atoll, a 25-minute sea plane transfer from Male International Airport. Imagine waking up to the sound of the waves drumming against the infinity pool, a wonderland of white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons and breathtaking reefs. Located over water or along the mesmerizing white sandy beach, the 77 retreats are a perfect blend of W’s innovative architectural design and contemporary living esthetics with island village simplicity. Smooth, stylish interior design, private plunge pools, outdoor showers, and all the modern gadgetry one could possibly need are an integral part of the appeal. Guests can unwind at the pampering wellness center, dine in style at six restaurants and bars, and explore the world beneath the waves at the water sports center.

• Hotel website: W Maldives
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Classic Travel (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and welcome amenity).

6. W SANTIAGO, CHILE

Against a panoramic backdrop of the snow-capped Andes, W Santiago reinvents style and sophistication in El Golf.  The city’s most fashionable and trendsetting enclave is a fascinating universe of urban innovation amid cobblestone streets and glitzy skyscrapers. The hotel’s playful mix of modern design and pampering comforts makes this 196-room hotel a standout in the city’s most trendsetting district. Regional art and handcrafted details complement the clean, European stylings; floor-to-ceiling windows frame snowcapped Andean peaks. Say “Yes!” to NoSo, a contemporary Mediterranean restaurant based on fresh, local products, or a Nikkei experience at Karai, then rise above it all at the sleek rooftop pool and bar. Cutting-edge Whiskey Blue – Rande Gerber’s first nightclub in South America – is the place to see and be seen.

• Hotel website: W Santiago
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).

5. THE SKY RESIDENCES AT W ASPEN, COLORADO, USA

Located at the base of the world-renowned Aspen Mountain, W Aspen & The Sky Residences at W Aspen is the first and only W Hotels Alpine Escape in North America. Featuring mountainside access to the world’s most coveted slopes and trails, panoramic vistas matched with striking architectural and interior design, the 88-room hotel brings a bold point of view to for year-round access to sky high adventure. The resort is within minutes to countless outdoor activities, such as paragliding, rock climbing, and rafting in the summer as well as unmatched access to world-renown slopes in the winter. For a lux shopping experience, the property is footsteps away from high-fashion retail and are perfectly situated at the center of it all with nearby museums, art galleries, and music venues.

• Hotel website: The Sky Residences at W Aspen
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).

4. W BALI – SEMINYAK, INDONESIA

The weather is always balmy in Bali, but things are downright sizzling at W Bali – Seminyak. Located in one of the island’s most upscale and international areas, this fabulous escape is home to Bali’s hippest hot spots: Starfish Bloo, a restaurant serving playful Pan-Asian fare; Fire, with an open-kitchen, “grilled to perfection” experience of the island’s finest cuts of meat; and the salon-style W Lounge, with an electric vibe. The hotel features 229 rooms, suites and villas: rooms and suites enjoy garden and panoramic views of the Indian Ocean while villas offer the luxury of a private pool. Soak up the sun and witness the magical sunset at Woobar before sipping signature cocktails and dancing the night away to the international DJs’ beats. Hit the 24/7 Away Spa for relaxing signature treatments.

• Hotel website: W Bali – Seminyak
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).

3. W SOUTH BEACH, FLORIDA, USA

Amplified, yet classy, W South Beach weaves structure with spontaneity in Miami Beach. Soaring ceilings give way to expansive ocean views from private balconies, while custom-designed furniture, sleek kitchenettes and spa-ready bathrooms are your portal to luxury. Located on Collins Ave, the hotel is within walking distance to clubs, shops and parks. Pedal one of the hotel’s courtesy bikes to Ocean Drive, for art galleries, museums, parks and lively dining. You will not need to leave the resort for fun: dive into the outdoor heated pool, spend a day at the beach club, or admire the view from the rooftop next to basketball and tennis courts. Discover the savory side of the hotel on the beach with star power and Asian cuisine at Mr. Chow or dig into tasty morsels in airy atmosphere at a neighborhood-tavern-inspired restaurant and oyster bar.

• Hotel website: W South Beach
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).

2. W KOH SAMUI, THAILAND

Tranquil by day. Electric by night. Situated on a tropical Thai island in the middle of the Gulf of Thailand, overlooking stunning beaches and lush forests, the playfully posh W Koh Samui adds a Miami Beach vibe to Maenam Beach’s sugary sands. Here, cushioned lime-green lily pads float atop the Woobar reflection pond, and backlit bookshelves display a whimsical doll collection. Surrounded by verdant foliage, each of the resort’s 74 luxury villas boasts a private outdoor pool and infinite island views. Inside, premiere technology meets signature W pillow top beds, Bliss Spa amenities and Whatever/Whenever service. Stay fit with a Thai boxing class, water polo, or tennis on the purple court; more relaxing pursuits include sunset yoga, Asia’s first Thaimazcal spa experience, and hammock lounging with W’s trademark “Whatever/Whenever” service.

• Hotel website: W Koh Samui
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).
• Review: read my review of W Koh Samui here.

1. W BARCELONA, SPAIN

Rising like a sail from the Mediterranean’s brown sands, the W Barcelona is as much a work of modern art as it is a luxury hotel. Famed Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill, whose world-class buildings include architectural icons in Chicago, the Shiseido headquarters in Tokyo and the headquarters for Cartier and Christian Dior in Paris, designed the hotel. Located in the stunning waterfront area of Spain’s most dynamic and stylish city, W Barcelona boasts unparalleled views of both the Mediterranean Sea and the city of Barcelona from most of its 473 fabulous guest rooms and suites. The hotel features exciting dining, nightlife and entertainment options for which the W brand is known for, including a roof top bar, large spa, several food and beverage concepts, an indoor and outdoor pool, and a private beach club, lending this property the ambience of a hip beach resort rather than a city hotel.

• Hotel website: W Barcelona
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and USD $100 food or spa credit).
• Review: read my review of the W Barcelona here.

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