I have stayed at multiple W hotels and this was a favorite!
The entrance isn't as in sight as SLS's, but it makes it feel like an exclusive "private" entrance :)
My check-in went smoothly and there were multiple people at the desk ready to help.
The lobby is gorgeous and just screams VEGAS-- rich in gold and diamond-like designs. The vibrant deep red/brown tables at the front I learned are REAL stones from Red Rock, which was cool, because I didn't feel like I had to travel to the Grand Canyon or Red Rock to get to feel the precious and iconic stones surrounding the city. Unlike the other hotels on the strip, I feel like the W is more of a "craft" hotel- flirty, hip and unique in décor.
At the bar, Mario shook me up a delicious "Gold Rush" drink made with bourbon, lemon and honey!! Mario was great company and quite the Vegas connoisseur. I didn't know where to begin, so he helped set me up with a little itinerary for my first night. He gave me some coupons and pamphlets for the Monorail that was just right up stairs and took me anywhere on the Vegas strip! I loved the monorail ride because you are up high and can see all of the lights of the city and don't have to deal with any of the Vegas traffic. Just get the all you can ride pass for 3 days, it's perfect!
Being a W signature color, the black hallways give the hotel sort of an "underground" "exclusive" "night-glam" vibe. My room had incredible views of the Stratosphere tower and SLS/ W WET Deck pools. The Bliss products always made me feel brand new in the mornings along with their SUPER cozy robes. I've experienced lots of luxury robes at many many resorts and this W's were by far my favorite, they were SO soft . My TV was high tech too, I could order movies and look at restaurant menus/make reservations on it. The location of the hotel ended up being a huge bonus, because it is walking distance to little plazas and shops that aren't seriously overcrowded and OVERPRICED like the ones on the Vegas strip. There is a massive souvenir ship called Bonanza where I got lots of trinkets for dirt cheap. There's also a Walgreens, Starbucks, McDonalds right across the street. I took a stroll down there towards Stratosphere and took pictures of some of the cute historical Vegas chapels.
My first night I went to Katsuya's happy hour before hitting the town. Sake and Sushi is a steal during their happy hour. Another night I did Bazaar and sat with Chelsea (The sweetest girl!) at the bar. The menu was intimidating to me, especially since I was traveling solo, so she setup a sampler course for me. The oysters, croquettes, beef carpaccio, pork rhines and endives to name a few were all BEYOND. At The Perq, I had a whopping chocolate chip cookie, that was, you guessed it-BEYOND.
All-in-all, I'd have to say the best thing about staying at any W and particularly this one, is the outstanding service you receive. Navigating a new city is hard, but leave it to Romeo their Insider and also Matt their director of Marketing, to have you feeling like a local in no time. Whatever I was looking for- they had the perfect recommendation. From speakeasys, to shows, a cupcake "vending machine", the best place to grab a drunken slice of pizza late, you name it. You tell Romeo what you're into and he will grab a map and craft you up a play by play of how to get the most out of your time in Vegas. At the W, everything is tailored to you.
Thank you so much for all of the hospitality and making me feel like a part of the W family!