Absolutely stunning views of Darling Harbour from the W. The hotel was seemingly built around the highway, so the ground floor is small and simply leads to stairs/elevators/escalators up to level 1, where there is a bar facing the harbour, the check-in counters, escalators up to conference rooms, and elevators around the corner up to guest rooms.
There were plenty of bellhops ready to help with luggage, but you can also opt to handle them on your own. Check-in was relatively smooth and the staff members were friendly and happy to answer questions. There was a small flavored water container near the check-in counters, but it was more often empty than filled, which either points to the hotel being short-staffed or lack of attention to refill it.
The hallways to the guest rooms and elevator area were extremely dark, making it very hard to see where a wall begins or ends, not entirely sure the intention there, but it definitely detracted from a comfortable stay walking around the hotel. The hotel room itself was not large, but a good size. We had a habour-facing room, which had a circular tub and shower (though it was not divided), and again a very dark mirror in front of the sink (even with the lights on it was dark). Our room had two doubles -- a double is really too tiny for two adults, but it is feasible when push comes to shove -- a small table with two swiveling chairs, a giant oversized bar cart also housing the mini fridge of expensive snacks, and a mounted TV. The room did have gorgeous views of the harbour, you really cannot beat that view. Housekeeping was extremely slow, we had to request service in the late afternoon, and the room still wasn't cleaned/restocked properly upon our return.
The outdoor rooftop pool facing the harbour is on level 29 and it closes after 6pm, opening just the bar area on 29/30 to the public, so go during the day to enjoy the pool facilities. There is a 24 hour indoor pool on 22, though this pool faces the city-side instead of the habour.
Overall, the W is a very nice hotel with an excellent location and views. The rooms and beds are a tad small, overall lighting throughout the hotel is a miss, and housekeeping operations need some work. But if you can swing the price, it is worth a stay for the gorgeous views. read more