When I was offered the chance to stay at the W Hotelfor a night, I was thrilled (who doesn't love a night downtown?) but also a touch apprehensive (rumors swirl of it still being stuck in the late '90s). Much to the relief of my inner spoiled brat, the W is still the place to stay if you want to party, play, and—if you must—sleep.
The W's lobby is famous for its bombastic look (created by noted SF architect Stanley Saitowitz) and party atmosphere spilling out the door. Mercifully, the Fairmont in Nob Hill this is not. A deconstructed jellyfish-like sculpture hanging from the ceiling greets you as you enter. The dark and moody elevators, rich with perfume that strikes you right in the nose, lets you know that no one is here for business.
When I enter my room, I'm tickled rose. It's large. And look, a corner window with comfy window seats ! The snack bar comes with Pringles. Bliss products galore adorn the sink. And, best of all, the toilet comes replete with a window view facing up Third Street. Heaven.
I bathe in the canyon deep tub for around 30 minutes, throw on some lemon moisturizer, fix my hair, and head to the second floor bar for their kick off night of #ThrowbackThursdays. Think '90s jams (Jade, En Vogue, Biggie Smalls, et al.). I order a burger and something magical called the tater tot casserole. Check it: riffing off your mom's green bean casserole, this culinary heart attack is a magnificent combination of tater tots, bechemel, cheese (lots of it), green beans, and fried shallots. It is, in a word, perfection. Poutine taken to the next level.
After waddling my way up to my room, I turn on a block of Forensic Files and fall to sleep.
I make my way downstairs the next morning for a massive stack of pancakes at Trace, the hotel's (very underrated) restaurant. While they offer a bevy of healthy choices (including a leek and egg white scramble, freshly blitzed juice, and more), I choose cake for breakfast, reminding me why there should be an age-restriction on ordering such delicacies in the AM.
After a proper, albeit lengthy, digestion, I head over to Bliss Spa on the fourth floor where I receive a hardcore and therapeutic massage from their ultra-friendly and professional staff. I go for deep tissue because shiatsu is for the weak. My masseur, turns my knots and muscles into a fine oiled slab of flesh. Physical relief washes over me as I head back up to my room for a long nap.
Oh, and did I mention the gym? It look like it's out of a '60s science fiction flick. Although I eschewed any physical activity during my stay at the W, you really should take a look at it. Behold:
Outside the hotel you can find a series of artistic and alluring venues for all your entertainment needs. Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, American Conservatory Theatre, and cocktail bars galore. Though, if you're in the mood for a cocktail and a Warriors game, you don't even have to leave the hotel. Ever the loyal fan club, The W has Warriors Watch Parties in the downstairs Living Room bar space. All the parties include drink specials, giveaways, DJs, and more.
Want to check out the newly reopened (and might I add, resplendent) SF MOMA? One of the W's many packages includes accommodations, exclusive SF MOMA tickets, and cocktails back at the W to discuss everything you've seen. If you're more of a Warriors fan than a Warhol fan, then there's also a package designed specifically for you—A two room deal, with daily discounts and lots of swag, with a portion of the proceeds going toward the Warriors Community Foundation. Get details on all the packages here.
Enjoy your night downtown.
//W Hotel: 181 3rd St. (San Francisco), wsanfrancisco.com
