W San Francisco

"The W refers to itself as an electric hotel in the heart of San Francisco—and it's not kidding on either front. The location on Third Street in SoMa is great for big cultural destinations like the SFMOMA  and the ultra-modern decor lights up, from the black check-in desk that glows pink and purple to the light-up map of San Francisco above it, as well as the LED lights embedded in the bar. Younger guests who like a funky vibe and a great location will be right at home (as they usually do at Ws)." - Megan McCrea, Jenna Scatena

"How did it strike you on arrival?The W refers to itself as an electric hotel in the heart of San Francisco—and it's not kidding on either front. The location on Third Street in SOMA is great for anyone heading to the Moscone Center, the SFMOMA, or Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. And the ultra-modern decor lights up, from the black check-in desk that glows pink and purple to the light-up map of San Francisco above it, as well as the LED lights embedded in the bar. Geometric seating is topped with purple tie-dye-style throw pillows, an amorphous glass sculpture hangs above the entryway, and there's a photo booth by the front desk. It feels very young and energetic. What’s the crowd like?Thanks to its location by the Moscone Center, the W is great for conventioneers. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.Room feature elements of gold and other metallic hints as part of the palette—a nod to the Gold Rush era, with colorful pops coming from graphic pillows and throws. The smallest rooms at the W start at 280 square feet, and suites go up to 700. The third level of rooms—the 300 square-foot Fabulous room, above both Wonderful and Spectacular—fills out its 300 square feet with cushioned love seats by windows, a writing desk and desk chair, colorful accents, and a mod coffee table. High rollers can go all in on the Extreme Wow suite, a 900 square-foot space with city views, two bathrooms, a butler's pantry, and an optional second bedroom. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?The rooms feature pillow-top mattresses with 350 thread count linens, goose-down duvets, and a menu of pillows. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?All hotels should come with multi-device charging stations. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.MOMO body products in the shower and bathtub give a nod to the in-hotel Bliss Spa. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?The internet cost is included in the daily $35 destination fee, which also includes other perks like food credits and SFMOMA tickets. Room service: Worth it?In-room diners can snag favorites like cheeseburgers ($21) or chicken wings ($18) between 5 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. and breakfast from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.The Fit, an 1,875 square-foot gym, is something to see. Machines are circled up under a massive skylight, while a central seating area is lit by rings of colored fixtures, and the tunes are piped in. The vibe is sort of psychedelic jukebox. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?If you're a traditionalist, the W is probably a bit too off-the-wall for you. But younger guests who like a funky vibe and a great location will be right at home. Bottom line: worth it, and why?This one is all about taste. If you're into a clubby vibe, go for it." - Elise Craig

"In a city known for being the world leader on social matters, it should be no surprise that W San Francisco’s general manager, Amy Arbuckle, is closing the gender equity gap in hotel leadership. Hospitality remains an industry where management often looks as male-dominated as it traditionally has, but this popular South of Market (SoMa) hotel has never been one to play by the rules, and it starts at the top. One of her first moves upon taking the helm at W San Francisco? Bringing on an all-female executive staff, a first in Arbuckle’s 25-year career in hospitality. “I will never forget the first executive committee meeting,” she says recalling looking around the table and seeing only women. “It gives me chills right now.” From that first meeting, Arbuckle noticed a different dynamic than what she’d experienced. “It was the most collaborative and interactive executive committee meeting team I ever had.” Arbuckle felt free from the gender-based biases plaguing women in professional settings across industries, like being spoken over or ignored entirely. Creating a safe space, Arbuckle and the team openly contribute. Fostering diversity and inclusion is a shared value of Arbuckle and W Hotels’s parent company Marriott. The brand’s commitment runs deep—their management staff is made up of at least 50% women—laying the foundation for the W San Francisco to do the same and better. W Hotels also has a longstanding What She Said initiative, a platform inviting women to the stage to tell their stories. Each W determines their own theme relevant to their individual destination: in San Francisco, expect delectable programming on women from the Bay Area’s culinary scene. Presently, the leadership team includes men, a shift from Arbuckle’s initial selection but one which generated a culture rooted in honoring the contributions of all staff members. “It established what we want in this building, which is that everyone has a voice,” Arbuckle explains. “Everyone has something to add, everyone has a different lens, and we want to hear everyone's story.” Designing an environment in which staff feel empowered to share their thoughts and ideas has proven to be a successful management technique, benefiting the guests as well. “When you have an executive team that is open, inclusive, and collaborative, it allows you to connect with the guests in a very authentic way,” Arbuckle says. That sense of connection is inherent to W San Francisco, and can be found in the lobby’s Living Room Bar. Lit up with playful pink and blue lights, the open space was designed as an extension of the rooms and suites so that guests can more easily meet. This is especially in line with the hotel’s location adjacent to the Moscone Center, where major conventions and gatherings are held frequently. Of course, it’s not only convention-goers that find themselves mingling here: locals love the vibrant atmosphere and artfully-crafted cocktails, too (don’t sleep on the Mission Paloma). With Amy Arbuckle leading the charge at W San Francisco, visitors to the City by the Bay can expect a vibrant welcome, a high level of service, and the satisfaction of being part of the force moving the needle on gender equity. Even if guests stay elsewhere, Arbuckle is actively engaged in ensuring everyone experiences the warmth of San Francisco hospitality (which given the coolish climate, we advise you don’t forget to bring a light jacket)." - Ali Wunderman