W Hotels Worldwide Archives

W Hotels debuts reimagined W Atlanta – Midtown, W Atlanta – Buckhead and W Atlanta – Downtown

June 10, 2019

The following is a press release from Marriott International:

Georgia is on our mind. W Hotels Worldwide is excited to reveal major upgrades to each of the city’s three W hotels (W Atlanta – Midtown, W Atlanta – Buckhead and W Atlanta – Downtown). Through the vision of talented design partners and the W brand’s own globally renowned design team, a collective of 750+ guestrooms, multiple bars and restaurants and more than 50,000 square feet of innovative meeting space will soon be revealed. These exciting changes in Atlanta are the first of several renovations expected to be completed at W Hotels across North America, as hotel owners are poised to invest $200+ million on renovations showcasing the next generation of W design.

“Atlanta is exploding with culture, creativity and more visitors than ever before,” said Anthony Ingham, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide. “From Superbowl LIII to the Peach Drop, Atlanta has solidified its place as a must-go destination for both domestic and international travelers. From its music and culture to its cuisine and architecture, it’s a city that is so diverse and unique we are able to have three distinct hotels within its parameters. We are excited to showcase our bold design with stunning new rooms, restaurants and upgrades to the hot spots our guests love.”

W Atlanta – Midtown As the first W hotel to open in Atlanta in 2009, the 466-room renovation at W Atlanta – Midtown is the first major revamp of the hotel in a decade. As one of the largest W locations in the world, this project marks one of the brand’s biggest single-hotel renovation projects in its 20-year history. The renovation – which just made its debut earlier this month – sits alongside new culinary, retail and entertainment concepts coming to Colony Square, which is connected to the hotel.

Inspired by one of Atlanta’s best-known nicknames – the city in the woods – W Atlanta – Midtown now sports a floral motif with a mod twist across its public spaces that includes the Living Room (W’s energetic & social take on the lobby/bar), Welcome Desk (Check-In) and patio. The open flow of the renovated spaces expands the hotel’s indoor and outdoor seating, ready to welcome locals and travelers to this bustling neighborhood.

Each of the hotel’s reimagined guestrooms (including 33 specialty suites) features playful décor, unique murals by Imaggo Production that are a nod to Atlanta as an epicenter of music and entertainment.

W Atlanta – Buckhead
In partnership with Atlanta’s own C+TC Studio (who is designing the guest rooms and iconic rooftop bar, Whiskey Blue), interior designer STUDIO 11 (the visionaries behind the new Living Room), and the brand’s own design team, W Atlanta – Buckhead is showing off its edgy, luxe look as of February 2019.

Celebrating the city’s passions for fashion, design, art and culture, the new design incorporates splashy artwork from local artists throughout the hotel including guestroom art by Lela Brunet, WET Deck (pool deck) mural by Greg Mike, Living Room and Whiskey Blue murals by Chris Veal.

The full-scale renovation of W Atlanta – Buckhead adds a Welcome area, open layout and café-style seating (complete with DJ booth by night) to the Living Room. Here the eye-catching custom mural installation by artist Chris Veal is designed to be an Insta-worthy hit and photos taken in front of it are linked to the hotel’s Instagram account and displayed on the adjacent Polaroid-style screen to make guests and visitors a part of the art in real time.

Enhanced with vibrant colors, headboards, armoires, damask wallcoverings, 55-inch TVs, in-room Nespresso machines, expanded MIX Bars (W’s take on the minibar) and inspiring artwork, the hotel’s 286 guestrooms redefine comfort and playful luxury in the city. All specialty suites (four WOW Suites and one E-WOW Suite) also get special treatment with new artwork and lounge areas, chaises and cocktail cubbies.

The first phase of this renovation project saw the iconic rooftop bar Whiskey Blue reimagined in November 2018. Now the hotel is bringing a new spin to its signature restaurant, Cook Hall, which will re-open fall 2019. In addition, all 11,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting space and FIT (gym) feature new furnishings, lighting, artwork and faster connections.

Local Motives Debuts at W Atlanta – Downtown
In a brilliant mash up of art, history and culture, Local Motives, the new restaurant at W Atlanta – Downtown, combines Atlanta’s BeltLine Project, a newfound symbol of revitalization in the city, with beloved street art and flavors as bold as the new look. To capture Atlanta’s creative spirit, local artist and Georgia native Eric Randall collaborated with Puccini Group’s designers to ground the project in an unmistakable sense of place. Randall was tasked with designing and painting large-scale graphics, including the 69’3″ x 9’6″ mural which spans six walls. The restaurant includes a buzzing bar, dining area, café with ample workspace and private dining room with an entrance inspired by Marta train doors. Each area is crafted with stone and concrete, reflecting the neighborhood’s storied industrialization, juxtaposed with pink pastels and vibrant blue hues.

Local Motives lives up to its name with Atlanta staples like Geechie Boy Red Grits and Cheddar (breakfast bowl) as well as luxe-modern indulgences like Beet Tartare, Charred Octopus and curated local selections of meats from Pine Street Market and ingredients from Pure Bliss Organics. Coffee blends are brewed at Docent Coffee, which roasts each batch right on Edgewood Avenue. Handcrafted concoctions at the bar give guests the option to detox or retox with fresh-pressed juices alongside decadent, spiked milkshakes.

These three projects are part of a collective $200 million+ in renovations across the W brand portfolio that is taking place across North America. Other projects include W Washington DC, W Boston, W San Francisco, W Miami and W Montreal.

For more information visit: W Atlanta – Midtown; W Atlanta – Downtown; W Atlanta – Buckhead;

About W Hotels Worldwide
Born from the bold attitude and 24/7 culture of New York City, W Hotels, part of Marriott International, Inc., has disrupted and redefined the hospitality scene for nearly two decades. Trailblazing its way around the globe, with over 50 hotels, W is defying expectations and breaking the norms of traditional luxury wherever the iconic W sign lands. With a mission to fuel guests’ lust for life, W ignites an obsessive desire to soak it in, live it up and hit repeat. The brand’s provocative design, iconic Whatever/Whenever service and buzzing Living Rooms create an experience that is often copied but never matched. Innovative, inspiring and infectious, the brand’s super-charged energy celebrates guests’ endless appetite to discover what’s new/next in each destination, to see more, feel more, go longer, stay later. For more information on W Hotels, visit whotels.com/theangle or follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. W Hotels Worldwide is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the new name of Marriott’s travel program replacing Marriott Rewards®, The Ritz- Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest® (SPG). The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including earning points toward free hotel stays and nights toward Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.

W Hotels Worldwide launches Wakeup Call festival tour

June 19, 2018

Wake Up Call

The following is a press release from Marriott International:

W Hotels announces the global roll out of WAKE UP CALL, the brand’s signature music festival series that will make stops at three W Hotels this year: W Hollywood (Sept 1-3); W Barcelona (Sept 21-23); and W Bali (Oct 4- 6). Combining the brand’s longstanding passion for music with its signature Whatever/Whenever® philosophy, WAKE UP CALL takes the festival experience off the field and onto fabulous hotel grounds. Available exclusively for members of Marriott International’s award-winning Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) and Marriott Rewards loyalty program, anybody is welcome to join the programs and book. Members can check in and then check out performances throughout the hotel – from WET deck parties to DJ masterclasses and live performances – by some of the hottest acts in music today including Phantogram, Charli XCX, Martin Solveig, Gorgon City, Sam Feldt and Angus & Julia Stone. It’s all access (and perhaps a bit of excess), all the time.

W is throwing out the festival playbook and creating an experience that is as fabulous as it is fun. Where the day begins and ends in luxe accommodations (that don’t require surge prices to get back to). Where pools of mud are replaced by poolside performances. Where endless seas of people give way to Instaworthy views of the sea. Think day beds, not day passes. In other words, it’s time for a real WAKE UP CALL.

“Music is a universal language, one we have spoken since day one at W,” said Anthony Ingham, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide. “We’ve brought the Whatever/Whenever mentality to recording artists and guests for years – through concepts like our W Sound Suite recording studios and countless performances in W Living Rooms – all to bring people closer to the music they love. Now we are taking our groundbreaking WAKE UP CALL music festival around the world, disrupting the festival scene in ways that only a W hotel stay can.”

W Hotels is bringing this upgraded and elevated experience exclusively to members of SPG and Marriott Rewards. But elite membership is not a requirement—by simply joining the program online guests can quickly gain access to everything WAKE UP CALL has to offer. When guests visit www.wakeupcallfest.com, existing members of either program can log in with their account information to get festival access; nonmembers can quickly sign up through SPG.

THE STOPS
WAKE UP CALL will launch in the U.S. festival capital of Los Angeles at W Hollywood before traveling to the iconic seaside haunt of W Barcelona. From there, WAKE UP CALL will touch down and close out in paradise at the luxe escape of W Bali. This year’s multi-city tour is an expansion of the inaugural WAKE UP CALL, the first music festival to be held entirely at a hotel, which took place at W Scottsdale in 2016. This year the party is bigger, better and goes longer than ever before.

THE LINEUP
With a mix of big name artists as well as new/next talent, WAKE UP CALL will include performances by: Phantogram, Charli XCX, Chromeo (DJ Set), Betty Who, Léon and Dancing Pineapple Presents: Codeko, Papa Ya (DJ Set), Christofi and Phil N Good at W Hollywood; Martin Solveig, Gorgon City, Thomas Jack, Boston Bun and special guest Pete Tong at W Barcelona; and Angus & Julia Stone, Sam Feldt and Nightmares On Wax (DJ Set) at W Bali, with more to be announced soon. The WAKE UP CALL experience will go well beyond the music, serving up the W experience every step of the way. Festival revelers can expect everything from workout sessions with top fitness masters to exclusive dishes and cocktails created by W chefs and mixologists only for festival goers. WAKE UP CALL combines the pre-party, the main event, and the post-party, all in one perk-filled package. Plus, SPG and Marriott Rewards members can bid for even more exclusive WAKE UP CALL Moments, including 60-minute DJ master classes, in-suite afterparties with featured artists, and off-site adventures curated by festival talent. To book, visit www.wakeupcallfest.com.

WAKE UP AND GO AGAIN
Want it all? Don’t snooze. Presenting WAKE UP CALL: The Complete Set List, a VIP package for the true music-loving jetsetter. Limited to only 1 package, The Complete Set List experience includes: roundtrip airfare to all three WAKE UP CALL festivals, fabulous accommodations, access to all WAKE UP CALL Moments, VIP-only FUEL fitness workout sessions, VIP meet and greets at each festival and more. It doesn’t get any more “all access” than this. Bidding starts at 250,000 points and launches to members on June 19^th. Marriott Rewards members who have linked accounts may transfer points into their SPG accounts to bid on the package.

For tickets and to join SPG and Marriott Rewards, visit www.wakeupcallfest.com. Keep up with us on social using #WAKEUPCALLFEST, @WHotels.

Passing on the party? Have no fear, you can still get close to the music. Tune in to SPG’s YouTube channel to catch live performances from every location, exclusive artist interviews, and so much more. Don’t miss a minute. Watch here – https://www.youtube.com/spg.

About W Hotels Worldwide
Born from the bold attitude and 24/7 culture of New York City, W Hotels, part of Marriott International, Inc., has disrupted and redefined the hospitality scene for nearly two decades. Trailblazing its way around the globe, with more than 50 hotels, W Hotels defies expectations and breaks the norms of traditional luxury wherever the iconic W sign lands. With a mission to fuel guests’ lust for life, W ignites an obsessive desire to soak it in, live it up and hit repeat. The brand’s provocative design, iconic Whatever/Whenever service and buzzing Living Rooms create an experience that is often copied but never matched. Innovative, inspiring and infectious, the brand’s super-charged energy celebrates guests’ endless appetite to discover what’s new/next in each destination, to see more, feel more, go longer, stay later. W Hotels Worldwide is proud to participate in the industry’s award-winning loyalty program, Starwood Preferred Guest®. Members can now link accounts with Marriott Rewards®, which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® at members.marriott.com for instant elite status matching and unlimited points transfer. For more information on W Hotels, visit whotels.com/theangle or follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

About Marriott Rewards
Marriott International’s award-winning loyalty program – Marriott Rewards – spans 18 unique and iconic global brands and nearly 4,800 distinctive properties. Members of Marriott Rewards® – which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® – can link their accounts with Starwood Preferred Guest® at members.marriott.com for expanded benefits including instant elite status matching and unlimited points transfer across portfolios. When members book their stays on Marriott.com or the Marriott Mobile app, they earn loyalty points, enjoy the advantage of exclusive Member Rates, our lowest available rates, and gain an elevated stay experience with free Wi-Fi, mobile check-in and checkout, and Mobile Service Requests wherever available. The hugely popular Marriott Rewards has won the Freddie Award for “Hotel Program of the Year–Americas” nine consecutive years as chosen by frequent travelers. Marriott Rewards is free to join and has no blackout dates. To enroll and for more information about the program, guests may visit MarriottRewards.com. Connect with Marriott Rewards on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Starwood Preferred Guest
Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG®) is an innovative, award-winning frequent traveler program that unites 11 luxury and distinctive hotel brands in nearly 1,500 properties around the world. SPG reinvented the hospitality loyalty landscape when it launched in 1999 with its breakthrough policy of no blackout dates, and over the years has continued its tradition of innovation with enhancements such as Cash + Points, Your24™, SPG Lifetime™, SPG Moments and 4 p.m. late checkout when available. SPG also offers the opportunity for meeting and travel professionals to earn rich rewards including Starpoints and elite status through SPG Pro. SPG has an ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of today’s connected global traveler by leveraging must-have mobile apps for iPhone, iPad, and Android that utilize state-aware technology to create a more personalized hotel stay. All of this has helped SPG build a passionate member base among the world’s most frequent travelers. Learn more about the #spglife at spg.com, spg.com/pro and spg.com/moments and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. SPG members can now also link their accounts with Marriott Rewards® – which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® – for instant elite status matching and unlimited points transfer at spg.com/Marriott.

W Amman debuts as W Hotels’ first property in Jordan

April 11, 2018

The following is a press release from Marriott International:

W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International, unveiled W Amman, the brand’s first property in Jordan. Developed by Eagle Hills Jordan, the 280-room hotel is located in the heart of Amman’s up and coming new downtown neighborhood, Abdali, and features design inspired by the energy of the Middle East and charm of Jordanian history, culture and tradition with a playfully modern twist.

“Jordan is an incredible country, rich with culture and a deep connection to its history. We could not be happier to make our brand debut in the country here in the capital city,” said Anthony Ingham, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide. “Amman, and specifically the exciting new downtown district of Abdali, is an ideal destination for the W brand with its engaging social scene and deeply rooted passion for design, music and fashion.”

W Amman marks the first hotel collaboration between Marriott International and Eagle Hills Jordan which will be followed by three more hotel openings across Jordan – The St. Regis Amman, The Westin Saraya Aqaba and Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Saraya Aqaba.

W Amman stands tall as a contemporary and unmistakable architectural statement, offering stunning views of the bustling city’s seven hills running across the Jordanian capital. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with the iconic W sign, inspired by Amman’s unique cityscape and cubic architecture, in the colors of Jordan’s distinctive sunset. Stepping into the Welcome area, the hotel’s façade invokes the unique and colossal beauty of Petra’s rock formations, reminiscent of the Nabatean city’s striking appearance, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Throughout the Canyon Walk, guests are enveloped in a modern design marvel, reinterpreting the natural beauty of Petra’s canyon with shard structures and natural tones that can also be seen throughout the hotel.

Each of the 236 rooms and 44 suites at W Amman feature floor-to-ceiling windows and vivid designs, along with W signature beds and modern bathrooms with rain showers. Pillows and throws feature an illustrative interpretation of the Amman skyline and an adapted rendition of beautifully adorned camels of the desert, both in colorful detail. The hotel features a range of suites including four WOW Suites and a 1,710-square-foot Extreme WOW Suite (the brand’s take on the Presidential suite) – the ultimate party place with sweeping panoramic views of Amman’s landscape, an in-room DJ deck, amplified entertainment system, and private jacuzzi.

W Amman is set to add its own rhythm to the beat of Amman’s social scene with its vibrant public spaces and culinary experiences. The hotel’s Living Room (the brand’s take on the traditional lobby) is a clubhouse for the modern traveler, showcasing a fusion of intimate and open areas, low seating and mood-setting lighting among architectural features that mirror Amman’s extraordinary cityscape. Elements of Bedouin weaving, flower pots, and locally designed pillows from the Jordan River Foundation (a non-profit focusing on child safety and community empowerment) provide modernized versions of common patterns, colors and shapes from the city. The space is complemented by modern art from Bahraini artist, Jamal A. Rahim that gives an edge of Middle Eastern influence and bright splashes of color alongside the work of Jordanian artist Bader Mahasneh, who utilizes rough surfaces and illuminated figures in a series of striking paintings of faces.

Just steps away from the Living Room, Mesh provides international cuisine with a Levantine touch while bringing the right ingredients together through food, design and guests looking to mingle next to images of fresh produce from Dar Al Anda, one of Jordan’s most prominent contemporary art galleries. For those seeking a place to unwind or escape, Aura offers signature beverages and delicious bar bites from around the world in a space that once again reinterprets the stunning angles and elevations of Petra with rose stone tones and colorful, silk-like flooring. Aura, and other areas in the hotel also feature exquisite pieces of art work from Jordanian artist, Hazem Al Zoubi. Enso, the hotel’s signature Pan-Asian restaurant, ignites taste buds by bringing together flavors from five regional cuisines across South East Asia in a sleek setting. The WET Deck (pool deck) brings a new vibe to the city’s party scene and will be the place to see and be seen. The beautiful rooftop space is the perfect destination to bask under the sun and enjoy stunning views of west Amman while indulging in cocktails or listening to performances from Amman’s up-and-coming musical talent. The design of the WET Deck includes a modern depiction of The Roman Theater’s Atrium.

For guests to refuel and reinvigorate, AWAY Spa at W Amman offers massages, body treatments, facials and quick fixes promising look good/feel good experiences in a fun, yet relaxed setup. Guests can then step into the modern FIT gym that features 24/7 access to the newest Technogym equipment. The hotel also plays host to social and business gatherings across 780 square meters of versatile meeting and event space, including the stunning 629-square-meter Great Room and four fully equipped, stylish Strategy and Studio rooms.

W Amman offers the W brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever® service to provide guests whatever they want, whenever they want it. The hotel’s W Insider, an in-the-know local expert, connects guests with the hottest events, attractions and adventures to suit any and every travel style.

For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.wammanhotel.com.

W Shanghai – The Bund opens for business

July 6, 2017

The WET Deck at W Shanghai - The Bund. — The WET Deck at W Shanghai – The Bund. (Photo courtesy of Marriott International)

The following is a press release from W Hotels Worldwide

W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International, today unveiled W Shanghai – The Bund, located in the heart of one of the world’s most energetic cities. With limitless views overlooking the Huangpu River, W Shanghai will set the scene on the North Bund. Owned by Sinar Mas Group, the hotel features a blend of bold design and decadent style which combines to create a captivating contrast of Shanghai’s past and its avant-garde present.

“Shanghai is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, and its engaging nightlife, spirited fashion scene and passion for what’s new/next makes it an ideal destination for the W brand,” said Anthony Ingham, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide. “Our hotels across the world are incredibly unique- each reinterpreting its destination through design that is both hyper-local and yet, clearly W. The electrifying design of W Shanghai – The Bund is no exception, solidifying its position as a global flagship for W that is sure to attract both guests and savvy locals alike.”

Designed by the acclaimed G.A Design, the hotel showcases an exciting combination of historic and modern influences, such as Hai Pai – the art of combining the old and the new, East and West. This is evident in both the hotel’s location, perfectly positioned between the Suzhou Creek and the Huangpu River, as well as the surrounding locale, where Art Deco buildings sit alongside opulent Chinese mansions. W Shanghai – The Bund draws upon colonial glamour and futuristic motifs, with nearly all guestrooms featuring views of the Huangpu River due to the uniquely curved frame of the building’s edifice.

“Over the past few years we have seen incredible growth worldwide across our brands, with the China market becoming increasingly important for Marriott International,” said Stephen Ho, Chief Executive Officer, Greater China, Marriott International. “The opening of the W Shanghai – The Bund underscores the ambitious expansion of Marriott International’s Luxury Brands in Greater China.”

An Electric Welcome
Upon arrival, guests will be greeted by neon light installations throughout the hotel’s Living Room (the W brand’s take on the staid hotel lobby). For centuries, Shanghai-locals have honored the Lilong tradition, in which wet laundry is hung on lines to dry at varying heights down narrow laneways. This installation was designed as a modern reinterpretation of this classic scene. The Welcome Desk (reception area) features a kaleidoscopic fixture, mirroring the constant flow of guests through the area. The ‘Melting Qipao’ pattern, a representation of Shanghai as a melting pot of cultures, can be seen on the walls of the WC (restroom).

A Fantastic Suite at W Shanghai – The Bund. (Photo courtesy of Marriott International)

W Shanghai – The Bund features 374 stylish guestrooms and suites, each appointed with the signature W bed adorned with a cheeky pillow in the shape of Shanghai’s famous Xiaolongbao (soup) dumpling and chopsticks. Thirty-five of the rooms are suites, including the Cloud on the Bund, which includes highlights such as a LED wall and a hanging bed. The duplex Extreme WOW Suite (the brand’s take on the presidential suite) boasts more than 4,000 square feet of living space, along with a hanging neon installation in the shape of lips blowing out dragon smoke. In addition to the epic views of the Huangpu River and iconic Pudong skyline, all rooms also feature switchable privacy glass and Nespresso Coffee machines.

Rise and Dine
W Shanghai – The Bund offers five intriguing places to socialize and dine. The Kitchen Table, with its interactive open kitchen, is inspired by a modern New York bistro and celebrates the legacy of Shanghai’s flourishing trade. YEN showcases the next evolution of Cantonese dining where traditional dishes are reinterpreted. Pre-dinner cocktails at LIQUID AT YEN, a hidden speakeasy, is the perfect evening prelude to transport guests to the glamorous golden years of Shanghai’s 1920s cocktail scene featuring a handcrafted selection of concoctions mastered by the on-site “Cocktail Professor”. The playfully elegant WOOBAR transforms from a daytime lounge into a vibrant evening cocktail bar. And finally, WET (the hotel’s pool) and WET BAR offer incredible sweeping views of the electric Shanghai skyline.

“We are infusing so much energy into this city with W Shanghai – The Bund,” said Christian Humbert, General Manager, W Shanghai – The Bund. “We are bringing guests closer to the music, design, fashion and Fuel (the brand’s take on fitness) scenes in Shanghai while providing our signature Whatever/Whenever service, delivering whatever guests want, whenever they want it, in this incredible city.”

Amped Up Meetings + Innovative Spa Treatments
Mixing work with play, guests will be captivated by nearly 6,000 square meters of meeting and events space. At more than 2,000 square meters, the Great Room is the largest hotel event space in Western Shanghai, and boasts 6.2-meter ceilings in a setting inspired by an opulent expression of the Golden Age. The entrance to the Great Room features a series of oversized mirror collages with a Qipao motif, overlaid by a delicate Art Deco-inspired screen, reflecting the tension and contrasts between old and new Shanghai. The 660-square-meter Mega Room, in addition to the Studios and Strategy spaces, all cleverly adapt their industrial charm to perfectly suit each event.

The AWAY Spa offers massages, body treatments, facials and quick fixes, all set to leave guests glowing. Guests can also step into the ultra-modern FIT gym that offers 24/7 access to the newest Technogym equipment, or take part in a yoga or tai chi class on the hotel’s wooden deck.

W Hotels Worldwide debuts its first North American recording studio, W Sound Suite, in Seattle

April 18, 2017

W Sound Suite at W Seattle (Photo courtesy of W Hotels Worldwide)

The following is an excerpt from a W Hotels Worldwide press release:

W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International , in partnership with Coca-Cola, today unveiled the first W Sound Suite to launch in North America at W Seattle. The private music studio, writer’s room and lounge offers a retreat for musicians and producers to write and record tracks while on the road. Hotel guests are also able to get in on the fun by booking the studio to live out their rockstar dreams.

The W Sound Suite at W Seattle follows the opening of the world’s first W Sound Suite at W Bali – Seminyak last year, with additional W Sound Suites set to debut at W Hollywood and W Barcelona in the coming months. W Sound Suites are in part the brainchild of the W brand’s North American Music Director, DJ White Shadow, the Chicago-based producer best known for his work with Lady Gaga. He worked with W Seattle to optimize the Sound Suite’s layout and select equipment for professional use and sound quality.

“Musicians are constantly on the road, where it’s difficult to find an accessible, professional-quality space to record,” said DJ White Shadow. “In Seattle, a city known worldwide for its music scene, W Hotels has brought recording space to the artist, allowing them to create whenever inspiration strikes.”

Under DJ White Shadow’s direction, the W Sound Suite at W Seattle has been outfitted to professional specifications in a stylish, comfortable and sound-proof space, offering the latest in studio technology. In anticipation of the launch, W Hotels and Coca-Cola partnered with industry leader, Native Instruments, to outfit the Sound Suite with the latest generation of the world’s leading production suite (Komplete 11), a state-of-the-art control keyboard (Komplete Kontrol S-Series), the cutting edge groove production system used by hip-hop producers around the globe (Maschine) and an all-in-one DJ system (Traktor Kontrol S8). W Hotels also worked with world-renowned audio company, Shure, to provide new SHR440 headphones, X2u microphones, KSM32/SL microphone condensers and BETA®181 microphone for the ultimate recording experience.

The W brand’s longstanding global partner, Coca-Cola, has been instrumental in bringing the Sound Suite concept to life. Elements of the studio’s aesthetic, envisioned by Josh Held Design, pay tribute to Coca-Cola including Coca-Cola red accents and a mural by Ames Brothers with subtle Coca-Cola references. Coca-Cola has used music to tell its brand story for over a century, bringing its campaigns into the pop culture lexicon.

In tandem with the debut of the latest W Sound Suite, W Seattle will offer an exclusive “Rider Menu” for Sound Suite guests, celebrating everyone’s inner rock star and indulgences. Inspired by the iconic ‘rider’ every musician provides before a performance, this menu includes:

Make It Rain // Seattle-style hot dog with cream cheese, selection of local IPAs, house-made bourbon ice cream
Queen Bey // Bottle of Dom Perignon, champagne truffles, oysters, eye mask, fresh white florals
American Bad A$$ // PBR, red Solo cups, moonshine, fried chicken sliders, fried pickles, French fries
Mo’ Money Mo’ Problems // Top-shelf bar with private bartender, boozie ice cream, taro chips and chef’s selection of house-made spreads (garlic humus, citrus baba ghanoush, caramelized onion jam)
All Nighter // Six pack of Coca-Cola, locally-sourced chocolate covered espresso beans, donut holes with dipping sauce & house-made salted caramels.

W Hotels Worldwide names Joan Smalls its Global Fashion Innovator

April 10, 2017

by Estelle Marine

W Hotels Worldwide has officially announced model Joan Smalls as W’s first ever Global Fashion Innovator, a newly created position in which she will help create, shape and innovate W’s global fashion platform around the world. From special appearances and one-of-a-kind collaborations to exclusive in-room and digital content, Smalls will add her signature style and discerning taste to the W Hotel guest experience.

Smalls issued this statement via a press release: “I am thrilled to be named the first ever Global Fashion Innovator of W Hotels. It is a dream job of mine to be able to combine two of the things I love the most: travel and fashion. W Hotels—and their incredible line up of hotels around the world—is the perfect partner for such a collaboration. I’m excited to share my passions, tips and personal style with W guests.”

The press release further states: “In addition to a product collaboration and several appearances at W Hotels around the world, Smalls will also have a regular presence on The Angle, W’s digital platform for in fashion, music, design and FUEL (the brand’s take on healthy living through spa, food and working out), as well as exhilarating local content from W destinations around the globe.”

Among the projects that Smalls is working is her insider guide to Goa, in which she will curate her favorite places and picks that will be shared with future W Goa guests. As previously reported, W Goa opened in India in March 2017.

Smalls has appeared on the cover of Vogue’s editions in Australia, Italy, Germany, Mexico, Japan and Brazil, in addition to numerous other magazine covers. She is a spokesperson for Estée Lauder and is a Victoria’s Secret runway model.

W Hotels to open in new locations in Spain, India, Czech Republic

March 27, 2017

W Hotels Worldwide has announced the opening of several new locations.

W Marbella and The Residences at W Marbella are set to open in Spain in 2021. W Goa, located on the internationally renowned Vagator Beach, opened in late March 2017. W Prague will open in 2020 on Wenceslas Square in the heart of the buzzing capital city of the Czech Republic.

The following are excerpts from W press releases:

W Marbella and The Residences at W Marbella

W Marbella will offer 200 spacious guestrooms, including 26 suites and an Extreme Wow Suite – the brand’s extravagant take on the traditional Presidential Suite. The hotel will feature a vibrant bar and a signature restaurant; an AWAY spa complete with a beauty salon and juice bar; FIT state-of-the-art workout facility; and two WET pool decks. For those looking for an extraordinary venue for their next meeting, W Marbella will provide five ultra-modern meeting rooms along with a covered terrace, measuring more than 10,000 square feet, ideal for outdoor parties and events.

A perfect complement to Marbella’s social scene, W Marbella will boast its very own Beach Club with spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. The Beach Club at W Marbella will open in advance of the hotel in time for the Summer 2018 season.

The Residences at W Marbella will boast 100 low-rise, condominium apartments and villas available for purchase. The W-branded beachfront Residences will offer owners access to all of the hotel’s amenities and services, including preferred reservations at the hotel’s restaurants, bars and lounges; in-residence dining and STYLE housekeeping services, as well as a private pool and the brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever service promise.

With the opening of W Marbella in 2021, Spain will be the only country in Europe to boast three W Hotels, joining the acclaimed W Barcelona, which redefined Spain’s hospitality scene since it opened in 2009, as well as the forthcoming W Madrid, slated to open in 2019. W Marbella will be the fourth W Escape in Europe, a newly created portfolio of W Hotels located in ski, sand and entertainment destinations around the world, that make the traditional ‘resort’ a last resort.

W Marbella and The Residences at W Marbella property is being developed in partnership with Sunrise Inversiones 2015 S.L (an affiliate of Platinum Estates Limited). W Marbella will be located on Playa Real de Zaragoza, just a short drive from downtown Marbella.

W Goa

Situated between the verdant jungle and the stunning coastline of Vagator Beach, W Goa features 160 vibrant guestrooms, including Villas, Chalets, a Marvelous Suite and an Extreme WOW Villa (the brand’s take on the Presidential Suite). A one hour flight from Mumbai and a 90-minute drive from Goa International Airport, this W Escape overlooks the Arabian Sea and spans 25 acres of exotic sandy beach set against the backdrop of a 500-year old Portuguese Fort.

Kaleidoscopic Design
Imagined by interior design house Design Wilkes and architects Eco-ID, W Goa combines the rustic and dramatic landscape of Goa with an exuberant spirit that is unique to W Hotels. The grand entrance features huge, unframed doors that are perpetually open and adorned with art by Goan artist Subodh Kerkar, representing the lunar phases and a nod to Goa’s full moon party culture. Just steps away, behind the reception pods adorned with simmering white Capize shells, is a massive street art mural by Indian artist M. Narayan featuring gutsy, raw imagery that celebrates the melting pot culture of Goa, as well as the spectrum of color one can see through divine meditation.

For the interiors, the team at Design Wilkes celebrated the local and foreign cultures of Goa, incorporating rich colors and fabrics across the hotel. Each guestroom is drenched in a psychedelic look and feel with trippy hues of purples and blues creating a kaleidoscopic melding of color throughout. Many fixtures – from foggy metal closet doors to the “beaten” metal drawers in the bathroom – are purposefully designed so that guests cannot clearly see themselves, but rather just their shape and movements. Each guestroom features a chandelier that looks as though the lights are melting from the ceiling, and each bathroom features a mirror adorned with the shape of the Bodhi Leaf which is often associated with enlightenment.

Detox. Retox. Repeat
Nestled in a subterranean space, the hotel’s Spa by Clarins boasts 14,000 square feet of total relaxation, with each detail inspired by the great baths of Pompeii and a labyrinth of corridors leading to private rooms. The spa includes an Oxygen room, eight treatment rooms, a heated vitality pool, steam room and sauna. Other amenities of the hotel include a FIT gym and an outdoor WET pool deck. The brand’s iconic Whatever/Whenever® service delivers guests whatever they want, whenever they want it, often facilitated by the W Insider, who shares with guests the inside scoop on what’s new/ next in Goa.

W Goa’s destination restaurant, Spice Traders, offers Pan Asian epicurean flavors amplified with sumptuous ocean views and al fresco dining. The Kitchen Table, an all-day restaurant, serves popular local classics and modern interpretations of international favorites. The WET deck bar refuels guests with healthy snacks and delicious cocktails, while the Living Room and WOOBAR transform from comfortable hangout by day, to buzzing lounge by night. And finally, Rock Pool, poised to become the next big party destination in Goa, set high upon a cliff with the ocean crashing below, blending bohemian vibes with sunset beats for the ultimate in late night revelry.

Show Up. Show Off. Show Stop.
Soon to also be an ideal venue for weddings and other memorable events, W Goa will feature approximately 50,000 square feet of function space and meeting rooms, scheduled to open by the end of 2017, which will be fully equipped with world class audio-visual facilities to set the stage for lively and vivid presentations. The sprawling 4,160 square feet Great Room will raise the celebratory bar on a grand scale accompanied by two Studios of 440 and 540 square feet each. Already open, the lushly landscaped Horizon covers 4,500 square feet of oceanfront area for atmospheric outdoor festivities. And an additional outdoor venue, Backyard, boasts 5,800 square feet of lush green landscape that sits just below the iconic Chapora Fort.

W Prague

Owned by PPH Evropa s.r.o, W Prague marks the brand’s debut into the Czech Republic, and will be located The hotel will be a renovation of the former Grand Europa Hotel, a radical art nouveau style property that pushed boundaries when it originally opened in 1905, and will do so again with the W brand’s progressive design and innovative spirit. The historic structure will be combined with a modern new building to create a stunning blend of old world glamour and bold, contemporary design.

Restored historical elements of the former Grand Hotel Europa will set the stage for W’s bold and vibrant design, complemented by a stunning new oval-shaped extension. The two buildings will be fully connected to create 154 stylish guestrooms and suites, including the Extreme Wow Suite – the brand’s lavish take on the traditional Presidential Suite. The groundbreaking SPG Keyless entry system will enable guests to use their smartphone or Apple watch to unlock their door and enter their rooms.

W Prague will feature a glamorous rooftop bar and an outdoor terrace, the perfect location for style-savvy locals and guests to enjoy sweeping cityscape views and a fabulous cocktail and culinary experience. The hotel features the W Living Room, the brand’s energetic spin on the hotel lobby, along with several chic restaurants and 350 square meters of ultra-modern event space. In addition, guests are invited to experience the indoor WET pool deck, FIT fitness center and AWAY^® Spa. Throughout the hotel, the brand’s unique Whatever/Whenever service is always available, delivering whatever they want, whenever they want it.