This was a business trip, so apologies if the review is a bit short on details since I didn't use a lot of amenities or services at the hotel. I was off to the W Silicon Valley, which was about 25 miles or so from the San Jose airport with my rental car. It's in a bit of an odd location, really in the middle of nothing, but the company I work for is not too far away, so here I am.
My first impression has become a typical reaction when I walk into W's: Wow!! This one, located in Newark, California, was impressive! I loved the effect of the lobby and check-in area especially, with the rock waterfall. I used points to upgrade to a corner suite (it's an all-suite hotel), which was a very nice large room, basically. It had a couch, chairs, desk, an XM radio and a tv. There was not a separate room for the W Signature bed, but they had arranged it to make it feel like a separate area. I would call it more of a junior suite. But it was very tastefully done, like most W's.
The place was empty the whole I was there. Not sure how they keep this place running as I saw only a few guests here and there occassionally. The bar area was pretty dead, unlike any other W I've stayed at, but the food was pretty good. I grabbed a late bite to eat and a beer, then just headed up to my room to watch TV. Never done that at any other W hotel before. One night I headed over to Fremont to grab a bite in some strip mall. Not too exciting.
I didn't have time to check-out the gym or look to see if there was a pool. Overall, the staff seemed polite and generally helpful. I didn't ask for much and did not interact with them except at check-in/out and at the bar.
Overall, I guess I was a little disappointed with the experience, but not because it was a bad hotel. It really was a good hotel, just not the "urban" W scene I'm used to. Maybe this would be a better rebranded as an aLoft or something once they get that brand off the ground. The rate I got at the hotel was much lower than most W's charge, so I didn't feel like I had been robbed by lack of the "full" W experience. It's a good W Hotel in a suburb, and I'd take it over a Sheraton or a Four Points anyday.
Review by flywithme.
Posted at May 3, 2006 10:33 PM
click deals.
2 experiences with w silicon valley, newark
March 20, 2007 11:53 AM. B said:
What was the rate you got? I have a reservation there next week, gov rate for 2nd level room for $180/nt. - how many pts to upgrade? Was it worth it?
March 20, 2007 12:23 PM. flywithme said:
Probably not worth an upgrade since it's an all-suite hotel anyway. If you are traveling with a large party or will be spending more time in your room, then maybe you should splurge on the upgrade with points. I don't remember what rate I got, but it was around $200/night, I think.