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We lived in Hoboken for many years and have stayed at this W dozens of times since moving away. We love the proximity to NYC and our families. The hotel is familiar, comfortable, and the suite we usually occupy is spacious with amazing views. I find myself less critical of the W than other hotels since I have spent so many nights here, but the it is in definite need of some refreshes. The rooms and suites have looked the same for as long as I can remember and the valet has always been bad.
Anthony’s Take: The hotel is an easy PATH train ride or Uber into NYC. It serves as a great home base for us when we visit family and friends. We love the Fantastic Suite and the views never grow old. The furnishings and common areas are showing their age, but this will continue to be home when we visit.
Booking
I booked directly from Marriott.com on a “Member Rate Prepay.” I booked a Cozy Room at this rate as it was significantly cheaper than anything flexible and I knew that I would not be changing Christmas plans. I was upgraded to a Fantastic Suite (using Suite Night Awards – SNAs). The suite is one of my favorites as it has a balcony and views from both the bedroom and living room. My welcome amenity was 1,000 points. I could have chosen breakfast or a F&B credit, but I knew I’d be with family or at Starbucks like I am every other day. The hotel can also be booked with Bonvoy points (31,000-60,000 points per night) with rates varying since Marriott eliminated its award categories.
The upgrade cleared five days in advance.
Transportation to/from the Hotel
We rented a car and drove from Newark Liberty International Airport. The time to get to the hotel from EWR can vary wildly depending on the traffic. It took us around 35 minutes. The hotel has valet parking. It has never been good and continues to disappoint. The valets hide in the office and often don’t come out until you go in to get them. They also disappear for stretches of time and I found myself sitting outside for 15 minutes until they arrived this stay. When paying $45 per day, this should not be.
Location
As mentioned the hotel is conveniently located in Hoboken. It’s a great little city across a river from NYC. You’ll have easy access to everything when staying here.
Check-in
We arrived at the hotel around 4:00 PM and the room was ready. I had done a mobile checkin but did not get the key (this happens a lot with the Marriott Bonvoy® app). Luckily, there was no line and I had a physical key quickly. Elite benefits were not explained nor was an amenity choice given. I selected 1,000 points when I did the mobile check in. The lobby was empty and we saw few people during this stay. I did not need a late checkout and told the agent this at check in. We were in the suite within a few minutes.
The lobby has always been modern and austere. I like it. I’ve often looked at the metal art on the wall near check in, but did not realize until my husband pointed it out on this visit that it’s actually a giant magnet with metal clinging to it. The artist, Ann Carrington, created the NYC Skyline out of hundreds of nuts, bolts, and other metal objects.
Holiday decorations were also muted yet elegant.
The hallways throughout the hotel are clean, but showing signs of wear.
Fantastic Suite (810)
There are 225 rooms, 40 residences, and 23 suites at the hotel. We were on the 8th floor this time.
The room opens into a small foyer with the living room straight ahead, the bedroom immediately to the left (with an en suite bath), and a half bath next to the living room.
A small table with chairs is near the living room.
The living room has a desk, a Nespresso coffee maker, refrigerator, couch, and TV. Gorgeous views from every window.
Couch and balcony off of the living room
Million-dollar views
The balcony has a table and chairs. We didn’t use it because the temperatures were freezing.
Off of the living room is a half bath.
It’s spacious and functional.
The bedroom is large with a comfy King bed.
The closet has robes, a safe, slippers, a garment steamer, an ironing board, and an iron.
The room has a TV and minibar as well.
The minibar was emptied during Covid, but it’s back in action. It’s nice to have the separate refrigerator in the living room since this one was pretty full.
It also has a chair by the window.
The bathroom is a bit smaller than I’d like, but it’s comfortable and functional with a separate shower, tub, vanity, and toilet.
En suite bathroom toilet.
The soaking tub is large, but I don’t think I have ever used it.
One thing that this hotel gets credit for is the number of toiletries and amenities they provide. Look at this stash!
Toiletries were in mini bottles (yay, no wall-mounted pumps). I miss Bliss brand at W Hotels, but the MOMO brand gets the job done.
Public Areas & Amenities
The hotel has a fitness center on 2A, a Woodhhouse Spa (that is not affiliated with the hotel but shares a space), a gallery, a Living Room bar (which was closed the entire time we visited), and a restaurant called Halifax. I’ve eaten at the restaurant for dinner before and it has changed names several times through the years. My understanding is that the continental breakfast here can be chosen as an amenity. I have never tried it and cannot comment.
Overall Impression:
The W Hoboken has been a home away from home for many years. I might go easy on it because it has a special place in my heart, but I find it convenient and familiar. The location and views can’t be beat. When they update the furnishings (maybe sometime soon?), it will be even better. Just don’t expect much in the way of elite recognition and you’ll be fine.
Anthony’s Credit Card Pick: When I’m staying at a Marriott hotel, I want to maximize my points earned. My card of choice is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. With it, I earn six Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar spent at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program. It also includes up to $300 statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month ) for dining in restaurants worldwide. Plus, a free night award that I can redeem at any Marriott hotel with a redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points. Rates & fees. Terms apply.
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
