The W New York – Union Square may be surrounded by bustling city traffic, but Union Square’s grassy park and Greenmarket lend serenity to the urban setting. The W Union Square is a trendy boutique hotel located in the center of the action downtown. Business travelers will revel in this New York hotel’s close proximity to the Flatiron District and Midtown offices, while guests in town for holiday will enjoy being close to the art galleries in Chelsea and the lively restaurants and bars in the East Village.

Housed in a classic 1911 Beaux Arts construction known as the Guardian Life building, the W features a contemporary interior with decor by renowned architect and designer David Rockwell. The romantically lit lobby, featuring the Living Room Lounge with its dark leather furnishings, has a soothing and welcoming atmosphere. Votive candles and vivid purple flowers on tabletops and perched on the staircase, plus charming butterfly mobiles hanging from ceilings, are some of the more whimsical touches. The 270 plush guest rooms are designated as Wonderful, Spectacular and Mega, and feature W Signature pillow-top mattresses topped with featherbeds and down duvets. Spectacular and Mega rooms have views of Union Square and the surrounding neighborhood, offering excellent people-watching. Suites include Fantastic, Wow and Extreme Wow, all with Union Square views and flat-screen wall-mounted TVs with DVD players. In addition to Bliss bath products in lemon and sage scent, all bathrooms are stocked with fluffy white terrycloth robes and have luxurious vanity sinks. All rooms and suites charge extra fees for Internet use, but other technological perks, such as DVD and CD libraries, are complimentary.

When it comes to dining and drinking, the W Union Square has everything one might expect from a New York luxury hotel. Olives Restaurant at the W is helmed by celebrity chef Todd English and boasts a menu of fresh Mediterranean dishes prepared in an open kitchen. Olives serves breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as the 24-hour room service menu. Cocktails are served in the lobby’s airy Living Room Lounge, which, come evening, boasts a lively after-work scene. Night owls converge at the sophisticated Underbar, tucked beneath the hotel in a dark and sultry basement space that has a separate street entrance.

The 24-hour Sweat® fitness center is a cleanly designed and well-lit space equipped with cardio machines and weights. The hotel offers in-room-only spa treatments, such as manicures, pedicures and massages, which can be booked on one hour’s notice. For guests demanding the ultimate in luxury, the W offers exclusive Whatever/Whenever® services for extra fees.