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Marriott’s West Coast flagship for W Hotels has a new look

Oct. 01, 2024
4 min read
W hollywood C
Marriott’s West Coast flagship for W Hotels has a new look
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It’s a new day at one of the most storied W Hotels properties in the brand network.

This week, W Hollywood unveiled the result of a renovation that's meant to bring West Coast flagship status to the lifestyle hotel. The refurbishment is part of a broader overhaul across the W Hotels brand to restore the "wow" factor that critics say — and even Marriott leadership acknowledged — lost its cool vibes in the last decade.

"One of the things I'm maybe most excited about is W, which was one of the brands that maybe I had the least understanding of prior to the Starwood acquisition," Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano told TPG earlier this year. "But the direction and the momentum we have with W is pretty remarkable."

Guests checking into W Hollywood can expect a new look meant to evoke the ambience of a home nestled into the Hollywood Hills (which are visible from many guest rooms and suites at W Hollywood). The Rockwell Group-designed renovation was inspired by the colors of Southern California’s natural landscapes while also giving a nod to Hollywood’s film and music ties. Hospitality investor Trinity Investments owns W Hollywood, which also includes fund manager Oaktree Capital Management in the partnership.

W HOTELS/MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL

“As we unveil the newly reimagined W Hollywood, this moment marks much more than just a transformation — it is a redefinition of our signature, untraditional approach to luxury,” George Fleck, senior vice president and global brand leader at W Hotels, said in a statement. “This hotel was tailor-made for the modern traveler who craves authenticity, creativity, and a deep connection to the cultural fabric of Hollywood. We have crafted an experience that not only reflects the vibrant spirit of this iconic destination, but also sets a new standard for what W Hotels represents on a global scale.”

Guests entering W Hollywood will find a larger-than-usual Living Room, W’s playful, signature take on the hotel lobby. The Living Room at W Hollywood leans into Southern California's iconic outdoor spaces with its gardenlike aesthetic (green velvet seating, a sunken conversation pit and a rounded staircase symbolic of the nearby stepped topography of the Hollywood Hills). The Living Room also features nightly food and cocktail pop-ups via “There, There,” a guest experience intended to feel like a dinner party that features local flavors.

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The Living Room bar faces a grand fireplace and 35-foot, 3D-printed concrete drapes. But don’t let the industrial concrete throw off the serene garden vibes: Behind the bar, guests will find The Garden, a courtyard decked out with trees and vegetation with plenty of seating to unwind in the Hollywood fabulousness and enjoy a bite from an all-day menu. If this is the vibe of the Hollywood Hills, you might start checking out Zillow listings for nearby homes during mealtime at The Garden.

W HOTELS/MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL

W Hollywood’s 319 renovated guest rooms and suites now feature a color scheme of blues, yellows and creams. Wall coverings, metallic accents, curved seating areas and oversized window seats give even entry-level guest rooms a sense of California cool. Splurge on one of the 12 suites featuring living and dining areas plus his-and-hers closets when staying at W Hollywood. Go even further with a stay in the Oasis Suite, which has outdoor seating for 50. Or you could even book the Mega Suite, which includes an outdoor living area and a library lounge with billiards and other games.

Head out to W Hollywood’s rooftop to check out two destination bars, called Sunrise and Sunset, respectively. Sunrise features a brighter color scheme of oranges, pinks and sand tones, while Sunset has a moodier blue aesthetic. Enjoy a cocktail from each and decide whether you’re more of a morning or evening person, we say.

“We are thrilled to welcome guests back to experience the newly reimagined W Hollywood,” Nick Rimedio, general manager of W Hollywood, said in a statement. “Our team is dedicated to providing an unexpected spin on luxury with exclusive programming, unique design features, and elevated service one only finds at a W Hotel.”

Nightly rates at W Hollywood start at $264, or 36,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Featured image by W HOTELS/MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants
TPG Editor‘s Rating
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Rewards Rate

4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
3XEarn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
2XEarn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
1XEarn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
  • Annual Fee

    $325
  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.