Backs up my experience that the boutique-sized W locations are of a different breed than the larger W's.

This small hotel is tucked away in the French Quarter and makes a great first impression. But the front desk staff has been lacking in my two visits, rooms are a bit run-down, restaurant is underwhelming. The central patio is appealing but is easily taken over - whether or not that's a good thing is all about who gets there first.

I'll stay here again on weekdays, but on weekends I'll go further off the beaten path - or to the larger W a few blocks away.

Location of the hotel was perfect but everthing else was terrible. The maid service did not show up at timely, the management was completely useless (the security personal loceked the pool earlier than what we were told, when I confronted the front desk, she was initally suprised that it was locked. When I asked the manager to honor their word and open the pool, she mumbled that it was company policy that she can not override, later called the security personal responsible for the pool, he was exteremely rude and told me he will not unlock to pool even the manager asks him).

I stayed here with my wife for a weekend getaway for 3 nights. I would almost rate this Poor, but the friendly, helpful staff and sleek interiors bring it up a star.

The Good:
* The staff was great, extra courteous and friendly
* The staff was helpful in pointing out places to eat and visit, reserving taxis, making room adjustments
* They had the Acura Experience: they will drop you off anywhere in an MDX within 5 miles for free
* Great location, nice courtyard
* The citrus water in the lobby/desk area is refreshing

The Bad:
* The rooms are not soundproofed very well. The first one was not even near the elevators but the repeated humming noises kept us up until we changed rooms; the second (the one they temporarily switched us to) could not keep the courtyard partier sounds out; the final room we switched to was extremely loud: some party kids were in and out slamming their doors next door, while a couple next door was having an extra long sex session that sounded like they were in our room!
* the bathroom sink hot water handle didn't close all the way in the 2nd room and so water leaked
* the showers look sleek, but are poorly designed (impossible to turn on the shower from outside the stall w/o getting soaked)
* the cordless phone was broken in our 2nd room

I am pretty laid back and never really complain given that all I mainly care about is that the hotel can provide a good night's sleep and is clean. It was unfortunate that at this sleek looking W, it was mainly just the latter, not the former. You could tell this W looked like someone took an old Nawlins hotel/building and just put on some sleek decorating and lounge music w/o changing a lot of the interior.

Maybe the Downtown W is a little better?

I had the opportunity to stay here in January while on a work trip. I received an extremely favorable rate as a result.

The first thing I have to say is that all of the staff I dealt with at this hotel were excellent. I even had trouble reserving a second room at the same rate but I called the hotel directly and Amber was very helpful and accommodating.

The hotel's location is fantastic.

Unfortunately, the bathroom was dirty and the room was run down. The first thing I noticed was the bottom corners of the glass walls of the walk-in shower. There was mould on each corner. Shower grout was also mouldy. It's not something that happened overnight.

The sink counter was stained. The toilet bowl was cracked and the tank cover was broken. The chrome plumbing under the sink is exposed and visible, you could see water scaling on it.

The general condition of the room was rough. Furniture and walls were dented and chipped.

I have been in the rooms of other W's. This one doesn't warrant the brand label.

I didn't want to use the pool after seeing the bathroom.

Do not stay at this W, you will be disappointed.