A defining landmark in Manhattan has risen anew: W New York–Union Square has officially reopened after a sweeping $100 million renovation, covering everything from guest rooms to rooftop experiences. This transformation, led by Rockwell Group—the firm that originally designed the hotel in 2001 – revitalizes the property as the brand’s global flagship, channeling the spirit, energy, and community sense of the neighborhood where W first began its reinvention of lifestyle hospitality.
A Living Lobby and Seasonal Design Flourish
The hotel’s iconic Living Room, inspired by the grandeur and symmetry of Grand Central Station, retains its high ceilings and intricate moldings while being refreshed with a seasonal, day-to-night design strategy. Velvet lounges in jewel tones dot the space, while a striking new sweeping staircase is adorned with an abstract, cascading carpet reminiscent of an art installation, flanked by lush botanical textures. These richly layered interiors pay homage to Union Square Park’s shifting seasons and bring a modern, emotive flair that embraces both history and bold reinvention.
Every corner echoes thoughtful storytelling – from rooms that reflect botanical color palettes and ombré wallpapers to public zones brimming with cultural programming, including live music, DJ sets, and art pop-ups. This dynamic approach enlivens the hotel with a sense of place, blurring the boundaries between venue and community hub.
Dining, Fitness, and Elevated Rooftop Moments
Beyond design, the guest experience has also seen a significant elevation. The subterranean bar has been transformed into a state-of-the-art FIT fitness center, complete with an in-hotel Peloton studio, hydro massage chairs, and a recovery zone that brings wellness to the forefront. Meanwhile, the long-awaited rooftop bar, tucked behind the marquee, opens to skyline views with stylish indoor-outdoor seating perfect for cocktails at dusk.
Culinary offerings now include Seahorse, a high-end seafood brasserie helmed by Chef John Villa, with influences spanning Italian and Japanese traditions and sourcing from Union Square’s iconic Greenmarket. Dining here is as much a celebration of local ingredients as it is a stylish night out.
This reimagined W doesn’t merely return – it redefines. The property marries local heritage, bold aesthetics, and contemporary lifestyle comfort under a renewed cultural pulse. It stands not only as a hotel but as a living landmark: a spectacle of architecture, experience, and urban vibrancy that moves W Hotels forward with confidence and vision.
