News Summary
W New York – Union Square has reopened following a remarkable $100 million renovation, updating its historic Beaux-Arts building with modern facilities. The hotel features redesigned guest rooms, advanced technology, and new wellness-focused amenities including a rooftop bar and a seafood brasserie. With an emphasis on luxury and comfort, the renovation enhances guest experience while retaining the cultural essence of Union Square. This reopening marks an important chapter in W Hotels’ evolution, aimed at attracting luxury lifestyle travelers.
New York – W New York – Union Square has officially reopened following a comprehensive $100 million transformation. The newly renovated hotel, housed in a historic Beaux-Arts building, first opened its doors in 2001 and has undergone significant updates to modernize its facilities and enhance guest experience.
The renovation included an extensive overhaul of more than 256 guest rooms, which now feature a refined design aimed at merging comfort with the dynamic character of New York City. A nature-inspired color palette reflects the seasonal shifts observed in nearby Union Square Park, creating a calming ambiance for guests.
In addition to aesthetic changes, the guest rooms have been equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Updates include Smart TVs for seamless entertainment, panel temperature controls for personalized comfort, and Marshall Bluetooth speakers, ensuring that guests enjoy convenience and modern amenities during their stay.
The hotel’s grand staircase, now a striking centerpiece, showcases an abstract carpet and lush botanical elements, enhancing the gorgeous entryway. The “Living Room,” a signature area for W Hotels, has been redesigned to serve as an inviting space for live events and activations. This area boasts rich green and blue tones, complemented by luxurious velvet seating and the original marble columns of the building.
Another major addition is the transformation of the subterranean bar into a wellness-oriented space, which features a fitness center and a recovery zone. This emphasis on health aligns with current trends in travel and hospitality, prioritizing well-being alongside luxury.
The hotel’s offerings extend to 2,587 square feet of meeting and event space, designed with contemporary aesthetics and equipped with advanced technology to meet the demands of modern business gatherings and social events.
A significant upgrade to the food and beverage program features the introduction of the only rooftop bar in Union Square and a modern seafood brasserie named Seahorse. Seahorse is designed with maritime themes and can accommodate 125 guests. The menu, led by Chef John Villa, emphasizes seafood specialties that are inspired by local cuisine and traditions.
The Guardian Rooftop, the new rooftop bar, boasts a retractable roof allowing guests to enjoy breathtaking skyline views. This space not only serves beverages but acts as a social hub, offering a vibrant atmosphere for both hotel guests and local visitors.
Throughout the redesign, the hotel’s architecture and decor have been carefully crafted to channel the historical and cultural essence of Union Square, integrating elements inspired by local landmarks and the bustling energy of the city.
The facility also introduces the first in-hotel Peloton studio, part of its FIT wellness space, catering to fitness-oriented travelers. Moreover, the luxurious Penthouse Suite offers an exclusive retreat, complete with bespoke furnishings and panoramic views of the New York skyline, promising an elevated hotel experience.
The reopening of W New York – Union Square marks a significant milestone in W Hotels’ ongoing brand evolution, which is focused on appealing to luxury lifestyle travelers. The hotel is positioned as one of the noteworthy openings of 2025, having been highly anticipated following its temporary closure during renovations.
W Hotels continues to expand its portfolio, with additional future openings slated for Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel, Delano Miami Beach, One&Only Moonlight Basin, and Limelight Boulder, further solidifying the brand’s commitment to providing luxurious and innovative travel experiences.
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Additional Resources
- We Heart: W New York – Union Square Design Hotel
- Wikipedia: Union Square, Manhattan
- Hotel Dive: Marriott Hotel Opening in New York
- Google Search: W New York Union Square hotel renovation
- The Points Guy: W Union Square Remodel
- Encyclopedia Britannica: New York City
- Sleeper Magazine: Rockwell Group Transforms W New York – Union Square
- Google News: W New York Union Square
- Lodging Magazine: W Hotels Announces Renovation

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