The W in New Orleans is a four-star establishment. Like every W I've ever visited, it offers a hip choice for lodging. I walked into the lobby and was immediately greeted by an employee, an indication of the great service. Lots of guests seemed to like the public areas in this chic hotel, hanging out on the couches near tall bookcases. Think bold colors, blonde wood, and industrial music. The uniformity of the books on the shelves made me think they weren't real, but a quick check showed each of the books simply has a paper cover to protect it.
Up the stairs I found Zoe, a French bistro bar and restaurant. Offering a wide range of choices like eggs Norwegian (poached eggs on a croissant with smoked salmon) for breakfast or fried green tomato appetizers, there's a little something here to whet the appetite of anyone. The chef is Stewart Redhead, so you might want to try the Redfish Redhead for dinner: a sauteed redfish filet with lump crabmeat. Maybe you'll just want drink at the whisky blue bar.
Back to the W.... The way coolest pool I saw while in New Orleans was here. The cabanas have lounging couches and televisions!! There's even a laminated menu with basic bar fare to order. Next to the pool is a fabulous fitness facility with a rack of free weights. True to the style you'll find throughout the W, there was a bowl of lemons and a lit candle on a black table near the gym towels....
What else does the W offer? All the things you'd expect. High speed Internet, spacious rooms, PLUS the ability to bring your pet (with deposit.)
I heard the W didn't fit well in New Orleans---that its urban style works better in bigger cities like San Francisco and New York. I disagree with that assessment. I liked this place. A lot.