Recently in W Category

The island of Vieques is one of the most breathtaking places in the Caribbean, with miles of pristine beaches, verdant forests, and coral reefs teeming with life. It's also now home to the first W Retreat in the Western Hemisphere/North America, the W Retreat & Spa - Vieques Island. This stylish new destination will open its doors on March 25, 2010, treating guests to the ultimate in luxury and indulgence under the tropical sun. With 157 luxurious guest rooms, Whatever/Whenever service, and breathtaking views in all directions, every visit has the potential to transform body, mind, and spirit. As an added enticement to check it out, the hotel is offering a special Insider Access package, with rates staring at $249 a night. Spend your days frolicking in the surf, chilling out on the beach, or indulging in a treatment at Spa Chakra, with more than 60 health and beauty therapies to help you feel your best. And when the sun dips below the sea, make your way to miX On The Beach, Alain Ducasse's world-class restaurant, where Latin-Caribbean flavors take on French sensibilities in an oceanfront atmosphere. It's island life at its finest. Visit here for more information or to book your stay at this exquisite new Caribbean destination.

New York City. No matter how many times you visit, you can always find something surprising. If it's been a while since you've felt the energy of Manhattan, consider an impulsive late-winter getaway. The W New York - The Court is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next two weekends. This stylish hotel is located in the Murray Hill district of 1920's brownstones, walking distance from the United Nations, New York Public Library, and a few thousand other great Gotham attractions. Spend your day shopping on Fifth Avenue, browsing the innovative art at the New Museum on the Bowery, or sampling the world's best knishes at Yonah Schimmel on the Lower East Side. Back at the hotel, kick off your night on the town with a drink at WETBAR, the hotel's signature lounge, where expertly-prepared cocktails are served in an atmosphere of warmth and sophistication. Then, make your way out into the city, with its endless possibilities - or just settle back with your martini, savoring a relaxing end to a perfect day. New Starpicks properties are posted every Tuesday, so check the list for the latest deals.

If you're seeking some summer heat in the depth of winter, set your sights on Arizona, where the skies are blue and the desert landscapes go on forever. In fact, right now is an excellent time for last-minute trip to the Grand Canyon State, because the W Scottsdale is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next eight weeks. The new W Scottsdale is an exciting addition to a fashionable town, with 224 luxurious rooms, all the latest amenities, and a selection of restaurants and lounges that are destinations in themselves. Spend your day shopping in Fashion Square, playing golf on one of 200 area golf courses, or checking out the exhibits at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, which boasts a narrow-gauge train that takes visitors on a 10-minute loop through the park. When the sun dips behind Camelback Mountain, retreat to the hotel's sunset.beach pool bar for outdoor cocktails under the desert moon, or Shade, a Mediterranean-inspired lounge with an inspired selection of drinks. If you're in the mood for Japanese food, look no further than Sushi Roku, which serves up inventive sushi, sashimi, and tempura dishes an atmosphere of sophistication and refinement. Toast your meal with a glass of chilled sake and savor another perfect day in Scottsdale. New Starpicks properties are posted every Tuesday, so check the list for the destination of your dreams.

After a year of exhaustive research, the 2010 Nightclub & Bar Awards have finally been announced, and the W Washington D.C. emerged as a big winner. This exciting property - which only opened to the public last July - snagged top honors for Best Hotel Bar with its POV lounge (pictured), Sasha Petraske's swanky foray into capital city nightlife. Mixology is an art form at POV, with a signature ice program (with cubes, chips, pellets, and shaved ice), a fruit and vegetable juicing station (so drinks come to life with locally-grown produce), and bartenders who know all the tricks of the trade. The decor is sleek and sexy, with glossy black and red lacquered walls, zebra-striped cowhide stools, and black-and-white tufted couches around St. Laurent stone tables. Best of all, the views of the city from the 12-foot tall panoramic windows and gorgeous outdoor patio are nothing short of spectacular. The winners will be honored with a VIP party at Lavo nightclub in Las Vegas during the 2010 Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show and featured in the March issue of Nightclub & Bar. Check out the best hotel bar of 2010 for yourself at the W Washington D.C. Cheers!