W Fort Lauderdale

My recent stay at the W Fort Lauderdale for a weekend staycation was nothing short of appalling, and as someone who has been a repeat guest at this hotel, I’m deeply disappointed by how far it has fallen. This is no longer the luxurious W Hotel that once made it a relaxing getaway. The service, cleanliness, and overall experience were not just bad—they were utterly unacceptable for a hotel of this caliber.

To begin, Saturday morning started with a horrifying discovery: blood splatter on the duvet cover from a previous guest. This is not only disgusting but a serious health hazard that clearly violates basic hygiene protocols. Finding blood from another guest on my bed was beyond comprehension. I called the front desk and asked to speak to a manager -- I was told the manager was “too busy”. Too busy for a guest reporting an unsanitary and hazardous condition? What kind of hotel is this? I had to reiterate several times that I had slept in a bed with someone else’s blood on it, and still, I never heard back from the manager, Daniel, despite being told he would call. Instead, a lower-level housekeeping manager called. We were moved to another room, but the delay and lack of concern was inexcusable.

The horrors continued at Steak 954 for brunch. Although the restaurant was virtually empty, my girlfriend and I were told we would need to wait 10-15 minutes to be seated. Once seated, we were ignored for over 15 minutes—no water, no greeting, no acknowledgment. After waiting long enough, we walked out. The hostess’s response when we told her why we were leaving? A simple, “Okay.” No attempt to make things right, no apology. The entire experience was of a staff and management team that couldn’t careless about their guests. We ended up at El Vez, where the bartenders, were professional, attentive, and genuinely embarrassed when they heard about our experience. It’s sad when the bar staff at a different restaurant on the property cares more about guests.

When checking out, I was asked how my stay was. After responding that it was terrible, the front desk agent didn’t even bother to ask why. Don’t ask how a guest’s stay was if you’re not prepared to listen or take action. Additionally, I had forgotten a shirt in the previous room after being moved due to the blood incident, it took 45 minutes for the staff to retrieve

Now, let’s talk about the decrepit state of the property itself. It’s clear this hotel has been neglected and is falling apart at the seams. The lobby’s HVAC vents had visible mold, which is a clear health risk and signals how little attention is paid to maintenance. The rooms are dated and tired, showing significant wear and tear that should have been addressed long ago. The walls in the corridors have been poorly patched up, making the place look shabby and far from the standard of a luxury hotel. It’s embarrassing to compare this property to nearby options like the Ritz-Carlton, which maintains its elegance and service levels. The W Fort Lauderdale, on the other hand, has become a shadow of its former self, looking and feeling more like a neglected high-end resort.

The real kicker? Just a month ago, I stayed at the W in New York City, and the difference was night and day. The NYC location was everything the W brand should be: professional, clean, and luxurious. It’s clear that the W Fort Lauderdale is not living up to the W standard anymore, and it’s an utter disgrace that it bears the same name. Frankly, I’d have received better service at a Holiday Inn, and it’s tragic to see a property once held in such high regard become such a disappointment.

As someone who has worked with the Related Group, the developer that once owned this asset, it’s even more disheartening to see how far this hotel has fallen from grace. The W Fort Lauderdale is no longer worth the time, money, or consideration. Save yourself the headache and book elsewhere—anywhere but here.

Overall, this was a horrendous experience. I won’t be returning, and I certainly won’t recommend this hotel to anyone in the future.