LondonGB5-Star Hotel

W London: Pros, Cons & Is It Worth It? (2026)

By Jessica Lane, Travel Editor·Updated Mar 2026

8.9/10

Excellent

★★★★★

792 guest reviews
10 Wardour Street, Leicester Square, London

Overview

W London is a 5-star hotel located in the heart of Leicester Square, catering to those who seek luxury and entertainment. Guests can expect spacious rooms with modern amenities, including stunning views and flat-screen TVs. With the Away Spa offering a range of treatments, this hotel appeals to travelers looking for both relaxation and excitement in one of the city's most vibrant neighborhoods.

Pros & Cons

What works

The staff at W London is genuinely attentive, ensuring you feel valued from check-in to check-out. Their willingness to assist with special requests can really enhance your stay.
The location is unbeatable. You're just minutes away from major attractions like Leicester Square and Covent Garden, making it easy to explore the heart of London on foot.
The bar area is lively and fun, perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. Enjoying a cocktail in this vibrant setting adds a special touch to the evening.
The spa services are excellent. A massage here can turn a hectic trip into a relaxing getaway, with staff who prioritize your comfort and satisfaction.
The gym is airy and bright with a solid range of equipment. If you like to keep up your fitness routine while traveling, you will appreciate the space and facilities available.
Rooms, while quirky, are modern and stylish. If you enjoy unique decor, you will find their design refreshing and a fun departure from standard hotel aesthetics.
The hotel maintains a high level of cleanliness. A spotless room can significantly improve your comfort and overall impression of the stay.

What doesn't

The breakfast is underwhelming, with some guests noting the fruit selection is sad. When you're paying premium prices, you expect a more substantial breakfast experience.
Some rooms have lighting issues that can make them feel dim and less inviting. This could detract from your overall comfort if you prefer well-lit spaces.
The bathroom design lacks privacy, with some configurations making it awkward to use. If you're traveling with someone you don't know well, this can be uncomfortable.
Service inconsistency seems to plague the hotel, with mixed experiences reported by repeat guests. You may not always receive the elite treatment that you expect from a five-star establishment.
The evacuation incident caused a major disruption during the night, which could leave you feeling uneasy. Such events can tarnish your impression of safety and overall experience.

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Photos

Location

W London sits prominently on Wardour Street in Leicester Square, a vibrant hub that pulses with energy and excitement. The neighborhood is filled with a mix of theaters, restaurants, and shops. Guests can stroll to the iconic Piccadilly Circus in under ten minutes, where neon lights illuminate the bustling atmosphere. Covent Garden, known for its market and street performers, is also within walking distance, offering a taste of London’s artistic flair. For travelers who thrive on cultural experiences, the location is a goldmine. The British Museum, with its vast collection of artifacts, is just a short tube ride away. If nightlife is your focus, Leicester Square is surrounded by beloved bars, clubs, and eateries, ensuring that the evening doesn’t have to end early. This location caters to a diverse range of visitors, from theatergoers to tourists wanting to soak in the city's vibrant atmosphere, making it a fitting choice for those who want to experience the pulse of London.

Guest Reviews

Oxfordmartyn

Couples · OXFORD, OXFORDSHIRE, ENGLAND · Feb 2026

10Exceptional

“Great welcome”

✓We have been passed here many time, and the day was great, excellent bar area and fun room with interactive controls. The staff were very helpful.

Jetlager

Family · SEATTLE, WASHINGTON · Jan 2026

10Exceptional

“Best Stay of My Life: New Years Extravaganza!”

✓Have you ever stayed at a hotel with such incredibly nice staff that you wanted to get them a little gift? No? Me neither... until the W London. Literally the nicest team I have ever encountered in all of my travel. Backstory - I was traveling for NYE to watch my kid perform in the London NYD parade. I originally booked the W, then a friend wanted to stay somewhere "fancier", so we booked a different hotel. Correspondence from that hotel made it seem that the level of service didn't warrant the price (two tips - look into where and how London blocks streets for NYE and make sure the NYE party you want to attend is worth the price and hassle), so I re-booked the W very happily. It is NOT in the restricted area but close to the action and has a great party at a reasonable price. Before the trip, the W Concierge "whenever wherever" reached out for details to make our stay special. I mentioned a special celebration and had a couple of requests if possible. We also booked the W's NYE party (largest disco ball in Europe? Live band and DJs? Yes, please!). When we arrived, we were greeted by name by the entire team! Our requested items were in the room for us and early check-in was accommodated (bonus!). The nicest people, genuinely trying to get to know us and make our stay special. This was just the start. If you like disco balls (and I do), this is your place! The entire hotel is decorated with disco balls. Disco ball Christmas trees, wreaths, and even a disco ball in our room! I don't want to spoil all the surprises but there are some very cool and fun room design aspects that made the W very special. The layout was extremely efficient and roomy for the two of us and the bed was comfy. The location in Chinatown is a blast - it's a party outside but the hotel provides ear plugs, and the street is blocked for traffic (foot traffic only). We didn't need the ear plugs - it was actually quite quiet in our room and there is no typical city car traffic noise. There are excellent restaurants nearby and quick access to transit, plus most places we went to were walkable (theater, shopping). Back to the staff. Not only were they pleasant on arrival, but they were also incredibly welcoming and made you feel very safe and secure every time we entered or exited the building. The workout area rivaled our club at home. We didn't eat in the restaurant but got take-away coffee/espresso in the morning which was perfect. The bar is fantastic. It was setup for families to enjoy post-ice skating (outdoor rink around the corner) with an indoor fireplace and separate areas if you want a cocktail without kids. They really try to accommodate all types of travelers. There were surprises for us for our special event and a super special NYE amenity that completely blew us away. I truly don't think that we would have had this level of service or fun at the other much more expensive property we were considering. The NYE party was an excellent value and an absolute blast; exactly what we were looking for. If you want to stay somewhere stodgy, go elsewhere. If you want to stay somewhere fun, stay here! HUGE thank you to this entire team! I hope to come back soon and bring the rest of the family!

Eva

couple · AU · Dec 2025

10Exceptional

“Excellent location and exceptional staff”

✓Great location and exceptional staff all round. Housekeeping was fabulous, they noticed I caught a cold and provided extra bottles of water and firmer pillows without me asking.

✗The room configuration is a tad strange, there is no real bathroom, everything out in the open and no real privacy. Room is a great size though

Stephenson

couple · GB · Jan 2026

9Exceptional

✓Location, cleanliness… staff we great, evening entertainment

✗Breakfast service

Yuval

family_with_children · IL · Feb 2026

7Very Good

✓central location

✗no privacy in bathroom and toilet. barely could close the toilet door.

Guests consistently praise the W London for its exceptional staff and vibrant atmosphere. Many highlight the friendly and accommodating service, creating a welcoming environment for all types of travelers. However, numerous reviews point out issues with room privacy, particularly regarding the bathroom configurations, which some guests find uncomfortable.

Who Should Stay Here?

W London appeals most to young travelers and those seeking a vibrant experience. The attentive staff ensure that every need is met, enhancing the excitement of exploring a bustling city. With its prime location near major attractions like Leicester Square and Covent Garden, guests can easily immerse themselves in London's culture. The lively bar scene offers a fun atmosphere for unwinding after a day of sightseeing, while the spa provides much-needed relaxation for those looking to recharge. Travelers who prioritize a quiet stay or a traditional hotel experience might want to look elsewhere. The underwhelming breakfast options and lighting issues in some rooms can detract from the overall experience. Additionally, the bathroom designs may not suit everyone, especially those who value privacy. If consistency in service is paramount, the mixed reviews regarding staff performance might be a dealbreaker for some guests.

W London

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The Verdict

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Our Take

W London excels in service and location, making it a strong choice for travelers seeking a vibrant stay in the city. The attentive staff and lively bar add to its appeal, while the excellent spa services provide a much-needed retreat. However, the lackluster breakfast and some dimly lit rooms do hold it back from being truly stellar. Overall, if you value a central location and top-notch service, this hotel is worth considering despite its few shortcomings.