When you book a hotel in the US, you're always approach it with trepidation on check in. Having been to hotels in a few states in the USA, and having stayed with usual suspects such as Hilton, Radisson, Hyatt and The Starwood Group of hotels which include Sheraton, Westin and W, there have been instances where their rating has hardly commensurated with condition and service.

It was with that same trepidation that I approached the W hotel in Newark. Newark California is in the Silicon Valley and is located approximately midway between SFO(San Francisco International Airport) and San Jose. Ws surrounds are tranquil,  and is located next to wetlands which includes a wildlife refuge.

Check-in was pleasant, with quick friendly service. Having travelled 14 hours, I was somewhat nervous as I arrived at 12pm. W's standard check in time was 3pm, but I was fortunate to be informed that a room was available. The foyer area of the W hotel exudes an intimate feel. Lighting is at a low level and foot traffic is at a minimum at most times. The W has a real boutique feel to it, which I guess is the niche that Starwood would want this hotel to slot into.

The bathroom was spacious with a bath and seperate shower. I was extremely pleased with the shower head as it was a duel shower head which I found awesome. Coverage for the front and back of the body simultaneously, which was unique and something that I could get used to. Top marks to The W for the best shower set up! Toiletries are supplied by Bliss New York. I loved them. Some of the products provided include :

- Bliss Soap

- Bliss Shampoo

                                - Bliss Conditioner

                                - Bliss Face Wash

                                - Bliss Body Cream

Pretty impressive collection, which goes beyond the traditional soap, shampoo and conditioner.

The Starwood Group are renowned for their beds and The W at Newark does not disappoint. My bed was simply, stunning! Comfortable, supportive and the provided sheets were soft, not mention a warm comforter to protect you from the chilly nights. In room amenities are quite good. You are provided with an iron and ironing board, hair dryer, microwave and dishes. As well there's wired and wireless access. It is not free or should say included in the nightly tariff. You can purchase either a 24 hour access for $12.95 or a 3 hour block for $6.95. Quite mean I thought as some other hotels are giving you free wireless.

Dining options are disappointing and pricy. Relish is the only restaurant in the complex and its offerings are sparse. I dined a couple times, and with a 10 night stay, I could see I would be seeking out other options. In total I dined at Relish three times conisting of a breakfast and two dinners. The pasta was palatable and the sandwich a good deal. My breakfast was disappointing as scrambled eggs came out as an omelette but the sausages and home baked fries were delicious, not to mention proper Illy coffee. Luckily if you at The W for a while there are cheaper dining options. If you head up Thornton towards 880, turn on to right onto Cedar before the 880 and travel about 3 miles and you have Asian food heaven. On different days I tried the Vietnamese sandwiches/rolls, Chinese and Indian. All were excellent and cheap too, not one meal broke the $10 barrier.

In summing up, a pleasant stay. In the Valley I have to say this is the 2nd best hotel I have stayed out of the 5 i have stayed in. The W equals The Valencia on some fronts but drops below in others. While the location is quiet and serene, it can't compete Hotel Valencia's location in Santana Row and it's proximity to Valley Fair and dozen or so dining options.

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