Review: W Sao Paulo | Marriott Bonvoy
- Luxury
- Digital nomad
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I stayed at the brand-new W Sao Paulo during my last visit to Brazil. Opened in December 2024, this Marriott Bonvoy program hotel features 179 rooms starting from the 25th floor, offering a panoramic view of South America’s largest city. Here is my full review, including rates in points and Canadian dollars.
Hotel at a Glance
- Elite Status Benefits: Upgrade, free breakfast, and 1,000 welcome points offered simultaneously
- New and Designer Hotel: Modern architecture with Brazilian materials and panoramic views from the 25th floor
- Breakfast: Generous buffet and à la carte menu at BAIO restaurant, included with Platinum status
- Spa Not Yet Open: The AWAY Spa was not accessible during my visit
- Unheated Pool: Too cold to swim when the temperature drops below 25°C
Booking
For my stay at the W Sao Paulo, I used my annual Free Night Award offered by the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card. I added 4,000 points, as the night cost 39,000 points in total. At the time of booking, the cash price for the room was $809 CAD.
This was therefore an excellent use of the Free Night Award for a $120 annual fee. To learn everything about this certificate, consult our Marriott Bonvoy Free Night Award guide.
Arrival
Location
The W Sao Paulo is located in the Vila Olímpia sector, near the Jardins district and Faria Lima Avenue. The neighbourhood features art galleries, designer boutiques, and gourmet restaurants. From Guarulhos International Airport, expect about a 45-minute taxi ride depending on traffic.
Paulista Avenue, a major cultural artery in São Paulo, is just minutes away. It provides easy access to the MASP (Museu de Arte de São Paulo) and several other museums. Additionally, the JK Iguatemi shopping mall is within walking distance of the hotel via a pedestrian bridge.
Check-in and Reception
Upon my arrival, the staff took care of my luggage and accompanied me to the reception, located on the 24th floor of the building. This elevated reception already offers a glimpse of the spectacular view of the city.
I arrived at the hotel very early after a night flight, and the room was already ready at 8:00 AM since I had checked in via the Marriott Bonvoy app. Thanks to my Platinum status, I was granted an upgrade to a Deluxe King room.
The receptionists were very kind. When choosing my welcome gift associated with Platinum status, I was offered both options: 1,000 points and free breakfast. A generous gesture that demonstrates the hotel’s commitment to Marriott Bonvoy members.
Room
My Deluxe King room was on a high floor, with an unobstructed view of the São Paulo skyline. The W Sao Paulo has 179 rooms starting from the 25th floor, including 16 suites. The design blends Brazilian materials—wood and natural stone—with contemporary decor in bright colors, typical of the W brand.
The room features a large, comfortable king-size bed, a work desk, a minibar, and a coffee machine. The bathroom is modern, with a rainfall shower. The soundproofing is also adequate despite the height of the building.
What distinguishes this room most is the view. From the upper floors, São Paulo unfolds as far as the eye can see. The furniture is refined, the bed very comfortable, and the finishes are of high quality for a hotel that had been open for only a few weeks at the time of my stay.
Restaurants
The W Sao Paulo offers three dining spaces, each with a distinct identity.
BAIO Cozinha Sulista — Breakfast
The BAIO restaurant is located on the 23rd floor and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The cuisine is inspired by the flavors of southern Brazil with modern touches. The restaurant’s design is magnificent.
A beverage service accompanied the meal: I chose a cappuccino and a fresh watermelon juice. In addition to the generous buffet, an à la carte menu was available. I opted for the omelet with my choice of ingredients, and it was delicious. For Platinum Elite members and above, breakfast is included.
L40 Cozinha de Latitude
L40 is the rooftop restaurant located on the 40th floor, right next to the WET Deck pool. It offers international-inspired cuisine with local products. The panoramic view of São Paulo makes the experience memorable, especially at the end of the day during the Sunset Ritual organized by the hotel.
Yōso Bar e Café
Yōso is the café-bar located at the lobby level. It is suitable for a quick coffee or a cocktail at the end of the day. The coffee comes from a Brazilian collective led by women, adding a local and responsible dimension to the experience.
Other Services
Outdoor Pool — WET Deck
The W Sao Paulo pool is located on the 40th floor, on the WET Deck. Perched high with a plunging view of the metropolis, it offers a striking contrast between the calm of the water and the energy of the city below.
It was around 20°C during my visit, and the pool was not heated. It was therefore a bit too cold for my taste to swim. In warm weather (São Paulo regularly exceeds 30°C in summer), the experience must be great.
Fitness Center
The FIT gym is equipped with recent machines and remains accessible 24/7. It allows you to maintain your fitness routine during your stay, with a view of the city.
AWAY Spa
During my visit in May 2025, the AWAY Spa was not yet open, but it likely is as of today. The hotel plans to offer treatments inspired by Brazilian wellness traditions. Something to keep an eye on for a future stay.
Around the Hotel
The Vila Olímpia sector and the neighboring Jardins district offer excellent exploration grounds. The tree-lined streets are full of contemporary art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants reflecting Paulistano taste. Paulista Avenue, a major cultural artery, is nearby, with access to the MASP and several cultural spaces.
The hotel is also connected by a bridge to the JK Iguatemi shopping mall, one of the city’s most prestigious. To explore other neighborhoods, transportation apps like Uber work very well in São Paulo and trips remain affordable.
Earning Marriott Bonvoy Points
The best way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points to stay for free in over 8,000 hotels worldwide is to use the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card. You can also transfer your American Express Membership Rewards to Marriott Bonvoy.
To learn everything about earning and redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points, consult our guides:
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| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $120 | |||
| $150 |
Overall Impression
My experience at the W Sao Paulo exceeded my expectations. The Platinum status benefits made all the difference: upgrade, free breakfast, and both welcome gifts offered simultaneously. The hotel is magnificent, with a modern design that highlights Brazilian materials.
Breakfast at the BAIO restaurant was delicious, both at the buffet and à la carte. The staff also demonstrated remarkable generosity. My morning flight got canceled while I was on my way to the airport so I returned to the hotel right away. Even after having officially checked out, I was assigned a room for the day, which I was able to enjoy until 5:00 PM. This kind gesture allowed me to rest and refresh despite my flight changes.
The only downside: the AWAY Spa was not yet open and the pool was not heated. Despite these small points, the W Sao Paulo deserves its 9/10 rating and is an excellent option for maximizing your Marriott Bonvoy points in Brazil.
If you are planning a stay in Brazil, also read our Renaissance São Paulo review, another Marriott Bonvoy hotel in the same city.
W Sao Paulo — Frequently Asked Questions
How many Marriott Bonvoy points are needed for a night at the W Sao Paulo?
The rate varies between 43,000 and 81,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, depending on the season and demand. You can also use a Free Night Award with a points top-up.
Is breakfast included at the W Sao Paulo?
Breakfast at the BAIO restaurant is included for Marriott Bonvoy members with Platinum Elite status or higher. Other travelers can access it for an additional fee.
What are the restaurants at the W Sao Paulo?
The hotel has three dining spaces: BAIO Cozinha Sulista (southern Brazilian cuisine, 23rd floor), L40 Cozinha de Latitude (rooftop on the 40th floor), and Yōso Bar e Café (lobby café-bar).
Is the W Sao Paulo pool heated?
The WET Deck pool on the 40th floor was not heated when I visited. In cool weather (below 25°C), it can be difficult to swim comfortably. In the Brazilian summer (December to March), the temperature is generally sufficient.
How to get from Guarulhos Airport to the W Sao Paulo?
Expect about 45 minutes by taxi or Uber from Guarulhos International Airport (GRU). The trip costs between R$100 and R$200 (about $30 to $60 CAD) depending on traffic and time of day.
Do Marriott Bonvoy members receive upgrades at the W Sao Paulo?
Yes. With Platinum status or higher, an upgrade to a Deluxe room is possible subject to availability. During my stay, I obtained an automatic upgrade upon arrival.
Does the W Sao Paulo have a spa?
The hotel features the AWAY Spa, but it was not yet open during my visit (shortly after the opening in December 2024). It is expected to offer treatments inspired by Brazilian wellness traditions.
Which credit card should I use to earn Marriott Bonvoy points?
The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is the best choice in Canada. It offers an annual Free Night Award and allows you to earn points on every purchase. Consult our best Marriott Bonvoy cards page to compare options.
Go further with Marriott Bonvoy
To maximize your stays and points earning, check our complete Marriott Bonvoy program guide and our best Marriott Bonvoy credit cards ranking. For personal use, see the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card. For business expenses, the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card earns points on every business purchase. And if a points purchase promotion is running, take advantage via our Marriott Bonvoy points purchase guide.
