Category: General

Gordon VeneKlasen’s Greenwich Village residence has previously been home to both Jackson Pollock and billionaire hedge funder Daniel Loeb.  Gordon VeneKlasen’s Greenwich Village residence has previously been home to both Jackson Pollock and billionaire hedge funder Daniel Loeb. 

In partnership with W Scottsdale, Elite Traveler speaks to the hotel’s general manager. 

Set in the heart of buzzy downtown Scottsdale just steps away from the famed Old Town Arts District, W Scottsdale forms the most stylish base for a getaway in Arizona.

To celebrate its ongoing partnership with Elite Traveler’s Elite Suites, we speak to general manager David Cronin about what sets this hotel apart.

What attracted you to a career in hospitality and to your position at the hotel?

I began my hospitality career in Germany at Hotel Seminaris in Bad Honnef, a small town just outside Bonn. I started in housekeeping and was immediately drawn to the multicultural environment and fast-paced energy of the hotel world. What really attracted me to hotels is the dynamic nature of the work — there’s always something new happening, and no two days are ever the same. I thrive on the adrenaline rush and constant change that come with this industry. At W Scottsdale, we regularly host high-profile events with well-known talent, which makes the experience even more exciting and fulfilling.

Tell us about a defining moment in your role, such as a memorable guest experience or a challenging period.

A defining moment in my career was navigating the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic while preparing to open a new hotel. The balancing act of managing construction, shifting timelines, and ever-changing health protocols pushed our team to be more agile and solution-oriented than ever before. It was a true test of leadership, communication, and resilience. Successfully opening during such an uncertain time was not only a professional milestone but also a reminder of the strength and adaptability within the hospitality industry.

All about the hotel

What exciting plans do you have for the hotel that you can share with our readers?

We have some incredible things on the horizon, and I couldn’t be more excited—our brand-new Italian restaurant, Sexy Roman, is set to launch in May. This isn’t your traditional Italian spot. It’s bold, glamorous, and designed to turn heads. The menu is packed with rich, Roman-inspired flavors, and the vibe is anything but ordinary. One of the standout features? Our signature martini cart—bringing the cocktail experience tableside with style. It’s going to be a true showstopper at W Scottsdale and it’s just the beginning of what’s to come.

What unique experience does your hotel offer that no one else can replicate?

Our pool scene isn’t just a hotel amenity—it’s a full-blown experience, and many would call it nothing short of iconic. After 15 years, it’s still the hottest party in town, and no one does it quite like we do. We bring in top-tier DJs, create unforgettable energy, and have a loyal following of guests who plan their trips around our events. The level of production and detail that goes into each party is unmatched—even within our own brand. It’s bold, it’s electric, and it’s one of a kind. You don’t just stay at W Scottsdale—you experience it.

All about the suite

What separates the Mega Suite from anything else on offer in the region?

Our Mega Suite commands attention with its unrivaled luxury and breathtaking views. It has the largest wrap-around patio in the hotel, offering sweeping views of the majestic Camelback Mountain. This suite isn’t just a room, it’s a symphony of opulence and grandeur. Instead of a mundane dining table, a sophisticated pool table takes center stage, inviting you to indulge in a game or two while sipping on your favorite cocktail. The lofty seating area exudes comfort and style inviting you to relax in comfort or entertaining guests.

How does the suite’s design reflect the essence of your hotel?

Set in the heart of buzzy downtown Scottsdale just steps away from the world-class designer boutiques of Fashion Square and the famed Old Town Arts District, W Scottsdale forms the most stylish base for a getaway in Arizona’s desert oasis city. Whether you are visiting town to party, dine, shop or visit some of the country’s best golf courses, W Scottsdale caters for all (including your pet).

An abundance of snazzy social spaces such as the Living Room bar with live DJ sets and cocktail offerings at the Cottontail Lounge, attract fashionable locals and guests alike. The same can be said for the WET deck pool and its luxury cabanas – the best spot to catch the city’s year-round sunshine, which averages 330 days. Meanwhile, the Away Spa on the first floor offers an array of relaxation and beauty treatments.

The Mega Suite is W Scottsdale’s biggest one-bedroom residence and makes for a great party pad or hub to gather your nearest and dearest for a memorable weekend, with connecting rooms available. Renovated in 2022 with an up-to-the-minute contemporary look, both inside and outside spaces shine.

Floor-to-ceiling windows run throughout and the sizable living room offers all the home comforts with a substantial sofa as well as a pool table and bar.

The large master bedroom is adorned in tranquil shades of gray while the master bathroom has the feel of a Japanese spa, with clean lines and cherry blossom print window detailing above an oversized soaking tub. Our favorite place, however, has to be the 1,300-sq-ft balcony for those dazzling desert sunset views.

A suit regarding the “rug pull” of Nike’s RTFKT platform was filed at a N.Y. federal court on Friday. A suit regarding the “rug pull” of Nike’s RTFKT platform was filed at a N.Y. federal court on Friday.

Tamdhu might be under-recognized, but it makes some stellar whisky. Tamdhu might be under-recognized, but it makes some stellar whisky.

The Crescent City retreat known as 7C’s Ranch features a lake-side lodge, a clubhouse, more than 500 species of animals, an archery range, and sporting clays.  The Crescent City retreat known as 7C’s Ranch features a lake-side lodge, a clubhouse, more than 500 species of animals, an archery range, and sporting clays. 

Major cultural festivals are not only drawing massive crowds to their host cities but home buyers. Major cultural festivals are not only drawing massive crowds to their host cities but home buyers.

Offered through Bonhams, this Porsche 911 has been reimagined by Singer’s Classic Turbo services, and is the first such example at auction. Offered through Bonhams, this Porsche 911 has been reimagined by Singer’s Classic Turbo services, and is the first such example at auction.

We spoke with experts about when you should and shouldn’t be breaking out your decanter. We spoke with experts about when you should and shouldn’t be breaking out your decanter.

Whether careening down a mountain on a bike or flooring it in a hypercard, most humans find going fast—really, really fast—irresistible. Ben Oliver explores why we’re willing to risk it all for that uniquely intoxicating sensation. Whether careening down a mountain on a bike or flooring it in a hypercard, most humans find going fast—really, really fast—irresistible. Ben Oliver explores why we’re willing to risk it all for that uniquely intoxicating sensation.

Buying a raw private island is just the first step in creating your own personal Eden. Finishing the project will take equal parts stamina and cash.  Buying a raw private island is just the first step in creating your own personal Eden. Finishing the project will take equal parts stamina and cash.