The waterfront Marriott is likely closer to downtown Seattle than the W Hotel. Downtown Seattle is centered around the retail/core area, and waterfront hotels generally sit just west of that core, while the W Hotel is farther inland near the central business district.

Practical read

  • If you mean walking to the main downtown shopping/business area , the waterfront Marriott usually has the edge.
  • If you mean easy access to Pike Place Market or the waterfront , the Marriott is also often the more convenient pick.
  • The W Hotel can still be very central, but it’s typically a bit less “right on the edge” of the downtown core than a waterfront property.

Simple rule

  • Closer to downtown core: Waterfront Marriott.
  • More central feel for city stays: W Hotel.

If you want, I can help narrow it down by the exact Marriott name, since Seattle has a few waterfront/near-waterfront properties.