Located on the edge of downtown the property is surrounded by 9-5 office buildings in a sea of concrete. The area seems devoid of life and confusing with it's one way street.
Getting into the property can be confusing so watch the signs above.
Getting into the property can be confusing so watch the signs above.
RANKINGS
Check-in/Check-out [4 out of 5]
After coming up out of the dungeon, er, valet parking area, I arrive in 1993 - I mean the lobby. It is soooooooooo dated. I arrive at reception and there is a dedicated gold/platinum line. There are approximately 20 people in the general line and as soon as I walk up to the elite line, a supervisor waves me over. He checks me in and tells me the additional (hotel specific) benefits that platinum members receive. I've been preassigned a suite.
This property does have the capability to send folios electronically.
Common Areas [2]
The lobby, hallways, and other common areas are in desperate need of updating.
Guest Rooms [1]
I was assigned a suite in the platinum tower. The room decor *felt* older than me! From the dated peach wallpaper, to the multi-stained carpet, to the 27" tube TV, to the 3" "safe", it was ugly. Just ugly. The room had holes in the wall and peeling wallpaper and the only thing missing was a dead body with a chalk outline. Although "cleaned" the room appears to be dirty.
The room was inexcusable, so I called downstairs and I requested a move. The supervisor who checked me in came up viewed the room and agreed it was bad. He moved me to an identical room on a lower floor. While moving he showed me a unfinished renovated king room. The room was you expect of the Westin brand. I was told the Kings are nearly completion and that the suites will be taken offline and renovated shortly.
I moved to the new room and think, "thank good I'm not going to spend a lot of time in the room itself!" It's not a room that I would want to spend a lot of time in.
I was assigned a suite in the platinum tower. The room decor *felt* older than me! From the dated peach wallpaper, to the multi-stained carpet, to the 27" tube TV, to the 3" "safe", it was ugly. Just ugly. The room had holes in the wall and peeling wallpaper and the only thing missing was a dead body with a chalk outline. Although "cleaned" the room appears to be dirty.
The room was inexcusable, so I called downstairs and I requested a move. The supervisor who checked me in came up viewed the room and agreed it was bad. He moved me to an identical room on a lower floor. While moving he showed me a unfinished renovated king room. The room was you expect of the Westin brand. I was told the Kings are nearly completion and that the suites will be taken offline and renovated shortly.
I moved to the new room and think, "thank good I'm not going to spend a lot of time in the room itself!" It's not a room that I would want to spend a lot of time in.
Overall First Impression: Whoa! Back to the future!
Bed: Soggy. I didnt even check to see if it was a heavenly bed. There are mirrors above the bed which make the room feel like a porno set.
Furniture & Decor: Old, tired, dated, and damaged.
Closet Space: only one closet, but since this was a one night stay, I didn't bother to use it.
TV: 27" TV in the bedroom and parlor portion of the room.
Lighting: Lamps throughout the room and the floor to ceiling windows do help.
Workspace: Desk with wire and wireless connections. As an older hotel, there aren't many electrical sockets.
View: Of a bank, with the Hollywood sign off in the distance! WTF?
Radio/Audio: Decent radio but no MP3 hookups
Guest Room Bathrooms [1]
For the love of all that is holy, did I just step into a 90's sitcom? The bathroom is so tragic, I got vertigo brushing my teeth.
Sink: Corner sinks, with wall to wall mirrors.
Shower: Heavenly shower, but didn't feel like heavenly
Tub: No tub
Toiletries: no body wash, mouth wash, but 3 pieces of shampoo and conditioner.
Housekeeping N/A
No issues as I only spent one night in the property.
Club Level/LoungeN/A
No
Fitness Center [2]
The Fitness centers equipment is dated and I don't understand the lap and the individual workout pods overlooking the lobby.
Pool [3]
Nice pool and pool deck but it's a mile walk from the hotel. You need to navigate through the "city within a city" to find the proper exit.
Business Center N/A
Didn't see one.
Concierge N/A
Didn't use
Didn't use
High Speed Wired/Wireless Internet Access [4]
Complimentary for Platinum guest. $14.95 for others.(IIRC) No speed or drop issues.
Parking/Valet [3]
The valet is overwhelmed. Lots of workers, but took a long time to actually receive the car, even after calling from room and giving a 10 minute headway.
Dining [3]
Checked out Bona Vista lounge. Platinum members, receive a free drink. The drinks were yummy, but the decor, music and ambiance were lame. The drinks were over priced for the location and the view isn't worth the markup.
Checked out Bona Vista lounge. Platinum members, receive a free drink. The drinks were yummy, but the decor, music and ambiance were lame. The drinks were over priced for the location and the view isn't worth the markup.
FINAL IMPRESSION
Overall hotel cleanliness:
Carpet stains in numerous rooms at a location that is billed as a "luxury" is unexcuseable. Right now the property is "marginal" at best. Once renovations are complete, it might be worth a second look. Until then, those with taste similar to mine, should avoid this property.
Staff attitude, conduct & support:
The physical plant, not withstanding, the staff was very pleasant and professional.
Location:
An urban wasteland.
Would I return?
Maybe, if the price was right and I could find things to do nearby.
Would I recommend this as family friendly?
No.
Good for business travelers?
Located in the business district so the location could be beneficial if your need to be downtown.
Good for a romantic get away?
Not unless you're trying to revisit the '90's
Would I recommend for someone looking for Dining/Nightlife?
No
Would I recommend restaurant?
NA
Value for price paid?
Good
Overall property rating on a scale from 1 to 10 = 5
Overall property rating on a scale from 1 to 10 = 5
No comments:
Post a Comment