thesilb
Dec 9, 01, 10:18 pm
Have been to Columbus last two weekends, and had a chance to try a different Starwood property each time. Thought I would report back.
In each case, we were staying as two rooms of golds, one who had requested non smoking and one who had requested smoking. In case any confusion, I have mentioned previously I have platinum, but I was traveling with Golds who reserved & got the credit.
Westin - 4.5/5.0
Nice downtown location. Both rooms appeared to have been upgraded prior to arrival. For the nonsmoking room, we got a true 2 room suite. This is only my second time in many years of Gold membership getting a true 2 room suite. It was very nice. The smokers room was a smaller room, a very small 2 room suite with only one bathroom. Overall very nice. Heavenly beds, and first time using a heavenly bath. Absolutely no complain whatsoever about the rooms. Water, Starbucks, boxes of chocolates waiting.
The front desk gentleman was not as helpful as possible - he was unable to show us on a local map how to get to a particular restaurant. He was also unable to recommend one of the several Japanese steak houses in town. Problem wuickly cured by talking to one of the bartenders, who was very helpful and also recommended places to see live jazz. Her recommendation turned out to be right-on.
The only other problem we had is that the power went out in our rooms, but it was back on in 15 minutes or less. We ordered the $10 in room breakfasts, which arrived promptly and were good.
Sheraton Suites - 4.0 / 5.0
Nice property, seemed well kept up. Leo checked us in, we asked about possible upgrades but were told every room int he hotel is "essentially the same." Got rooms on the 7th floor. Leo must have read our minds, because on the way up, we saw where in the elevator it said "9th floor - insert key for club access." we weren't going to say anything, but, Leo took the initiative to telephone our rooms and tell us, "hey, just so you know, we closed our lounge so there isn't one anymore. But, I have marked all of you for free breakfast tomorrow." In the morning, when presented with the bill, the discount was already reflected - we just paid the tip. Nice going, Leo.
We liked the neighborhood - about 15 minutes north of downtown in Worthington (I think?). LOTS of restaurants, stores, IMAX, multiplex movies, right at hand.
The beds were not great. They were large, but the matresses were very hard. It was hard to sleep on after the heavenly beds last weekend! The bath showers would not deliver water at a constant temperature, and ran out of hot water one time. My friend said from his room he heard rattling noises of some machinery all night, but we had no such experience right next door to him.
The fitness center is good (way to go on the Star Trak equipment - very nice change from relatively crummy stuff seen most places I've been lately) - and there is a small indoor pool and whirlpool open until 11pm.
In each case, we were staying as two rooms of golds, one who had requested non smoking and one who had requested smoking. In case any confusion, I have mentioned previously I have platinum, but I was traveling with Golds who reserved & got the credit.
Westin - 4.5/5.0
Nice downtown location. Both rooms appeared to have been upgraded prior to arrival. For the nonsmoking room, we got a true 2 room suite. This is only my second time in many years of Gold membership getting a true 2 room suite. It was very nice. The smokers room was a smaller room, a very small 2 room suite with only one bathroom. Overall very nice. Heavenly beds, and first time using a heavenly bath. Absolutely no complain whatsoever about the rooms. Water, Starbucks, boxes of chocolates waiting.
The front desk gentleman was not as helpful as possible - he was unable to show us on a local map how to get to a particular restaurant. He was also unable to recommend one of the several Japanese steak houses in town. Problem wuickly cured by talking to one of the bartenders, who was very helpful and also recommended places to see live jazz. Her recommendation turned out to be right-on.
The only other problem we had is that the power went out in our rooms, but it was back on in 15 minutes or less. We ordered the $10 in room breakfasts, which arrived promptly and were good.
Sheraton Suites - 4.0 / 5.0
Nice property, seemed well kept up. Leo checked us in, we asked about possible upgrades but were told every room int he hotel is "essentially the same." Got rooms on the 7th floor. Leo must have read our minds, because on the way up, we saw where in the elevator it said "9th floor - insert key for club access." we weren't going to say anything, but, Leo took the initiative to telephone our rooms and tell us, "hey, just so you know, we closed our lounge so there isn't one anymore. But, I have marked all of you for free breakfast tomorrow." In the morning, when presented with the bill, the discount was already reflected - we just paid the tip. Nice going, Leo.
We liked the neighborhood - about 15 minutes north of downtown in Worthington (I think?). LOTS of restaurants, stores, IMAX, multiplex movies, right at hand.
The beds were not great. They were large, but the matresses were very hard. It was hard to sleep on after the heavenly beds last weekend! The bath showers would not deliver water at a constant temperature, and ran out of hot water one time. My friend said from his room he heard rattling noises of some machinery all night, but we had no such experience right next door to him.
The fitness center is good (way to go on the Star Trak equipment - very nice change from relatively crummy stuff seen most places I've been lately) - and there is a small indoor pool and whirlpool open until 11pm.