Starwood Preferred Guest - Which Starwood at LAX?

Can someone suggest the preferable starwood at the airport for a quick one night stay? Planning an overnight on the way to Hawaii.

Mary,

The Sheraton Four Points at LAX always gets high marks. You can do a search and read all the glowing comments. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

And, the Hilton Garden Inn in El Segundo (about 5 minutes away) also gets glowing reports.

Dan

Here are a few of the previous threads with comments on the Four Points LAX. Truly a great hotel.

LAX Four Points ditches check-in times (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum74/HTML/003095.html)

Earn Double Starpoints at Four Points LAX : Feb 1 - Nov 15, 2002 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum74/HTML/003046.html)

Favorite Starwood Properties (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum74/HTML/002223-2.html)
see 07-08-2002 posting by Catman

Platinum Choices LAX 4 Points (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum74/HTML/003723.html)

Best and Worst Westin (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum74/HTML/004143.html)
see 06-17-2002 posting by gsilliman

------------------
Got points ? Got smiles !

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Marysunshine:
Can someone suggest the preferable starwood at the airport for a quick one night stay? </font>

I agree with the Four Points LAX recommendation. Very decent property (at least for a Four Points). If you want something a tad more upscale, you can't go wrong with the Sheraton Gateway.

If you're staying there between Thurs, Fri, or Sat night, these properties used to offer rates of $64 at the Four Points and $77 at the Sheraton LAX Gateway.

As a gold, I was upgraded to a junior suite on many occassions. Gold status didn't seem to mean much at the Four Points. I haven't stayed at either property since becoming a Plat with SPG. Anyhow both properties are decent. The Sheraton is a tad more modern IMO.

Thank you all. I checked and the Four Points rate is $99 plus taxes and stuff. We will get to the hotel at 9PM and have to be out by 7 am so I'm not sure I want to spend a hundred bucks to just sleep and run. I'll think it over and if I decide to be cheap I'll use priceline, otherwise this will be my choice. I appreciate all the info.

What's the date?

I often find $50 pre-paid non-refundable internet rates, and $65 normal rates at the 4 Points LAX.

And if you are paying $99, you might as well up the ante to $109 and get the room and 7 nights of parking included on their Park 'N Fly rate (available by calling the hotel reservations dept directly). Or $119 gets you room and 14 days parking.

Suggest you book your room at SPG.com to get the online booking bonus, and then call the hotel to convert the reservation to a Park 'N Fly rate.

If you can't find a cheaper rate at SPG online, you could try quickbook.com. The 4Points LAX is usually around $65 there too, and, as of last May, it was a *points qualifying rate. You might want to double check with *wood if that's still the case, though.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by honu:
If you can't find a cheaper rate at SPG online, you could try quickbook.com. The 4Points LAX is usually around $65 there too, and, as of last May, it was a *points qualifying rate. You might want to double check with *wood if that's still the case, though.</font>

Can't you invoke the "lowest price guarantee" and get the same rate from Starwood directly?

If you know your way around Priceline.com, you have a tremendous shot at getting the Westin (listed as a 4 star on PL) LAX at ridiculously low rates most weekends --- I've seen $34 with some frequency.

If this is an option for you, you'd be wise to check out www.biddingfortravel.com (http://www.biddingfortravel.com)

Eugene, I've never used this feature, but I don't see why not, as long as it's not a consolidator rate. I don't think it gets you the online booking bonus, though, because you'd have to call SPG. But you could get a 10% off the lowest price, which wouldn't be bad either.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by honu:
I don't think it gets you the online booking bonus, though, because you'd have to call SPG. </font>

Perhaps, if you make your reservation online with SPG first (at whatever rate would show the cheapest on their system), then request an adjustment based on the rate at Quickbook.com, you could get online booking bonus as well.

Call me chicken! I wasn't looking for any parking because we are flying to LAX from NY on our way to honolulu. I admit I took the easy way out and went to Priceline and got the Sheraton Four Points for $40.00. I felt the cost and the work involved to get the starwood points wasn't really worth the trouble, but I thank you all for your help. I am happy to be at a good hotel for a great rate.

Mary, thanks for the info, I'll be there this weekend, could you tell me what you bid and the other information, if you don't want to post, would you be kind enough to email me

thanks

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Marysunshine:
Call me chicken! I wasn't looking for any parking because we are flying to LAX from NY on our way to honolulu. I admit I took the easy way out and went to Priceline and got the Sheraton Four Points for $40.00. I felt the cost and the work involved to get the starwood points wasn't really worth the trouble, but I thank you all for your help. I am happy to be at a good hotel for a great rate. </font>

Trojan Horse --

PLEASE go to www.biddingfortravel.com (http://www.biddingfortravel.com) and peruse the countless postings there. You'll find an array of top properties (Sheraton and Westin LAX) going for below $40 that Mary paid for the 4pts.

Good luck --

I went to the priceline site via bidding for travel, bid for a three star at LAX and bid $40. Within 15 minutes I was accepted. Hope that helps.
sbtinme: while I might have gotten a better hotel or the same one for a couple of dollars less, it wasn't worth it to me to spend days submitting bids to save 5 dollars or so. I checked what the Westin was going for at $47.00 and saw the Four Points was going for about 37-40 so to ensure acceptance at the four points I went with the higher bid. It may have cost me three dollars more or so but I felt my time was worth more than that. But I agree if you want to spend the week saving a dollar or two, it can be gotten for a bit less. I was perfectly satisfied with saving between $40 and $50. I"m not greedy. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by Marysunshine (edited 09-02-2002).]

[This message has been edited by Marysunshine (edited 09-02-2002).]

I was really surprised to see people slam the rooms at the Westin LAX. The room I had on a preferred floor was absolutely gorgeous. (Actually the same as at the Westin South Coast Plaze in Costa Mesa). 4Pts. is good. and I've heard good things about the Sheraton though I've never been.

My first choice is deffinitely the Westin.

-tcf

I agree with TCF. Most of the time as a plat I have been upgraded to a Terrace Suite. These are quite nice one bedrooms with a large terrace.

Oh nice, something to look forward to. I was just a lowly preffered guest last time I was there.

-tcf

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Marysunshine:
I went to the priceline site via bidding for travel, bid for a three star at LAX and bid $40. Within 15 minutes I was accepted. Hope that helps.</font>

I'm curious, never having actually used Priceline. Do you usually have to wait 15 minutes for an acceptance? How do they notify you?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by VolleyballFerd:
I'm curious, never having actually used Priceline. Do you usually have to wait 15 minutes for an acceptance? How do they notify you?</font>

Typically, you can find out whether your bid was accepted in less than five minutes. Just click on the icon "check your status" on the page that they give you your bid confirmation number. They will also send you an e-mail with a link to their website informing you whether your bid was accepted or denied. The e-mail usually comes several minutes after they have the answer though.

Bump.

The 4 Points is still providing upgrades without asking for them. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif I know.
The only problem for a weary travller who arrives at 9:00am from a 'run' is that the pre-blocked upgraded room may not be ready.

Dan

Can I just clarify something?

I am SPG Gold, and will be staying at LAX for 5 nights over the course of 9 days. I am planning to use points for 3 nights (the other 2 are company-paid). Are you suggesting the Heavenly Bed, better bathrooms, etc. at the Westin are not worth 1,000 points a night (I will be traveling with my wife, to whom this things are very important).

Also, how do the pools compare?

The Westin LAX as 3 times as nice as the 4Points. However it is usually double/triple the price, and the 4Points has some other redeeming features (great beer bar, flexible hours, better shuttle service). The bed and bath (and room furnishings) are far nicer at the Westin. It is a different category of hotel (as you might expect from the branding).

Sure, spend 1,000 more points per night at the Westin. If you're with the wife, it will be worth the expenditure. Plus, from the Westin you can walk to Taco Bell or Subway for dinner. From Four Points, it's Burger King.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by hedoman:
Sure, spend 1,000 more points per night at the Westin. If you're with the wife, it will be worth the expenditure. Plus, from the Westin you can walk to Taco Bell or Subway for dinner. From Four Points, it's Burger King.</font>

Along those lines, what are the choices near the Sheraton Gateway LAX? I'll be there this Friday with an early Sat flight out--so didn't want to venture too far from the area.

Thanks for the replies. I just found out my conference is at the Sheraton Gateway (which I've stayed at before but haven't loved - my room was massive but not well appointed or laid out). Can I walk from the Westin to the Sheraton?

Mauld...

Within walking distance of the 4 Points LAX, it's pretty much Burger King or other hotel restaurants.

Long walk will bring some more fast food options into the mix. Short drive will bring Paco's Tacos (great Mex), Masion Wong (great Chinese) and a tad futher away many other dining options of the Howard Hughes Mall down Sepulveda to you.

And you can always have the Sheraton shuttle drop you at Encounter. But that's pretty pricey.

Try the Westin hotel - it is definetley the nicest hotel - you can get weekend rates of $79.

Stayed there at least 15 times and I got 80% of the time upgraded to a suite.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PremEx:
Mauld...

Within walking distance of the 4 Points LAX, it's pretty much Burger King or other hotel restaurants.

</font>
I'm at the Sheraton Gateway, is that next to the Four Points?? My other option is just eat at LAX itself.

The Four Points is on the street behind the Sheraton, about a block down.

I'm going to throw in one extra off-beat suggestion here. If you have a car there's a little Mongolian barbeque place on Manchester called 3 Flames in a tiny strip mall right off of Aviation (?) - the route you would take to get to the 405.

My wife and I take a cab over there every time we pass through LAX. If you like that sort of food I can guarantee you won't find better. But it is a funky little neighborhood place. Yet they make you feel like you go there once a month at least.

For those who know Mongolian BBQ, they've used the same grill since I think 1976. And they have three guys cooking at once when they're busy. For those who might not know - those are both good signs.

Not walking distance by any means, but worth it.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PremEx:
The Four Points is on the street behind the Sheraton, about a block down.</font>

It's next to Renaissance LAX.

Based on past experience, and this and other threads, I stayed at the LAX Four Points on Jan 21. It was OK, but I wonder if I should have stayed at the Sheraton instead.

Shuttle pickup at the airport was quick, as was check-in. I was offered the Platinum amenity card so I presume they knew of my status. But I only got a standard room. Given the amenity card, I'll chalk it up to not having a room to upgrade me into.

Room service was exceedingly slow. The 20-30 minutes I was told eventually became 50 minutes. Smoked salmon was good, but the quesadilla was tiny, with most of the plate occupied by sour cream, salsa, etc.

Room was noisy enough that I used my ear plugs. Mostly traffic noise, but facing the airport some flights were also quite loud.

The shuttle to the airport took forever. The drive was quick, but the wait was long. A shuttle appeared just as I was exiting, and I got on. The driver told me we would be leaving in 5 minutes. About 7 minutes later I was asked to get off and get on a different shuttle.

As I was getting on the second shuttle, I was again told 5 minutes. Meanwhile, the first shuttle loaded up with people and departed, for where I know not. Another shuttle that had been parked in the entrance area loaded up and departed. I asked again how long and was told 5 minutes. Over the next several minutes additional people boarded and each were told 5 minutes. Finally some 20+ minutes after boarding the second shuttle, and almost 30 minutes after boarding the first one, we departed.

Definately a step down from my last stay. Next time the Sheraton, I think.

VolleyballFerd,

with PL (by way of BFT of course), if your bid is accepted it's usually real quick, less than 5 min or so. but if it's unreasonably low also, it'll reject you real quick as well.

Wow... using the search function is hard work!!! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Any updates on the LAX Starwoods? Im looking at the 4points and Sheraton only, rates are good, $65 and $75. It almost seems like a technical tie between the both.... any last minute suggestions before I book?

Thanks.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Gaucho100K:
Im looking at the 4points and Sheraton only, rates are good, $65 and $75. It almost seems like a technical tie between the both.... any last minute suggestions before I book? </font>Not much difference, Sheraton Gateway has nicer rooms but the 4Pts has better beer and tries harder. The beer bar in the 4Pts lobby truly is exceptional if you like rare microbrews.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Gaucho100K:
Wow... using the search function is hard work!!! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Any updates on the LAX Starwoods? Im looking at the 4points and Sheraton only, rates are good, $65 and $75. It almost seems like a technical tie between the both.... any last minute suggestions before I book?

Thanks.</font>

I stayed at the 4Pts last week after a first stay in January. The first stay was quite nice, with an upgrade to a very large room, although the breakfast could be improved. The Sheraton gateway, where I also stayed, has a nicer restaurant and bar, and also a sushi bar.

For the second stay, on the rates you quote, I was given a room on a floor where all rooms were opened because there were people installing a new lodgenet system. The airconditioning wasn't operating properly and generating heat instead. I called the front desk in order to have someone fix the AC. No one came for half an hour. I went down to the front desk and asked for another room. I was given a standard room on the SPG floor which looked like heaven compared to the room I was given at first. I checked with the technicians installing the video system and they told me that the AC was not working either in the rooms they had. I have yet to receive the platinum amenity 500 pts.

I am still wondering whether they could have found a worse room, with people working in it, to send me to for daring to use a lowly internet rate. I think I will stick to the Sheraton Gateway, the Hilton and I will also try the Westin on my next trip.



[This message has been edited by JOUY31 (edited 03-13-2003).]

You'll get an extra 250 Platinum Ammenity Points at the Sheraton Gateway. However, the Four Points is offering double base points too!

The gateway has double points, too. Look for Promotional Rates under the Special Rate Plan drop down box.

I get a better rate with a rate plan called "Laxpromo-Dbl Spg Pts".

We recently stayed at the Westin LAX for two nights for the third time in two years and my wife and I really like this place. The bed, of course, but I like watching the planes too. They could stand to wash the windows once in a while though.

The restaurant takes a pretty good amount of getting used to though. We get a kick out of the service and the food is better than you think it's going to be. Almost all the waiters are right off the border of curt and seem to pay you no attention at all. If your waiter is walking by and you ask for something they keep right on walking with no ack at all. Yet in a very short time someone, maybe your waiter maybe not, will walk by, put it on your table and keep right on walking. It's fun to watch. You get really good service, but you don't think you are.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by TabascoGuy:
Almost all the waiters are right off the border of curt and seem to pay you no attention at all. If your waiter is walking by and you ask for something they keep right on walking with no ack at all. Yet in a very short time someone, maybe your waiter maybe not, will walk by, put it on your table and keep right on walking. It's fun to watch. You get really good service, but you don't think you are.</font>

I gotta admit, I wouldn't think I was getting good service...

Follow-up on my complaint concerning my last stay at the 4Pts Sheraton LAX.

I sent an e-mail to Starwood customer care, which was acknowledged and forwarded to the hotel the following day. In less than a week, I have received a very courteous mail from the Director of Rooms at the 4 Pts LAX, acknowledging the difficulties I had encountered and telling me my credit card account would be credited for the amount of one night and tax. I was also given a contact name for my future stays.

All in all, a very satisfactory conclusion and swift resolution of the problem, both by SPG and the hotel management, which highlights their commitment to customer service.

Thanks, William and SPG.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by MarshB:
The gateway has double points, too. Look for Promotional Rates under the Special Rate Plan drop down box.

I get a better rate with a rate plan called "Laxpromo-Dbl Spg Pts".</font>

Scoping out hotels at LAX today for a night in Aug '03, and the Sheraton Gateway is still coming up with this "Laxpromo-Dbl Spg Pts" rate, but the rate plan description says: Double Spg Points Through 4/30/03

Can anyone tell me - was this promo extended? Is it valid through August '03?

Thanks for your help.

The Sheraton Gateway has always been reasonably priced and I have always got a large room--a junior suite they said. The view of the runways was great!! It's still quite a busy hotel and parking is aheadache if you have a vehicle. Best to return the car and take the shuttle back to the hotel

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by MrsDrD:
Scoping out hotels at LAX today for a night in Aug '03, and the Sheraton Gateway is still coming up with this "Laxpromo-Dbl Spg Pts" rate, but the rate plan description says: Double Spg Points Through 4/30/03

Can anyone tell me - was this promo extended? Is it valid through August '03?

Thanks for your help.

</font>

Can't comment on that specifically, although I would expect to get the points if my reservation said that.

When I did stay there last, it was interesting that the double points were on the room rate only. I had expected the double points on all eligible spending, like restaurants and room service. I didn't bother to complain, or even ask, but if memory serves me correctly, the 4 Pts LAX gives double on all eligible charges.

Stayed 1 night at Sheraton Gateway LAX. We were upgraded to a huge room, 1059. It was pretty noisy at first with all the planes, but we were zonked and I slept better than I have in weeks! It was a good 1 night stay and all the front desk and valet people were friendly and courteous. The lounge was closed (I think until the beginning of January), so they gave us the breakfast buffet coupons. It had everything you can want for breakfast. Very worth 2,000 Starpoints. We may have to go again soon since it looks like we may be buying a 2nd place down south, so we'll definitely keep this place in mind.

Just had stays at the 4 points and Westin.

4 points is a dump for sure, but a $60 something rate was tough to pass up. VERY VERY quiet though, good soundproofing.

Westin was nice, typical westin comfort. High $70 rate per night.

Westin without question!

If the price is close, always go with the Sheraton, the Four Points is a complete dump. The bar is great.. but that is the highlight of the property.

I really question the comment that was made that the 4Pts tries harder.. that would not be something I'd even remotely agree with

The sheraton is much nicer.

However, usually the price at the 4Pts just can't be beat

The Westin LAX upgraded me to the Presidential suite last week, for the five hours that I was in the hotel. Don't get me wrong - it was SO nice to have been put in that room without even asking. I have had a lot of trouble getting basic SPG Platinum benefits this year. I just wish that I had been able to spend a bit more time with the grand piano, the plasma tv, the view of jets taking off and landing...

The Four Points LAX is an airport hotel. I am not expecting a St. Regis when I arrive there. In fact, I'm just happy for a clean room with a comfortable bed and decent friendly service.

The Four Points has always treated me well as a Platinum. Most times get a junior suite. Quiet room (for that I would forgo all the fancy amendities.) The staff in my experience has been friendly and warm and welcoming.

Nuff said about TJ Brewsters. Many a Flyertalker can give FOUR PAWS UP on that place and its extensive beer selection.

If I'm stayihng at LAX before an early morning flight... I would choose the Four Points LAX. I save a few dollars and get a clean comfortable room.

I would not call the place a "dump." I've been in hotels that cost twice as much as I would call "a dump."

Never stayed at teh Sheraton LAX, have stayed at the Westin LAX (mixed experiences at best) but if i'm staying at an airport I feel uncomfortable about spending over $100 a night for a bed.

Again, the Four Points is NOT A DUMP. It's a clean, decent airport hotel.

Plus iwth all of these double and triple point promotions I'll take the Four Points LAX anyday. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif


[This message has been edited by Catman (edited Mar 02, 2004).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Catman:

Plus iwth all of these double and triple point promotions I'll take the Four Points LAX anyday. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
</font>

Double points promo now til November 15, 2004.

http://www.fourpointslax.com/specials_la.html

So now that the 4pts has the Four Comfort beds, is it worth a try, or is the Heavenly bed still worth the $10-20 more?

For those that may have a need for a rental car, I found that the Four Points LAX and Sheraton Gateway are close to the AVIS rental car. This was extremely convenient for me to drop off the rental car and check into the hotel before an early morning flight.

The Four Points is just across the street. The Sheraton Gateway is a 10 minute walk.

The Sheraton Gateway upgraded me to a studio suite during my stay and the hotel met my needs perfectly. I may try the Four Points next time since there have been so many positive posts here.

So now that the 4pts has the Four Comfort beds, is it worth a try, or is the Heavenly bed still worth the $10-20 more?

Just completed another stay at the 4pts as a Platinum. Upgraded to the jr. suite. The Four Comfort bed is not as comfortable as the Heavenly bed. However, saving $10-20 will send me back to the 4pts again and again! :D

For those that may have a need for a rental car, I found that the Four Points LAX and Sheraton Gateway are close to the AVIS rental car. This was extremely convenient for me to drop off the rental car and check into the hotel before an early morning flight.

The Four Points is just across the street.

That's Budget Car Rental that's just across the street from the Four Points LAX. Not Avis.

I'm usually at an LA hotel for a week a month or so. I've done the Sheraton, the Westin, and the Hampton Inn by the airport. Currently my favorite is the Westin but that's because I am used to Westins. The Westin has gone through a lot of management changes and is now pretty good. I did the Sheraton two months ago and it was also a very good stay. I even liked the Hampton.

The chance of an upgrade at the Sheraton is VERY high, and it's hit or miss at the Westin. The Sheraton has free breakfast in the lounge, which makes it a really good choice.

Starwood has a pretty good lineup in LA - except for the Sheraton Universal. They do need more properties there though. And I REALLY miss the St. Regis Century City - one of my favorite hotels ever.