Starwood Preferred Guest - Westin Fort Lauderdale 2006 onward [Master Thread]

I'm going to stay at Westin Ft Lauderdale this Sunday for my business trip. But after reading so many bad reviews on Tripadvisor, I have a second thought. Just wonder if any FTers can share their unbiased opinions on this property?

One of my main problems with the property is location. It is in the middle of an office park. Apart from a stoll around the office park :rolleyes: there isn't much interesting walking (and no shops/restaurants within walking distance.)

I stayed there almost every week over a year ago. I had a great experience with staff and upgrades, the rooms were OK and our company's rate was reasonable.

I think the property suffers from a price/value problem. They were getting over $230 for a room in season at the time, and when compared to other properties elsewhere in the country it sure didn't seem like a $230 hotel. And I heard from a colleague they've started charging for parking - very odd for a suburban hotel. But obviously they can command the rate as the hotel is always very busy January through March.

And it's definately not a vacation spot by any stretch which also generates complaints. Located in a business park right off 95, and about 5 miles from any beach.

This was one of the oddest Westin's I've stayed: very nice suite, modern Westin-like decor in the room and Heavenly Bed. But downstairs, and in the public areas it was suburban office-park meets cruise ship tackyness. I remember a lot of pink. Maybe they are doing a renovation in phases?

Service was great and our meeting attendees were happy, but a little surprised at the off-the beat location.

I stayed there almost every week over a year ago. I had a great experience with staff and upgrades, the rooms were OK and our company's rate was reasonable.

I think the property suffers from a price/value problem. They were getting over $230 for a room in season at the time, and when compared to other properties elsewhere in the country it sure didn't seem like a $230 hotel. And I heard from a colleague they've started charging for parking - very odd for a suburban hotel. But obviously they can command the rate as the hotel is always very busy January through March.

And it's definately not a vacation spot by any stretch which also generates complaints. Located in a business park right off 95, and about 5 miles from any beach.

Yup, just called the front desk to confirm: $10 for self parking!!!

Its not a bad hotel its the location that is bad. It is good if you have business in that area which I did otherwise I would not recommend this hotel. For the price you can stay a better hotels in a different location

There is a Sheraton Suites on the west side of I-95 and Cypress Creek. The quality might be abit of step below the Westin, but if you need Starwood points/credit, it's a good choice. Walking distance to tons of restaurants, movie theater, Starbucks, Tri-Rail station (cheap daytime hours transport to/from FLL, PBI, MIA) and many local offices.

For the Westin to charge for self parking in that area is just outrageous. Just park at one of the nearby office buildings for free and tell the front desk to go stuff their $10 parking charge when they ask where your car is :td:

I'd agree with the consensus here: less-than ideal location. I did enjoy the hotel...for five weeks. Not a lot in the way of benefits for HHonors elites. The Hampton Inn downtown isn't too bad, or, if you do Hyatts, the Pier 66. But the FLL Starwoods...

Not a lot in the way of benefits for HHonors elites.

I can't imagine why that would be. :D

Figured I'd update this thread for anyone that runs a search on the property. I stayed here a few times last year and finished my first stay for this year the other day. A few things of note -

The hotel is now a franchise and therefore changes are on the way. It's slated to being top-down renovations beginning in July. Restaurant (Alfieri's) still is one to avoid. Common areas are clean but uninspiring. Rooms are worn but clean and comfortable.

The only obvious change you'll see now from the new owner is that they finally started charging $10 for self-park / night (unlimited ins and outs). This is new (as of March) and stupid.

Out of principle I'm not going to stay here on my next trip to FLL because of the hotel's nickel and diming. Hopefully they enjoyed my $30 from parking this trip and that will help them off-set the loss of revenue that, on my next trip, will be going to the Marriott across 95 (or maybe the Sheraton Suites).

I don't get why a "premium" brand like Westin would resort to tactics like this, charging a fee for the simple reason that they can. :td: :td: :td:

Thought I'd update this on my recent experience. Three very positive changes since my last stay.


there's now a special platinum parking area, very close to the entrance ^ Seemingly Plat's aren't charged parking now ^^
a renovation is in progress. Currently the main entrance is closed, the lobby is boarded off, Alfiere's (restaurant) is closed and temporarily relocated to 2nd floor, the floor I was in has been mostly refreshed ^
voucher issued (to Plats) for complimentary continental breakfast ^ (full buffet is $5 extra)

Thought I'd add my update on this proptery. Stayed here one night in late July.

Location:
Many posters complain about the location. I don't really see the problem. If business or pleasure takes you to Ft. Lauderdale then this location seems fairly good. Westin is located north of Ft. Lauderdale business district, just off I-95 to the East.
Exterior:
Nothing of note. Glass, modern looking exterior.
Lobby / Common areas:
Again nothing of note, typical Westin.
Check-in:
I reserved a Standard, King Room at a pre-paid rate. I arrived at about 3:45pm and suites were not ready. I let the check-in staff know that I was willing to wait on the suites to be ready if I could get the upgrade. After a few minutes wait I was offered a free drink at the bar for my willingness to wait as the housekeeping staff completed cleaning a suite for me. During my wait a typical S. FL thunderstorm passed over the hotel and caused a brief power faliure. The hotel's computer system took a while to come back on-line. Overall I ended up waiting just over an hour for a room. I was upgraded to an Executive Suite. I was told this was the best available room for a Plat upgrade.
Parking:
Valet: $14.00
Self: $10.00
Both free for Plats.
Room:
Executive Room. This is a large two room suite. Mine happened to be a corner suite. There is no doorway between living room and sleeping area. Living room has chase lounge, ~40" flat pannel tv, a couple of chairs, desk and coffee table. There was also a wet bar with microwave and sink. All furnishings are typical Westin and in good repair. Bedroom has ~27" flat pannel tv. Seperate thermostat controls for living and sleeping area. View to the north overlooks hotel pool, I-95 northbound, and Lauderdale Mountian (landfill). View to the east overlooks tralier park and ocean about 1 mile away.
Bathroom:
Bathroom has a large garden tub. Westin robe provided.
Staff
I had very limited interaction with the hotel staff except for check-in. The were polite and helpful.
Plat Reconigtion:
Room Upgrade offered at check-in.
500 Plat Amenity points offered at check-in.
Free parking offered at check-in.
50% off food and beverages offered at check-in.
Later two items are offered only to Plats as I was told.
Club Lounge:
None - This may be the reason Plats are offered the 50% discount on food and beverages.
Business Center:
Two computers with printer free of charge.
Pool / Fitness Center:
Large outdoor pool and hottub. Did not use fitness center.
Overall
My stay was during the S. FL low season so occupancy at the hotel was low. I got a great (pre-paid) rate of $89.00 thru spg.com. From my room I could see some suites had balconies. So there are obvioulsy superior suites than the one I got. I would visit this property again.

thanks for the update. i am staying there for one night in aug (doing a quick weekend dive trip up in the boynton beach area) and staying in Ft Lauderdale the night before we leave.