Starwood Preferred Guest - GONE to Hilton: Westin Stamford, CT [Master Thread]

I have an upcoming stay in the Stamford / Greenwich area and am wondering if anyone has recent experience at the Westin Stamford?

I stay there about every two months, for a few days each time.

For me, it's always been reliable, but unexciting. The rooms are quite large and the Heavenly Beds and Baths are present. I believe all the rooms are identical. No noticeable benefit from being SPG Gold, but I usually stay on the Club floor to take advantage of the breakfast.

Worst thing about the Westin Stamford is its location in First Stamford Place - literally 'on the wrong side of the tracks' from Downtown Stamford. When you get back to the hotel, basically you're stuck there unless you get a cab into town - the walk into downtown takes you through some rather hairy areas, so if you're keen on easy access to external restaurants, bars etc, you'd be better off elsewhere. The in-house bar and restaurant are fine but characterless.

[This message has been edited by dallardice (edited 09-06-2003).]

I was there last month, booked through priceline.com. I second dallardice regarding the location.
My room looked a bit old, worn out.. nothing special. The parking was free. I have stayed in nicer Westins, especially in Europe.
I believe the room had a sensor. When nobody was in the room, the A/C did not run, but I am not sure about this.

Any comments on the Sheraton in Stamford?

It's pricing $20 less than the Westin. I only need it for one night, but I'd still like to choose the better one. Is the Sheraton's location as negative?

And do any of you know off hand how much a cab would be from Stamford to JFK? (Or any other transportation recommendations? Car service?)

Thanks in advance. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I stayed at this hotel last year. It was nice, but average. It is close to the downtown Stamford area. One problem was that the fire alarm kept going off on my floor on multiple nights, but I'm sure it was only a temporary problem.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by sk3:

And do any of you know off hand how much a cab would be from Stamford to JFK? (Or any other transportation recommendations? Car service?)

Thanks in advance. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif</font>

JFK and Stamford are quite far apart so I would think the cost of a cab would be prohibitive. If you don't mind a scheduled shared car service, you can take Connecticut Limo (http://www.ctlimo.com) to JFK for about $45 each way. You can also take Metro North (http://as0.mta.info/mnr/schedules/sched_form.cfm) train to Grand Central for a peak fare of $15, walk across the street and then take the New York Airport Service (http://www.nyairportservice.com/) bus to JFK for $13.

Thanks so much, very helpful. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by sk3 (edited Jan 29, 2004).]

I just checked out today --

See my recent posting "Short Sheeted" --

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum74/HTML/009412.html

My parking wasn't free - it was $5.00 (they never even asked if I had a car!)

I spoke with the GM this morning and I guess they recently aquired the hotel. They are still ironing out a few issues, but they are headed in the right direction -- if they can get the bedding back to "Heavenly".

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by dallardice:
Worst thing about the Westin Stamford is its location in First Stamford Place - literally 'on the wrong side of the tracks' from Downtown Stamford. When you get back to the hotel, basically you're stuck there unless you get a cab into town - the walk into downtown takes you through some rather hairy areas, so if you're keen on easy access to external restaurants, bars etc, you'd be better off elsewhere. The in-house bar and restaurant are fine but characterless.

</font>

I agree about the location too. It is also within walking distance to the train station that can take you directly into Grand Central Station.

The Sheraton is in a better location, but is not within walking distance to downtown and the train station. It doesm however, have the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper bed, so it may be an okay option.

If you want to stay in downtown, there is really only one option, the Holiday Inn Select. They are in the process of building a Courtyard in downtown, but it is months away from completion. Another option is the Greenwich Hyatt, which is located just over the border and is a five minute drive to downtown Stamford. I would not wealk from here, though, as doing so requires going through some dodgy areas.

If anyone needs a car service for travel from the airports to Stamford, e-mail me. I have been using a company for the past year and they provide good service. Stamford to/from JFK is $110 not including tolls and tip.

I always go with the Hyatt Greenwich. Free parking, much nicer hotel. Decent little pool and gym. Good RC floor.

I was walked to the Hyatt last year when the Westin was full. I wasn't keen. Admittedly, I was checking in late (about 11pm), but I got a smoky room. Also there were no bathroom amenities (shower gel etc). I reported this to housekeeping but they still didn't supply any for my second night. I assume this is not normal.... Admittedly I was grumpy because the Westin had bumped me, but I didn't think the Hyatt was worth the (significantly higher) rates.

On Sat 5/8, I stayed at the Westin in beautiful Stamford, CT, where they shut the liquor stores at 8PM on Saturday night (at least the only one I could find.) I digress. Chose this hotel for my 1 night in the NYC area because:

I like Westins (great bed;)
The special $89 rate being promoted on spg.com;
The website said it was "W-like;"
It's close to NYC;
I couldn't PL a good hotel in NYC for near that price.

The directions on the web site, where you input your starting point and it gives you MapQuest directions, were wrong. They put me into a dead end near UConn Stamford, rather than the correct directions, that were also on the site, so it's a MapQuest problem? The person I called at the hotel for help knew about the problem, so why isn't it fixed?

Anyway, I arrived after a little, involuntary, tour of Stamford, CT. Hotel exterior and lobby look good, definitely upscale. I had to remind them of my 500 points for PLT amenity (which did not post with the stay points as it usually does.) I was UPG'd to a suite on the 4th floor. While I appreciated the UPG, I did not need 2 rooms and especially not one where the wall paper is peeling off the walls and the wood furniture looks like it has been run into, especially the lower portions, by cleaning equipment or machines, with marrs and scratches everywhere. Did I mention the view of the gravel roof and skylight? So I called Service Express and requested a higher floor.

They sent up a key for the top floor (too bad the Club is closed on weekends,) and off I go. The room looks better, better wallpaper but still some cuts and patches in it, but is only one room, no suite. No problem, except that the upscale carpetting is worn, a path from the door to the bed and the upscale tile in the bath is poorly grouted and sticky. Put down the bath mat and a towel and made a note to myself to wear flips at all times. Oh yeah, I must have been right under the A/C plant on the roof. I thought it was appropriate that they had pictures of trains as artwork on the walls, as that is what it sounded like when the A/C went on.

Not in the mood to experiment further with available rooms, I settle into the NBA playoffs, remembering what Tom Burdett said about Motel 6. The rooms all look the same when the light are out, but I have the Heavenly Bed. Now may be a good time to skip ahead and mention the "Heavenly" shower. Maybe I'm still jaded from that recent stay at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo and their great shower, with a fixture from the ceiling doing the "rain" style shower and a shower head on the wall, doing the shower massage style shower, the Westin had 2 shower heads, side by side, coming out of the one pipe from the wall. With the tiniest tub of all times (even the 4Points Pleasanton's tub was larger,) all the Heavenly effect is wasted.

Anyway, I put all of these comments into the folder they deliver with the statement under the door. When I went to check out, the woman looks it over and shrugs. I did tell her I am a little more picky that the usual guest, but that they should not rely solely upon Moltan Brown toiletries and worn or peeling upscale carpet and wallpaper to try to emulate their W chain's style. I "stayed" at the W in Silicon Valley (the famed $29 Leap Year special DO,) and the Westin Stamford did not come close to the style and execution of that property. I also sent these comments by e-mail via the spg.com link. No reply/response.

And no 500 PLT amenity points yet.

Anyway, I spent a great afternoon in Manhattan and had lunch at the Carnegie Deli. Got on an earlier flight and UPG'd to C. All was well.

You are correct:

-This is not a nice hotel
-My room was a little run-down
-The location is somewhat remote
-I also had trouble finding the hotel the first time

I plan to stay at Westin Stamford (by using cash/points award) in Aug. I need to stay at a middle stop (closer to NYC <within an hour drive>) between NYC and Providence, RI. I tried to find any nice property within the possible regions and found Westin Stamford.

However, based on serveral reviews both here and tripadvisor, the reviews on this hotel are not favorable. I need to get any comments regarding this and have some questions.

How really bad(old, torn, worn) in their room? Several members told this and it will be the same situation even in the suite or club floor. Anyone can confirm this?

Then, which room would be the best option? I knew their club rooms are on the 10th floor. Are their any suites in the same floor? Would the club floor still be the better option (than even the suites in lower floor)? How likely can I (platinum) get upgraded with an award stay?

How about their Club Lounge (do they serve any snack/beverage in the afternoon? how good is their breakfast)?

Do they charge self-parking? How difficult to find the hotel (some people complained about their odd location)?

Would there be any alternative hotel (within 1- 1 1/2 hour boundary from New York toward Providence)? I know there are so many hotels in the regions, but did not find many property as luxurious as Westin (I knew Hyatt Greenwich, but I did not have a status with the hotel. Also, their price is over $200 on the night (Monday night)).

Thanks for your help in advance.

I plan to stay at Westin Stamford (by using cash/points award) in Aug. I need to stay at a middle stop (closer to NYC <within an hour drive>) between NYC and Providence, RI. I tried to find any nice property within the possible regions and found Westin Stamford.

However, based on serveral reviews both here and tripadvisor, the reviews on this hotel are not favorable. I need to get any comments regarding this and have some questions.


I stayed there around a year ago and if you dont mind being in a business park I didnt find anything bad with the Hotel.



How really bad(old, torn, worn) in their room? Several members told this and it will be the same situation even in the suite or club floor. Anyone can confirm this?

I was on the 10th not worn at all, visited a friend who was on Ithink the 3rd or so who had a 2 bed-room suite nothing worn with that either nice full kitchen.

Then, which room would be the best option? I knew their club rooms are on the 10th floor. Are their any suites in the same floor? Would the club floor still be the better option (than even the suites in lower floor)? How likely can I (platinum) get upgraded with an award stay?

How about their Club Lounge (do they serve any snack/beverage in the afternoon? how good is their breakfast)?

Didnt know they had one, then again was there over a weekend so if they had it Im sure it would have been closed.

Do they charge self-parking? How difficult to find the hotel (some people complained about their odd location)?
Yes but you can at most times just drive down the ramp on the left as you get to the drive-path to the Main Entrance and take the Elevator up, one time they did ask if I had a car the 1st time they didnt. So answer as you feel. Was back there a few times and never had a problem just driving down the ramp, could be a problem during the week as maybe other people park there that work or are visiting nearby buildings. There is street parking not the best neighborhood and make sure that if you do its not in conflict with any of the timing/dating on the signs. Ive known people who parked there all weekend long and when they went to get the car on Sun night to leave it was as if it was parked in their driveway the whole time.

Would there be any alternative hotel (within 1- 1 1/2 hour boundary from New York toward Providence)? I know there are so many hotels in the regions, but did not find many property as luxurious as Westin (I knew Hyatt Greenwich, but I did not have a status with the hotel. Also, their price is over $200 on the night (Monday night)).

There is a Sheraton up in town. But the Westin is the best as its right off the 95. There is suppose to be a Hampton Inn nearby as well in Stamford a redo from a Raddison I believe and a typical Ham in Medford around exit 36, a Basic Ham at that. If its a Plain Vanilla that you want (no pool no nothin) theres a 4 Points in Norwalk right off The Merrit Pway. Theres a nice Marriott in Stamford as well. as for SPG its either the Westin or Sheraton in Stamford or the 4 Pts in Norwalk

Thanks for your help in advance.

....Do they charge self-parking? How difficult to find the hotel (some people complained about their odd location)?....

They didn't charge me for self-parking .. may be they should have, I don't know. You can drive in and out without a "key" etc.

It was a little difficult to find the hotel. When I remember it correct, the hotel is near a train line. A little remote, in a small commercial area with a small park.
It's not my favorite hotel. When a would be you, I would try Priceline and search for a 4-star hotel, low offer...after consulting the two websites BFT and betterbidding.

The hotel is poorly located in terms of visiting Stamford (cannot walk downtown, for example), hence some of the negative comments. It is a business hotel and not a tourist hotel. Stayed there 10 years ago and it was in good shape, but if it hasn't been refurbished it could be severely worn by now. Not a great hotel, but none of the alternatives are better, and the cash & points rate is often a bargain. Plat upgrade applies to all stays (including award) booked via spg but not to Priceline.

Having stayed at the Westin and Sheraton in Stamford, if you're just passing through on 95 the Westin is MUCH more convenient. I had good experiences at both properties.

I stayed there a couple months ago and felt that it was a decent Westin. Definitely, a businees class hotel. The room was comfortable. I do not remember it being that worn, but I was tired and it was only for one night. I do recall that it was a little tricky to find, but not that hard. I had the valet park the car, so I am not sure if self parking is paid or not. The valet was quite slow, so call ahead. If I recall correctly, there is a MTA station right next to the hotel.

As a platinum, I was not upgraged and did not try to use the club lounge. The room service was standard fare and was decent. However, it was quite slow to get to my room.

Hope this helps.

I'm staying at the Stamford Westin this week. Last week I was at the Stamford Sheraton. Neither property is stellar, but the Westin is nicer if only for the Heavenly Bed and Shower. The beds at the Sheratons didn't feel like Sweet Sleepers to me. Both hotels have decent workout facilities. Both hotels are on the low end quality-wise compared to the other Sheratons and Westins I have stayed in.

The Westin is easy to find from 95...located directly off Greenwich (Exit 7) in the Stamford Place complex which is just south and adjacent to 95.

The Westin rooms are average, but the Heavenly Beds and Showers are fine.

The club lounge does serve breakfast and evening snacks. The only perk to the club floor seems to be more convenient access to the lounge. The club level rooms seem identical to rooms on other floors.

There is a charge for self parking, but I don't know how much it is.

I would not spend $200 on a room at the Westin. I've seen rates as low at $109 at the Sheraton. I think the best hotel in Stamford is the Marriot. Its located in the middle what passes for the Stamford entertainment district and the hotel appears relatively new and nice.

My Platinum experience was a few years ago so it may be out of date.
I can not provide wear and tear updates.
Would be very surprised if it didn't meet average or better brand standards.Though anything is possible

Plus Side

*Location Right off 95
*Well appointed but average size Westin guest rooms
*The Heavenly Bed
*Well maintained guest rooms
*Attractive public areas
*Nice upgrade to Exceutive Club Floor with very attractive Lounge
(If that is still being offered as a perk)

Challenges
*Bad directions by hotel led me into a less then desirable neighorhood on my first stay
Its a sharp right into the complex of office buildings after exiting exit ramp where the Westin is located and then one is just fine.
*Upgrade by asking at check in only
Which was a standard guest room connected to a long living room and wet bar.
More like a meeting room connected to a guest room.
*Health club was dreadful.
Though the word on the street is that has since been adressed by being renovated.
RE:The Westin Workout.So hopefully all is looking well now.

Though there have been some other small past bumps in the road.
I have found the hotel to be reasonably fair in working out a solution to any concerns.
Have always found the folks there at the hotel to be perfectly nice.

We are are a very tough bunch of travelers on average to please.
If I have learned anything on or off Flyertalk it is that many of us will never all agree on an individual hotel experience.
No matter how much I speak highly of an individual property somebody always comes along with a reason why they think it is awful.
There are many factors that come into play and frequently some of these comments and concerns we read and monitor are isolated incidents.
Others not.
I would without hesitation be happy to book a reservation there again if I found a rate plan that was agreeable
Have a great stay should you choose to go.
Cheers

I would agree with most of the comments previously posted. I thought this was an average Westin, which makes it a cut above most Marriotts, etc. I had no issues with the room and found the restaurant/bar to be very pleasant.

I have stayed at the Marriott Stamford and found it ok as well. As mentioned the Westin is not that convenient to get around in Stamford (and personally, I did find it a bit hard to find) while the Marriott is right downtown (and very easy to get to). But I did prefer the room and bed at the Westin to the Marriott. Also, I think the Marriott is usually more expensive than the Westin. So it comes down to what your priorities are.

I have also stayed at a few lower priced hotels just off I95 both east and west of Stamford and found them an acceptable trade-off in terms of quality versus price, but if you're looking for a nicer experience in that area, I think the Westin is your best bet.

I'm staying at the Westin in Stamford, CT on a weekend in mid-September. I am a Starwood Platinum and wanted to see what folks' upgrade experience has been there.

I am from Boston and have had consistently GREAT luck with the Sheraton in Boston and wanted to see if anyone can speak to the Westin Stamford.

Are there suites worth trying to get? Specific rooms, etc...?

Any input? Thanks in advance!

Good chance for upgrade. I stayed here several times and the service was always great. There is usually a manager in the lobby (Dennis is great). You should definetly get a club room and often a suite. Very nice club. Wireless is suppose to be all the hotel but doesnt work well if the room is at the end of the hall. Does work great in the Club.

Good chance for upgrade. I stayed here several times and the service was always great. There is usually a manager in the lobby (Dennis is great). You should definetly get a club room and often a suite. Very nice club. Wireless is suppose to be all the hotel but doesnt work well if the room is at the end of the hall. Does work great in the Club.


When did this Westin start having the Club open on weekends??? Keep in mind that the OP is going on a weekend.

The room itself was open but nothing inside it when I was there a couple of yrs ago over a weekend. And the lights were shut off as well. Needless to say I wasnt in the Club.

My stays at The Westin Stamford were all a couple of years ago, but I was upgraded to a suite on a couple of weekend stays. If what craz says in post #5 is true about the groups then you may be out of luck. Groups and weddings are bad news for suite upgrades.

The suites I received were a regular room with a connecting door to the suite part. They are designed more for conferences and are not especially residential. I pretty much didn’t even use the extra space (other than to take the extra Starbucks coffee packet :D ). So… unless you have 20 friends coming and you would like to sit around a conference table, I’d not worry about getting the suite.

Stamford CT Westin

I visited this hotel 2 weeks ago. My findings:

1. Filthy bathroom. Sink stopped up.
2. Check in unavailable at 1 PM. No apology and told to wait.
3. No Platinum recognition.
4. Phones not answered properly and when they were, routed to the wrong destination (several times).
5. No management on duty at check in or check out. No one to complain to- the regular staff could care less. I left my Platinum card and asked someone to call me. No one has.
6. Upon reaching customer relations after check out, I was told someone from this hotel would be contacting me in 48 hours. It is now 2 weeks later.
7. Food below par, even for a hotel.

Overall, this hotel is dark, dingy and old. I checked out and went to the Hyatt Greenwich. Several staffers there told me they get many unhappy Westin customers.

I won't stay there again and I would warn anyone not to do so if they value their experience. There are better options nearby.

Were you there between 11/30 & 12/3 ? if so that can explain alot as they were in a sort of sold-out mode due to a conference that was taking place there that whole weekend.

I didnt stay there this time but went to the 4P in Norwalk as it was $40 less per night and only a 15 min drive away.

But I have nothing but kudos for this place. OK its in an Office Complex with nothing within walking distance to it, but I always found the rooms and service more then decent. And up to Westin standards.

Were you there between 11/30 & 12/3 ? if so that can explain alot as they were in a sort of sold-out mode due to a conference that was taking place there that whole weekend.

I didnt stay there this time but went to the 4P in Norwalk as it was $40 less per night and only a 15 min drive away.

But I have nothing but kudos for this place. OK its in an Office Complex with nothing within walking distance to it, but I always found the rooms and service more then decent. And up to Westin standards.

Since I was comped a Platinum card, I have been giving Starwood a chance. Some properties are okay (I recently stayed at the W in Manhattan for $800/night) but overall service is inconsistent. Based on my experience in Stamford and the Westin Tabor in Denver, I am returning to Hyatt and Marriott. I was actually in Stamford for one night (November 29). There is no excuse for the way this hotel is run and worse, no follow up. Marriott follow up is done personally within 24 hours. I am done with Starwood.

Since I was comped a Platinum card, I have been giving Starwood a chance. Some properties are okay (I recently stayed at the W in Manhattan for $800/night) but overall service is inconsistent. Based on my experience in Stamford and the Westin Tabor in Denver, I am returning to Hyatt and Marriott. I was actually in Stamford for one night (November 29). There is no excuse for the way this hotel is run and worse, no follow up. Marriott follow up is done personally within 24 hours. I am done with Starwood.


Hyatt is a cut above Starwoods, Hilton, and Marriott , but still below FS Fairmont, MO etc etc

If given a choice I too would go with Hyatt before any of the Mass3

Hyatt is a cut above Starwoods, Hilton, and Marriott , but still below FS Fairmont, MO etc etc

If given a choice I too would go with Hyatt before any of the Mass3

I am lifetime PLT in Marriott and found they have really upgraded properties, service, and food. Hyatt has great resorts and good business hotels so I stay enough there to keep PLT (can't make Diamond). I like some Starwood properties but overall, I agree they can't compare in quality to Hyatt (of the mass hotels). I am taking my travel budget back where it is appreciated.

Just returned from an overnight Mattress Run (need to get one more stay for a recent promo). Before arriving I contemplated just checking in and 1 minute later checking right out to log the stay.

In retrospect, that was not a bad idea as my stay was just mediocre and hardly worth leaving the comforts of home.

Friday, the day before, I was able to snare a "79 rooms for $79" rate (plus tax) and wanted to sample this property which I had visited but not stayed at before.

Prior to setting off for the hotel, I called the hotel at 19:00 to inquire whether the hotel operated shuttle bus would pick me up later that night at the train station, and was assured that it would. "Simply call 10 minutes before you arrive" was the parting comment.

Upon arrival, I was variously told that the hotel shuttle bus was not available either due to 1) both buses being out of service, or 2) they were dispatched on an airport pickup. "Why not just walk or take a taxi, it won't cost you much" was the suggestion? I guess they presume customers with luggage won't mind a 10-15 minute walk in the dark with luggage, or shelling out for a service previously confirmed.

After some telephone discussion with the person in charge, they agreed to reimburse cab fare.

Check in at 22:00 was a long affair due to the length of the queue (no self service kiosk) and one front desk staff person wandering off, leaving just a single person.

As Plat I was upgraded to the 10F Club Level room. No suite upgrades were available and the hotel was supposedly booked full with two weddings and a convention.

As the Club Lounge was closed for the weekend, I asked whether breakfast coupons were available. They were. Perhaps I may be mistaken, but I am of the impression that those would not be offered unless I had asked.

Our room featured those delightful sensors that turn on the AC only when the room is occupied. With summer weather that means that the AC is off for most of the day, allowing latent in room smells to seep in. Mrs. Globehopper thinks the room smell was from mold; I think that perhaps someone may have been smoking within. Painted wall surfaces were tacky to the touch, both within the room and in the hallway.

The heavenly bed was heavenly; although it appeared that the full compliment of pillows was not set up, leaving only the most full bodied, puffiest pillows (that snap my head and neck uncomfortably forward).

For those who wish to read, room lighting was dim and not conducive.

The only distinguishing characteristic of the Club Room that I could tell from the non Club rooms was the presence of a bottle of Acqua Panna water, available free. There was also a minibar, but as we were not given a key, I could not ascertain contents inside. I like to read the Guest Services directory to see what the hotel deems important, but it was missing. However, several ads for various hotel products were placed within the hotel portfolio.

As the hotel lobby has been torn apart for a renovation, I perused the very limited 23:00 to 06:00 room service menu which had one of the most abbreviated menu choices that I've seen. Choices are:

- 1 soup choice (clam chowder) $8, plus $3 delivery + 20% auto tip + tax
- 2 salads: green salad and Caesar salad
- 1 sandwich, Turkey Club
- 3 deserts: cheesecake, mud pie, and fresh fruit.

That's it. But no matter.

As the Senses Restaurant is temporarily closed for breakfast and lunch for the duration of this phase of lobby construction, the temporary breakfast venue is within three 2F meeting rooms with zero ambience.

Breakfast is served buffet style.

Unfortunately the hotel serving staff appeared unhappy as shouting from the non public areas could be heard. Several customers including myself commented upon the lack of table clearance, the need to repeatedly ask for napkins, cutlery, glasses, cups, liquids to go into these cups/glasses, etc. after lengthy waits.

I asked to speak with a manager as staff appeared unmotivated and annoyed to be working that day.

The cordial, but overwhelmed restaurant manager apologized for the disarray and explained that his staff were not used to working on the 2F, whereupon I pointed out that I just saw during the previous night two large wedding banquets on that same floor. I also suggested that since customers were enduring long waits for coffee/juice/cutlery, etc. why not just make everything self service? That is, let customers serve themselves the coffee from an urn, juice from a carafe, and grab their own napkin set ups?

I was told that apparently a higher up manager did not like that idea. Or perhaps it was so that staff could receive tips?

As many other customers were visibly upset, I think the propensity for those customers to tip may have vanished as I saw no cash/coins left on any of the many uncleared tables.

While I am tolerant of even lower grade buffet food and find it difficult to ruin something as basic as scrambled eggs, somehow the kitchen managed to do so with the eggs and other dishes. Very industrial grade tasting food.

As we left, we noticed a couple who preferred to take their plate with them for in room consumption—as they wished to flee the chaos.

Deciding that better food could be had elsewhere, we checked out. Again a lengthy check out queue with just a single person on duty. But, the queue moved quickly. As the last of the queue evaporated, a second front desk staff person appeared.

This morning the hotel shuttle buses were operating. On Sundays they run every 30 minutes at the top and bottom of the hour. At 10:27 one pulled up, the driver opened the doors to the empty bus, then decided to quickly shut the doors then shouted out to the waiting customers that the next bus would depart at 10:30 and disappeared. Why couldn’t he leave the door open so that customers could board, settle in and await the return of the driver?

Not wanting to miss a connecting train, at 10:33 I inquired back at the front desk about the whereabouts of the shuttle bus driver, and was told by the front desk that it was only 10:29 (despite the fact that other customers waiting for the shuttle compared watches and we agreed that our collective watches was correct). The front desk staffer went off in search of the driver.

With no driver 5 minutes later, this time a different front desk person suggested that the bus left at 10:30. After I explained that the bus was still there, she asked why didn't we just "walk or take a taxi (at our expense)?

__

As mentioned at the outset, this stay was mediocre.

While certain staff wore ribbons with the number "10" and banners in the lobby extolled that the hotel was striving for "10" level service, I would say that they did provide "10" level service-- assuming that a 0 to 40 scale was used.

It seems that many staff members in this hotel are unmotivated or unwilling to work at even the bare minimum level of effort. It seemed this was an "unhappy hotel" staffing wise. For instance, I noticed the restaurant manager having to perform tasks that the severs should have attended to. Or perhaps the hotel is stretched thin by the concurrent weddings and events?

Would I return? Yes, if I could find a cheap rate for another MR. Otherwise I would not return expecting a good night's sleep or a relaxing stay.

I am checking in this afternoon for my second stay here and I hope it is better than my last. As the previous poster suggested, service does not seem to be a strong point at this property. As for the 'walk' to the train station, while maps seem to suggest it is relatively short and a straight line-- for half the walk you're in a corporate park area with winding roads/parking lots etc, and part of the other half doesn't seem to have sidewalks! I'm hoping this time I get access to the lounge, as last time, I wasn't even told of it-- and when I inquired at check out I was told it was only for Gold & Platinums (I'm Platinum).

Just back and the construction in the lobby takes up 75% of the area. The restaurant and bar are only open in the evening. At check in, my Platinum status was noted and I was given a room on 9 (937). From the website, there did appear to be suites available, but as I was only here one night, I didn't need it. I did ask about the executive lounge and was told it was on the 10th floor. It opens at 5:30pm and when I went up to check it out, my door card didn't work. The staffers did let me in and checked my card and found it had not been activated. It is a nice, lounge with a good assortment of snacks, fruit, hot entrees as well as complimentry beer & wine :cool: My room was fine, and the only complaint I would have is why do they place the coffee maker where there is no usable outlet??? It is on the desk where all outlets are being used. I had to move it over to one of the nightstands to plug it in.
Today I had the complimentary breakfast on 2 and checked out at 7:30am. As I will most likely be returning here, I didn't find it that bad, and the free wine in the lounge is definately a PLUS!

Just back and the construction in the lobby takes up 75% of the area. The restaurant and bar are only open in the evening. At check in, my Platinum status was noted and I was given a room on 9 (937). From the website, there did appear to be suites available, but as I was only here one night, I didn't need it. I did ask about the executive lounge and was told it was on the 10th floor. It opens at 5:30pm and when I went up to check it out, my door card didn't work. The staffers did let me in and checked my card and found it had not been activated. It is a nice, lounge with a good assortment of snacks, fruit, hot entrees as well as complimentry beer & wine :cool: My room was fine, and the only complaint I would have is why do they place the coffee maker where there is no usable outlet??? It is on the desk where all outlets are being used. I had to move it over to one of the nightstands to plug it in.
Today I had the complimentary breakfast on 2 and checked out at 7:30am. As I will most likely be returning here, I didn't find it that bad, and the free wine in the lounge is definately a PLUS!


The lounge, and Tony, who often staffs it at night, is the only plus of this Westin. Good food, comfy, and rather decent wines. I've had it with these guys (but they haven't been soooo incompetent to drive me back to the evil Stamford Sheraton...yet). On my stay last week, there was no water in the room (just the SPG water tag laying on the desk), no bottled water in the mini-bar, the store was closed for 30 mins (but it had been closed since I checked in--over 30 mins earlier), and there was nobody at the bar. A call to Service Express (otherwise known as the hotel operator!) promised a delivery of water that never came. When I asked the front desk just what a guest had to do for a bottle of water to take to their workout facility, which is the hottest, most uncomfortable in all the SPG network, she finally went and found me one. Check-in/out were uncommonly fast and pleasant, but warm rooms (mine was at 72 and after having the ac on all day and night, it was 70 when I checked out the next day), next to non-existent water pressure, and the absence of any level of service, it remains a property that taxes my patience.

Staying at the Westin Stamford CT and chatting with the host at the temporarily relocated Platinum lounge (ground floor/just behind the restaurant). He told me the deal has been signed and the new flags will be going up shortly---announcing the new Stamford Hilton. It is expected to happen even before the hotel is done with its full renovation (which is expected to be completed sometime in late Jan '08). Does this mean the only option for a full service Starwood in CT is the dismal Stamford Sheraton or horrors!! the Hartford East Sheraton/Airport Hartford ?? Granted, the 4P in Norwalk isn't bad, but this does leave a serious hole in the Starwood CT lineup. On the other hand, he did go on to say, staff were all offered postions with the new owner and they (Hilton) would be looking to comp frequent Starwood stayers to their brand. Problem is, my company is "Starwood" loyal and thus it looks like Sheraton or 4Points for my now frequent CT stays:rolleyes:

This is not good since there isn't much Starwood properties in Connecticut to start with... :confused:

I guess it wont be missed too much as most people on here Bashed this place. I happened to have liked it. Wonder if they will be keeping the Heavenly Beds?

The good thing is that HH now has another FS Hotel, think SPG has no rep HH is worse yea there are a number of Hamptons but most are the older type meaning simply a room, no pool etc etc.

New hotel homepage on hilton.com:
http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/BDRSTHF-Hilton-Stamford-Connecticut/index.do

No note yet on starwoodhotels.com that the hotel will be leaving SPG.
https://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=264

Heavenily Beds are mostly gone

Heavenily Beds are mostly gone Did they convert them to the hilton bed? If so why, Heavenily bed wiht out the sheets would be better and cheaper.

Good riddance... I was booked at the Westin Stamford this evening and left shortly after I arrived. The room smelled of chemicals that left me light-headed. The construction at the hotel has made it a total disaster to park and navigate. I relocated to the Sheraton in Stamford which is paradise in comparison (it's really not paradise - but the room smells great, the room is clean and the hallway is quiet).

- T

I honestly would avoid this property moving forward - it's apparently being converted into a Hilton anyway.

I checked in tonight for a 1 night stay and checked out 30 minutes later. The hotel is undergoing a massive construction project which makes parking difficult at best and obviously everything is in that "under construction" state of disarray as a result.

The room I was given looked to be recently remodeled and clean, but there was an overwhelming chemical smell in the room and the windows would not open. Strike 1.

The in-room internet connection was operating around 1k/sec... entirely too slow to get anything productive done. A call for help went unanswered and after a while the smell of the room got to me anyway. Strike 2.

The hotel was completely full due to a jewish convention in the building this weekend. The lobby was overflowing with kids having their run of the lobby, and at that point - I'd had my fill. Strike 3. I left and went over to the Sheraton Stamford which, so far, has been excellent (certaily in comparison).

I honestly would avoid this property moving forward - it's apparently being converted into a Hilton anyway.

I checked in tonight for a 1 night stay and checked out 30 minutes later. The hotel is undergoing a massive construction project which makes parking difficult at best and obviously everything is in that "under construction" state of disarray as a result.

The room I was given looked to be recently remodeled and clean, but there was an overwhelming chemical smell in the room and the windows would not open. Strike 1.

The in-room internet connection was operating around 1k/sec... entirely too slow to get anything productive done. A call for help went unanswered and after a while the smell of the room got to me anyway. Strike 2.

The hotel was completely full due to a jewish convention in the building this weekend. The lobby was overflowing with kids having their run of the lobby, and at that point - I'd had my fill. Strike 3. I left and went over to the Sheraton Stamford which, so far, has been excellent (certaily in comparison).

Confirmed that it is becoming a Hilton.

Confirmed that it is becoming a Hilton.

Any idea when this may take place?

I am at the Westin Stamford now, and the construction continues (the parking situation is a mess--to say the least). I asked the front desk about the 'hand over' to Hilton, and she told me that it was originally scheduled for the last week of January 2008---but due to some construction problems it will be delayed another month (so, late Feb 2008 ??). In the Executive Lounge (still in the corner on the ground floor behind the restaurant/bar) I was told all the staff don't really care, as this is a franchise property and they will all still be employed. The only difference will be the "Hilton" flag being raised. I don't see much change, but then again the top 2 floors are still being worked on (lots of hammering etc). I'll continue to use this & the Norwalk 4P as my Starwoods of choice (especially with the double stays promo) and thus should easily reach Plat 2009 by the end of March :D

As I previously posted, I am here at the Westin Stamford and last night around 9:30pm construction work was going on very loudly above my room on the 8th fl. (banging, hammering, nails dropping, furniture being dragged across the floor etc) I called down to ask when it will end and was told the Manager would check and call back. Around 10pm there's a knock on my door and it was the Manger, who said yes she could hear the noise and was going up to the 9ith fl to see when it would end. About 10;15pm she calls me to tell me it will stop at 10:30pm, but if I'd like to have my room changed, she will do that. At this point (with 15 min left), I was ready for bed and said, no thank you-- it did stop at 10:30pm, or so I think, as I fell asleep. It did begin again this am at 7:30, so before making a reservation here, you may want to request a 'lower floor' if you want a quieter room.
PS- you should also be aware of the 'water' noise. Anytime anyone flushes, turns on the water or uses the shower next to / above or below your room-- you are treated to the full sound of loudly running water

Well it looks like the end is VERY near. I am here now and was told that the official 'handover' (to HILTON) will be this Wednesday, January 23, 2008.

Drove past this property this morning and saw a huge Hilton banner hanging over the old Westin sign.

I also saw a thread about the Stamford Sheraton closing. Is that also confirmed? Are these properties owned by the same franchise?