Starwood Preferred Guest - Starwood "Disappearing Lounges Act"

it would appear that there is a rather alarming trend, with this Starwood "Disappearing Lounges Act" where Starwood properties around the world which used to have nice (or even acceptable) lounges have now closed them.

I know of the Westin Paris, Meridien Etoile, Westin Moana Surfrider, to name have few, which have had their lounges closed.

I would like to compile a list of Starwood properties worldwide which have joined this Starwood "Disappearing Lounges Act".

Starwood needs to rethink this strategy in order to prevent lots of us Platinum to move over to Hilton since as Diamonds, we get to use Hilton's fantastic lounges.

it would appear that there is a rather alarming trend, with this Starwood "Disappearing Lounges Act" where Starwood properties around the world which used to have nice (or even acceptable) lounges have now closed them.

I know of the Westin Paris, Meridien Etoile, Westin Moana Surfrider, to name have few, which have had their lounges closed.

I would like to compile a list of Starwood properties worldwide which have joined this Starwood "Disappearing Lounges Act".

Starwood needs to rethink this strategy in order to prevent lots of us Platinum to move over to Hilton since as Diamonds, we get to use Hilton's fantastic lounges.

Much discussed and not every brand is going to suit or please every customer.

Where are there SPG Concierge/Executive Lounges (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starwood-preferred-guest/945421-where-there-spg-concierge-executive-lounges.html)?

See blonde bombers post.

Thanks, but I am interested in a list of lounges which have DISSAPEARED.

Paris Westin gone completely.

Denver Sheraton DTC is diminishing food quantities and beverages.

Paris Westin gone completely.

Denver Sheraton DTC is diminishing food quantities and beverages.

Does the Four Points DTC still have a lounge or let me rephrase a lounge that they are using? that is a great property if they are still using the lounge

I seems to me that the person who suggests a list, usually compiles it. Go for it SAPGUY we will all appreciate it:D

Sheraton Atlanta Airport lounge closed on the weekends now.

What about the disappearing mouthwash, shower gel, etc? Many hotels, including Club Floors seem to be dropping these amenities to save money.

The Bristol in Vienna had a lounge several years ago.

Westin Kierland may as well be gone since they push you to their bar for drinks and rarely stock any snacks.

Westin Kierland may as well be gone since they push you to their bar for drinks and rarely stock any snacks.

...b'fast.

Westin Kierland may as well be gone since they push you to their bar for drinks and rarely stock any snacks.

They charge you for 3rd guest and above (i think is $20 per head). Not worth the price for entry. Kids may be less.

I think the Westin Auckland has lost its lounge too.

Westin St. Louis closed their's

Westin ATL airport lounge is gone.

Wow, the Starwood "Disappearing Lounge Act" is real :(:td:

Working to renew my Diamond Diamond status now.

Westin Chicago North Shore is closed on weekends, still open in the week.

Westin ATL airport lounge is gone.

I recently stayed at Westin ATL and was surprised when I couldn't find the lounge. One of the front desk staff told me that the lounges are going to be left for the Sheraton brand.

I alternate between the two hotels in ATL but the Sheraton's lounge is a deal breaker. Sheraton will always be my first choice now.

Sorry Westin, sometimes it's just the little things. I hope the revenue you get for those extra few rooms works out for ya.

Westin Virginia Beach Town Center has also closed its lounge.

I think the Westin Auckland has lost its lounge too.

Would tend to agree - had two stays here in March and was told nothing about a lounge. Appreciated the upgrades though (some of the only suite upgrades I've received as a Plat - even if it was just a junior suite).

Still learning SPG family brands...

My impression is Sheraton and Westin brands have lounges, at least majority of their hotels if not all. Most of my stays so far are in Sheraton hotels and mostly have lounges. Just stayed at Westin Grand Frankfurt and surprised to learn there is no lounge at the property, not sure if it never exist or disappeared recently.

Is it a wrong impression Sheraton chain and Westin chain have lounges? From reading this thread, looks like it is not a uniform feature within the chain, this makes it hard to plan and select a stay.

Still learning SPG family brands...

My impression is Sheraton and Westin brands have lounges, at least majority of their hotels if not all. Most of my stays so far are in Sheraton hotels and mostly have lounges. Just stayed at Westin Grand Frankfurt and surprised to learn there is no lounge at the property, not sure if it never exist or disappeared recently.

Is it a wrong impression Sheraton chain and Westin chain have lounges? From reading this thread, looks like it is not a uniform feature within the chain, this makes it hard to plan and select a stay.

Most Sheraton hotels *should* have a lounge, although many do not, and more and more lounges are closing (hence this thread).

Some Westin have lounges, and more and more lounges are closing (hence this thread).

If you want hotels with lounges, go to Hilton especially since you're a Diamond.

Most Sheraton hotels *should* have a lounge, although many do not, and more and more lounges are closing (hence this thread).

Some Westin have lounges, and more and more lounges are closing (hence this thread).

If you want hotels with lounges, go to Hilton especially since you're a Diamond.

Over the years I have stayed at a number of Westins in Europe and one in Seattle. I have never found a Westin with a Lounge in well over 10 years. :td:

If you want hotels with lounges, go to Hilton especially since you're a Diamond.

If I remembered correctly, even Hilton are closing their lounge too (i.e. hilton SF). Instead they're giving out vouchers to their diamonds for continental breakfast.

Yeah, William. How about some breakfast coupons for us Platinums with all these lounge closings??

Yeah, William. How about some breakfast coupons for us Platinums with all these lounge closings??

How about not making it an official policy and leaving it up to the individual properties like it's done now? :)

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

How about not making it an official policy and leaving it up to the individual properties like it's done now? :)

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Absolutely. All Westins and Sheratons have to have lounges and free breakfast for all Platinums at all SPG hotels. Please go ahead and write it in there to double the amount of Freddies for next year ;)

Absolutely. All Westins and Sheratons have to have lounges and free breakfast for all Platinums at all SPG hotels.

So, you would be in favor of there being...say 150 SPG-participating properties in the portfolio as opposed to 1,000? :confused:

Please go ahead and write it in there to double the amount of Freddies for next year ;)

I'm afraid that as aggressive as Marriott has been of late in getting out the "vote 10 for us" campaign that any opportunity to increase the number of Freddies we (or anyone else) may earn is dependent on our answer to that strategy rather than any add-ons SPG might consider giving. :p

After all, SPG gave a lot more stuff last year than the year before and, from my personal perspective, it really did not pan out and I think some other Flyertalkers have felt the same.

So, this idea that more bennies = more Freddies seems to be more of a pipe dream than a reality. ;)

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Over the years I have stayed at a number of Westins in Europe and one in Seattle. I have never found a Westin with a Lounge in well over 10 years. :td:

Some Westin with lounges (at least the time that I checked):
1) Westin NY Times Square
2) Westin Diplomat Fort Lauderdale
3) Westin Arlington Gateway (Ballston)
4) Westin Kierland Phoenix

So, you would be in favor of there being...say 150 SPG-participating properties in the portfolio as opposed to 1,000? :confused:

He he.. Of course not..


I'm afraid that as aggressive as Marriott has been of late in getting out the "vote 10 for us" campaign that any opportunity to increase the number of Freddies we (or anyone else) may earn is dependent on our answer to that strategy rather than any add-ons SPG might consider giving. :p

After all, SPG gave a lot more stuff last year than the year before and, from my personal perspective, it really did not pan out and I think some other Flyertalkers have felt the same.

So, this idea that more bennies = more Freddies seems to be more of a pipe dream than a reality. ;)



I hear you, but this is the year for improvements from many of your competitors, I'm sure you are keeping your eyes open ;)

Greetings:

For what its worth to the powers that B......we go out of our way to stay and use a Sheraton club room.......first thing my wife will ask "does it have a club"

After 10 years as a Plat. if this was a trend, I would be forced to seek another chain for sure.....hey, Mrs T puts up with my stay gathering, MR's and all that other stuff...............the least I can do...........

Most Sheraton hotels *should* have a lounge, although many do not, and more and more lounges are closing (hence this thread).

Some Westin have lounges, and more and more lounges are closing (hence this thread).

If you want hotels with lounges, go to Hilton especially since you're a Diamond.

Thanks for the reply and good info of the thread. I am trying to figure out what to expect when booking different hotel chains and was under the impression I can count on a lounge when book a Sheraton or a Westin, sounds that's not true.

Hold it here a minute. I have no objections with posters here making a list club lounges that have closed.

Even one club lounge closing.. not good.:mad:

But before we go jumping off the deep end here... I count ten lounges so far on our big super-duper list ( and sure we don’t except us to able to record them all here) but lets’ see now Starwood has what thousands of properties?
I sure hope the sort of percentage here is not what one would strive for in anything of importance … well perhaps except interest rates.;)

Now here is where the whole thing gets pretty silly IMHO the OP suggest s/implies/recommends that if one wants lounge access one should be staying at Hiltons.:rolleyes:
I can only presume that he is referring primarily to non-North America Hiltons, because if there is ONE Hilton property in the entire US that has a better than awful lounge I have stayed never there or even heard about it and would be hard pressed to be convinced it exists

On the other hand I can list a number of decent SPG property and a few very good ones in North America and all better than every NA Hilton lounge.
Admittedly Hilton has some very nice lounges overseas but for every good HH lounge outside N.A. I can name an equal amount of good Starwood ones.... draw.

I understand posters being unhappy with individual lounges closing but to say one is going to migrate to another program solely on the basis of the closure of a few lounges and in turn going stay at Hiltons because of “better lounges” is pure nonsense and basically exposes ones total lack of knowledge over the Hilton chain.

Come on really, where is it written that “Sheratons should have lounges” ? :rolleyes:

mike

Now here is where the whole thing gets pretty silly IMHO the OP suggest s/implies/recommends that if one wants lounge access one should be staying at Hiltons.:rolleyes:
THIS OP has been a big Starwood supporter, and will continue to be one, but THIS OP is dismayed at more and more lounges being closed at Starwood properties.


On the other hand I can list a number of decent SPG property and a few very good ones in North America and all better than every NA Hilton lounge.
Admittedly Hilton has some very nice lounges overseas but for every good HH lounge outside N.A. I can name an equal amount of good Starwood ones.... draw.
Please DO name the good SPG lounges in North America - people on this board will benefit for your knowledge.


but to say one is going to migrate to another program solely on the basis of the closure of a few lounges and in turn going stay at Hiltons because of “better lounges” is pure nonsense and basically exposes ones total lack of knowledge over the Hilton chain.
Really? You are entitled to YOUR opinion, but those of us who want to have a complimentary breakfast as part of our hotel stay DO value the lounges and we WILL make our hotel choices based on the existence of those lounges, and we are finding that a LOT of Hilton properties have loubges, or in the case of Embassy Suites, the BREAKFAST and HAPPY HOUR are part of the deal.

THIS OP has been a big Starwood supporter, and will continue to be one, but THIS OP is dismayed at more and more lounges being closed at Starwood properties.


Please DO name the good SPG lounges in North America - people on this board will benefit for your knowledge.


Really? You are entitled to YOUR opinion, but those of us who want to have a complimentary breakfast as part of our hotel stay DO value the lounges and we WILL make our hotel choices based on the existence of those lounges, and we are finding that a LOT of Hilton properties have loubges, or in the case of Embassy Suites, the BREAKFAST and HAPPY HOUR are part of the deal.

Sure ...I sincerely hope I did state my opinion quite clearly:rolleyes:

For your continuing education an example of a very good Starwood lounge scoot over to very long thread on the WESTIN DIPLOMAT AND RESORT, HALLENDALE BEACH, FLORIDA;)

mike

On the other hand I can list a number of decent SPG property and a few very good ones in North America and all better than every NA Hilton lounge.

I've travelled for work for 25 years and I tell everyone that the finest hotel lounge I've EVER SEEN is at the Hilton Quebec City. Elites are quickly whisked away from the front desk and behind the heavy gold doors of the adjacent concierge lounge where one is "processed" in private. The attendant isn't an $8/hour type, but a real professional concierge. The lounge offerings in the morning, afternoon, and evening are sensational and surpass by a mile what I've experienced in Ritz-Carlton lounges.

No kidding.

I've travelled for work for 25 years and I tell everyone that the finest hotel lounge I've EVER SEEN is at the Hilton Quebec City. Elites are quickly whisked away from the front desk and behind the heavy gold doors of the adjacent concierge lounge where one is "processed" in private. The attendant isn't an $8/hour type, but a real professional concierge. The lounge offerings in the morning, afternoon, and evening are sensational and surpass by a mile what I've experienced in Ritz-Carlton lounges.

No kidding.

If you mean the Hilton just outside the old city I stayed there well over 12 years ago and my check-in was at the front desk.. thev lounge as best I can recall was fine;)

mike

well, a few points.

Westin BWI and Westin Mt. Laurel, 2 great lounges, but neither have lounges.

Sheraton BWI, great lounge with suites. Syracuse Sheraton is starting a remodel of their lounge.

I am a HUGE proponent of lounges. They are needed and necessary. I think all FS properties should have one. I also think they should be for elite only, not the clampetts buying their way on.

well, a few points.

Westin BWI and Westin Mt. Laurel, 2 great lounges, but neither have lounges.


:confused::confused:

No alarming trend here--just a couple of lounges closing.

Good thread though and will be useful for updating my chart.

Let's hope it isn't a lot of changes and is just these few.

:confused::confused:
typing after 10 hours of travel....

I meant, great lounges, but no suites!

This isn't a new trend.
The Westin Grand Bahama closed their lounge around 2005.
The Westin Peachtree in Atlanta closed their lounge around 2001, IIRC.

I have come to expect lounges to be closed at Westins, and I have recently increased my number of Sheraton and 4P stays while decreasing my Westin stays.

OTOH, there is also a frustrating trend at some Sheratons to close the lounge on weekends. Some examples:
Sheraton Greensboro
Sheraton NY Hotel & Towers
Sheraton Atlanta Perimeter North
Sheraton Richmond West

As a Marriott and Starwood Platinum, I debate internally about which is better:

Marriott: I know that all FS Marriott and Ren will have a club. HOWEVER, most are now closing on weekends and cutting back on the servings. In addition, alcohol is charged for at every location (I believe).

Starwood: Not all Sheratons or Westins have a club. It really is hit or miss, IMHO. HOWEVER, most of the clubs are open on weekends and in some of them, I know that alcohol is served at no charge.

What it comes down to for me is that I will stay at the Sheraton/Westin if I know about the club and that they have one. If not, I will stay at the Marriott/Ren.