Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 22,935
Bad news at the Delfina
In the middle of my stay last week, they instigated a new $22 charge for parking. All cars must now valet. They didn't give any warning and when I pulled up one day to park, they stopped me and said they had to park it for me. While I like valet, a little warning would have been nice. I had to take the time to gather all my belongings and lug them up to my room since I didn't want to leave them out for the valet.
This hotel is already a bit expensive and adding $22 per night to the room charge means I will probably switch to an HIX or something.
On the plus side they had about 6 valet guys standing outside waiting to serve. And when I complained at checkout that they didn't tell me about the charge they removed the fee. If any of you have upcoming stays, tell them at check in that you were not advised of the charge when yo umade the reservation and maybe they will remove it.
I've stayed at the Delfina more than two dozen times, from when it was a 4 Points...and I must agree that the rates they are now trying to charge are NOT justified. While freshly updated, it still is not THAT special. It's NOT on the beach...more like 5-6 blocks. The surrounding area lacks...well, charm (a high school across the street, and a a Tommy's Hamburger joint on the corner). And now $22 a night for parking???
This property is owned by a company that runs other "boutique" hotels in L.A., which seems to feel it can get away with charging rates equal those of better-located higher quality properties in Santa Monica. Well, maybe they can sustain themselves on wedding parties and drunken weekend partiers, but I have my doubts. They've pretty much driven away this corporate customer.
Programs: AA 2MM, UA Slvr (til June - then GLD), SPG LT GLD, GP Plt, Mets fan (we have no status at all).
Posts: 4,815
My brother stayed at this property last weekend. He reports that it was a nice physical plant -- room was in good shape, very comfortable, etc. (He's not a regular traveler, and he doesn't have status anywhere, so when I booked him & his wife there under my name he was happy to have "club level" w/lounge.)
Driving him there to check in, I saw what many have said re the location. It's on Pico, on a so-so block just west of Lincoln Highway. Definitiely NOT the glamorous part of Santa Monica.
Has anyone stayed in the Jr. Suites with the private jacuzzi on the terraces? Going to a freind's wedding and everyone is staying at this hotel. I can get the room for $349 +tax with an SPG50 and wondering about 1) people's experiences in this room and 2) whether they think it is worth the spend. (Also an SPG platinum and could wait till closer to see about an upgrade but figured its a special occasion.)
Programs: AA Executive Platinum, Starwood SPG Platinum, Fairmont Premier
Posts: 260
I've stayed at this property maybe 3 - 4 times and never received an upgrade if that helps your decision any. Its a converted Four Points and I thought that the rooms werent exactly up to Sheraton standards. (Wall air conditioner units and old carpeting, colors/bedding definately need an upgrade - looks very eighties) When I inquired about this on a stay in early December, the front desk mentioned that most of the bathrooms had been converted so far - but not the rooms themselves. The lobby looks spectacular however and has a very 'W Hotel' feel to it. YMMV
Unfortunately, that thread doesn't speak to the quality of the suites w/ the jacuzzis. Tried trip advisor and other sites, but can't seem to find anyone who has said anything substantial about them.
Programs: Starwood Preferred Guest Lifetime Platinum, National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive Elite Level
Posts: 124
Has been about 2 years since I stayed at the Defina (in the old days when they offered free parking). Prior to that I was a regular there and had the good fortune of occupying the Jacuzzi suites on a number of occassions. At that time there was no difference in quality, layout or size between the Jacuzzi suites versus other suites, except the size of the balcony, which was large enough (obviously) to hold the jacuzzi. Suites face Pico Blvd so you will have a partial ocean view with a somewhat distant view of the Santa Monica Pier, which is best viewed at night when the ferris wheel is lit. Have fond memories of sitting in the jacuzzi, looking out over the distant pier, ferris wheel and the Pacific. Hope this helps Woodsmit.
Have stayed about 5 times at the Delfina this past year on business. Got the Jacuzzi suite upgrade 2 out of the 4 times and a regular junior suite another time. There aren't too many junior suites in the property, so it's hit or miss on the upgrade, but make sure to ask! The junior suites definitely make a big difference though. The standard rooms are, well, pretty standard. Although I do think the Sheraton Delfina is a great hotel, it helps to have one of the junior suites. The ones with the jacuzzis have a large balcony and the jacuzzi can easily fit 3-4 people. The bathrooms are also quite large - with both a large tub and separate shower.
If it's really important to you that you get the upgrade, I'd book it in advance. Otherwise, good luck when you check-in!
Programs: AA EP 4 million miles, Starwood Platinum
Posts: 196
Sheraton Delfina
Mediocre at best. Checked into 1 room, internet didn't work nor did the safe. Called for repair 4 times and finally called the front desk and screamed. Had to move to another room, shower didn't work there. The rooms are poor. I understand from talking to emploees that this is a converted Holiday Inn and believe me, it looks like it. What a hunk of junk in Santa Monica. Starwood took a major step backward when they lost the Miramar in this area. The W is really not convenient so that leaves the Fairmont, the Viceroy, Shutters on the Beach, Casa del Mar and the Loew's as options. I am a very loyal *wood member, but this option is terribly inferior.
What's happening to the Starwood brand with their loss of a significant number of quality hotels?
This property is good, but definitely great, and a lot of it is structural - small rooms, motel feel, etc. Th eproperty should be in he $200 rack rate, not $300. Wasn't bad when it included free parking, but now they charge over $20 for mandatory valet.
Programs: AA EP 4 million miles, Starwood Platinum
Posts: 196
Sheraton Delfina
$200 is generous. It is a motel with a Sheraton name. The "suites" are garbage, embarrassing to call a suite actually. They are L shaped and have cheap furnishings. The carpeting is very tired and the baths fair. The staff is friendly and try hard, but the facilities stink. When is the last time you were in ahotel for $300 a night and the A/C was a WINDOW unit set in a sliding glass door panel. I mean really, the place doesn't even have C A/C.
You guys are a tough crowd. I just spent 3 days there last week at a rate of $229. Other competitors were in the $400 range for the same nights (Viceroy, etc.).
The staff was great & the rooms were updated in a Westin-like fashion. Free wi-fi in the lobby also. I would stay there again in a heartbeat.
Bad news at the Delfina
They've pretty much driven away this corporate customer.
