Westin Mission Hills, Palm Springs, CA [Master Thread]
Feb 21, 2001, 10:43 pm
#1
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Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: USA
Programs: HH Diamond, SPG Gold, PC Platinum Ambassador, Marriott Silver
Posts: 15,249
Westin Mission Hills, Palm Springs, CA [Master Thread]
I am considering booking a golf weekend here. What can I expect? How does it compare to other resorts in the area (I am also considering the Marriott Palm Desert)?
Feb 25, 2001, 2:02 pm
#3
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: NJ
Programs: UA LTG, AA LTG, Bonvoy LTP, IHG Plat, LHW Sterling
Posts: 2,405
I spent one night at the Mission Hills last Labor Day weekend with my girl friend. I cut my stay short and moved to a great small inn in old Palm Springs.
As platinum they upgraded me to a large suite. The bedroom was equipped with the heavenly bed. As an amenity I was given a decorative tin of delicious cookies. Even though I received al sorts of upgrades and was treated very well and had a cheap rate to boot, I really didn’t like the place. The rooms are sprawled across the property in two story apartment-like units. The soundproofing was not very good and there were always people walking by my room. Since it was Labor Day weekend, they place was PACKED with zillions of families with kids. The nice pool area was simply overrun. It was not relaxing. Perhaps during the high rate season it is a bit more subdued.
As platinum they upgraded me to a large suite. The bedroom was equipped with the heavenly bed. As an amenity I was given a decorative tin of delicious cookies. Even though I received al sorts of upgrades and was treated very well and had a cheap rate to boot, I really didn’t like the place. The rooms are sprawled across the property in two story apartment-like units. The soundproofing was not very good and there were always people walking by my room. Since it was Labor Day weekend, they place was PACKED with zillions of families with kids. The nice pool area was simply overrun. It was not relaxing. Perhaps during the high rate season it is a bit more subdued.
Apr 30, 2002, 5:49 pm
#4
Join Date: Jul 1999
Programs: QF WP, AA EXP
Posts: 3,520
Westin Mission Hills - Disappointing
I had read the very mixed reviews about the Westin Mission Hills near Palm Springs. I decided to book a room anyway, hoping for the best. I booked two nights for last weekend, 4/26-28, for about $300/night, about 45 days ago. I was confirmed a non-smoking room, 2 Queen Beds, limited view.
Upon arrival last Friday night, I checked in at the front desk. Instead of receiving my keys quickly as usually happens everywhere, the front-desk worker disappears into the back for about 3 minutes.
She explains that I would be upgraded to a suite tonight, and would have to move tomrrow. I said I don't want to move rooms, and need a room with 2 Queens as booked (as Suites generally only have Kings). I really didn't care about having a suite at this point, I needed the requested bedding configuration as there were four of us!
The manager came out, and was somewhat apologetic, but evidently bookings were messed up, and these were the only rooms they had. At this point I just wanted to get some rest, so we took the room, a rollaway, and someone slept on the couch(!).
The following day, I called the front desk at noon as requested for my new keys, and ended up waiting an hour for them to return my phonecall with my new room assignment! I called back, asked to speak with the manager, he assured me my room keys would be delivered by a bellman immediately. 45 minutes later, I walked to the front desk to ask for my keys, and the manager. He came out, looked around for my keys and handed them to me without an apology.
Overall, this was not an experience which I would expect from any hotel for the rate I paid. The most distressing thing about this was waiting close to three hours to have my room changed, and delaying my planned activites for the day.
On a positive note, the rooms were nice, clean, the grounds well kept. The staff just seems to not have ANY clue!
Upon arrival last Friday night, I checked in at the front desk. Instead of receiving my keys quickly as usually happens everywhere, the front-desk worker disappears into the back for about 3 minutes.
She explains that I would be upgraded to a suite tonight, and would have to move tomrrow. I said I don't want to move rooms, and need a room with 2 Queens as booked (as Suites generally only have Kings). I really didn't care about having a suite at this point, I needed the requested bedding configuration as there were four of us!
The manager came out, and was somewhat apologetic, but evidently bookings were messed up, and these were the only rooms they had. At this point I just wanted to get some rest, so we took the room, a rollaway, and someone slept on the couch(!).
The following day, I called the front desk at noon as requested for my new keys, and ended up waiting an hour for them to return my phonecall with my new room assignment! I called back, asked to speak with the manager, he assured me my room keys would be delivered by a bellman immediately. 45 minutes later, I walked to the front desk to ask for my keys, and the manager. He came out, looked around for my keys and handed them to me without an apology.
Overall, this was not an experience which I would expect from any hotel for the rate I paid. The most distressing thing about this was waiting close to three hours to have my room changed, and delaying my planned activites for the day.
On a positive note, the rooms were nice, clean, the grounds well kept. The staff just seems to not have ANY clue!
Nov 27, 2002, 9:36 am
#5
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 2,741
Recent reviews on Westin Mission Hills Resort?
Just did a search on this property but didn't really come up with much.
Anyone stay there recently? Can a Gold expect anything special? (FYI: I'm not a golfer, just looking to get out of L.A. for a weekend getaway to some place peaceful/pretty).
Thanks for any info.
Anyone stay there recently? Can a Gold expect anything special? (FYI: I'm not a golfer, just looking to get out of L.A. for a weekend getaway to some place peaceful/pretty).
Thanks for any info.
Nov 27, 2002, 1:39 pm
#6
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Orange County, CA ; AA Plat, Starwood Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 125
Mission Hills is a pretty nice resort. I would ask for a Lake view. Golds will get the 4 pm checkout. Not sure about the rest as I became a Gold after my stay there. If you take their timeshare presentation - they will give you $100 towards your bill, or you can opt for the points.
My only complaint was that house keeping was a bit slow. We left our room at 10 am, retunred at 4pm, and our room was still not clean!!!
My only complaint was that house keeping was a bit slow. We left our room at 10 am, retunred at 4pm, and our room was still not clean!!!
Nov 29, 2002, 11:31 pm
#7
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Grapevine, TX, USA
Programs: AA EXP; HH Dia; SPG Plat
Posts: 65
If you ask about the timeshare at checkin - they can get you a $125 voucher. I didn't have time so I skipped that 'amenity'
I was there for one night (25 Nov). Was offered an upgrade to a King suite, but refused since I was traveling with family and wanted the two beds I had reserved.
reminder that there is a $14 'resort' fee. You don't get any points for those bucks as that is apparently ineligible revenue. I didn't do any resort items so I was a bit miffed at paying this 'tax'.
btw - was very windy when I was there = a minor sand storm in the area. Made it uncomfortable to do anything outside.
I was there for one night (25 Nov). Was offered an upgrade to a King suite, but refused since I was traveling with family and wanted the two beds I had reserved.
reminder that there is a $14 'resort' fee. You don't get any points for those bucks as that is apparently ineligible revenue. I didn't do any resort items so I was a bit miffed at paying this 'tax'.
btw - was very windy when I was there = a minor sand storm in the area. Made it uncomfortable to do anything outside.
Nov 30, 2002, 9:00 pm
#8
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 223
I was just there with the family for 3 nights this month. I was very impressed with the property. It's close to the attractions in the area and it is very well maintained. The spa is also very nice.
I booked two rooms using Cash & Points and was upgraded to golf/lake view for both (was supposed to have parking lot views).
I LOVE Westins and this is one of the nicer Westins that I have visited.
You should very much enjoy your stay. Have fun.
------------------
AA Platinum, Delta Gold, Starwood Platinum, Fairmont President's Club Gold, Hyatt Diamond
I booked two rooms using Cash & Points and was upgraded to golf/lake view for both (was supposed to have parking lot views).
I LOVE Westins and this is one of the nicer Westins that I have visited.
You should very much enjoy your stay. Have fun.
------------------
AA Platinum, Delta Gold, Starwood Platinum, Fairmont President's Club Gold, Hyatt Diamond
Dec 1, 2002, 5:15 pm
#9
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DL: PM/2M; UA: 1K; AA: Plat/2MM; SQ: PPS; US: Plat; Starwood: Plat; Hilton: Diam Hyatt: Diam; Loews Plat; Avis: Chair.
Posts: 1,681
Been staying there for some time but it's been almost a year since the last time.
I'm picky about resorts but here's my take: Great grounds, nice enough rooms but my last stay I noticed they were starting to look a little tired. Excellent staff, great pool, good food, and the only downside: a lousy bar and it's a drive to anywhere else.
I'm picky about resorts but here's my take: Great grounds, nice enough rooms but my last stay I noticed they were starting to look a little tired. Excellent staff, great pool, good food, and the only downside: a lousy bar and it's a drive to anywhere else.
Dec 2, 2002, 9:36 am
#10
Join Date: Jul 1999
Programs: QF WP, AA EXP
Posts: 3,520
I stayed there last April, and was impressed with the rooms and grounds overall. The pool areas are nice, as are the rest of the grounds. It is a bit out of the way from everything though. I did have to park quite a way from the room one night - the property is very spread out. I too don't agree with the "resort" fee - it's a complete bunch of BS.
I did have some major issues which I won't go into detal on, but in summary I had to change rooms once during my two night stay, and the staff was less than helpful in the matter. The good news is after sending a letter to the GM of the hotel explaining what happened, he very appropriately compensated me and apologised for the issues.
I did have some major issues which I won't go into detal on, but in summary I had to change rooms once during my two night stay, and the staff was less than helpful in the matter. The good news is after sending a letter to the GM of the hotel explaining what happened, he very appropriately compensated me and apologised for the issues.
Dec 10, 2002, 1:05 pm
#12
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Philadelphia, PA USA
Programs: US Chairman's Preferred, HHonors Gold, SPG Gold, Hertz 5*
Posts: 901
The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Villas Celebrates Grand Opening
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/021210/102091_1.html
Press Release Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Villas Celebrates Grand Opening
Tuesday December 10, 10:01 am ET
RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 10, 2002--City officials, local residents and management from Starwood helped celebrate the grand opening today of the newest Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT - News) vacation ownership resort, The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Villas in Rancho Mirage, California.
Located adjacent to the luxurious Westin Mission Hills Resort, this resort gives guests the opportunity to purchase weekly intervals in one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country.
"We are extremely pleased to celebrate the opening of this incredible property. This is our first Westin-branded vacation ownership resort in California and the fourth Westin vacation ownership resort we have built or is under construction. The response to this product has exceeded our expectations as presales, which began last year, continue to outpace our projections," said Raymond L. "Rip" Gellein, Jr., chairman and co-chief executive officer of Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc.
The Westin Mission Hills Resort and Villas is located on just over 20 acres and will feature 158 two-bedroom villas upon completion. Each two-bedroom villa is designed to capture the modern luxury and style in keeping with the Westin name. The fully-equipped kitchens include everything needed for a gourmet meal, the separate living room and dining room provide plenty of space for families and guests, the master bedroom is its own oasis complete with a whirlpool tub and, of course, the Heavenly Bed®.
Overlooking the world-class Mission Hills Golf Course, the resort will also feature its own lavish amenities area complete with a large family-oriented pool complete with a water slide, a separate children's only pool, an adult pool, private cabanas, restaurant and bar. The first phase of 16 villas is now open and the second phase of 40 additional villas will open in January. The balance of the villas will open in late 2003 and in 2004.
"The Westin Mission Hills Resort is a world-class property complete with golf, tennis and an incredible spa. Our vacation ownership resort is the perfect compliment to the resort's traditional lodging and will give guests an opportunity to own weekly intervals and enjoy the area year after year or exchange their interval through the Starwood Vacation Network," said Jeffrey A. Adler, president and co-chief executive officer of Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc.
The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Villas will become part of the newly formed Starwood Vacation Network (SVN), an innovative exchange program that gives its members easy access to other exciting Sheraton and Westin Vacation Ownership resorts as well as to Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.'s more than 750 properties around the world. SVN will provide its members with worldwide opportunities to experience Starwood's exceptional brands including St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton and W Hotels. SVN was developed to meet the needs of today's travelers resulting in a user-friendly system that emphasizes flexibility and access to all of Starwood's hotels and resorts worldwide. In addition to SVN, The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Villas owners will also have access to Interval International, an external exchange program.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 750 properties in more than 80 countries and 110,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. With internationally renowned brands, Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts including: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, Sheraton®, Westin®, Four Points® by Sheraton, W® brands, as well as Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwood.com .
Contact:
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
David Matheson
914/640-5204
Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Press Release Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Villas Celebrates Grand Opening
Tuesday December 10, 10:01 am ET
RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 10, 2002--City officials, local residents and management from Starwood helped celebrate the grand opening today of the newest Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT - News) vacation ownership resort, The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Villas in Rancho Mirage, California.
Located adjacent to the luxurious Westin Mission Hills Resort, this resort gives guests the opportunity to purchase weekly intervals in one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country.
"We are extremely pleased to celebrate the opening of this incredible property. This is our first Westin-branded vacation ownership resort in California and the fourth Westin vacation ownership resort we have built or is under construction. The response to this product has exceeded our expectations as presales, which began last year, continue to outpace our projections," said Raymond L. "Rip" Gellein, Jr., chairman and co-chief executive officer of Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc.
The Westin Mission Hills Resort and Villas is located on just over 20 acres and will feature 158 two-bedroom villas upon completion. Each two-bedroom villa is designed to capture the modern luxury and style in keeping with the Westin name. The fully-equipped kitchens include everything needed for a gourmet meal, the separate living room and dining room provide plenty of space for families and guests, the master bedroom is its own oasis complete with a whirlpool tub and, of course, the Heavenly Bed®.
Overlooking the world-class Mission Hills Golf Course, the resort will also feature its own lavish amenities area complete with a large family-oriented pool complete with a water slide, a separate children's only pool, an adult pool, private cabanas, restaurant and bar. The first phase of 16 villas is now open and the second phase of 40 additional villas will open in January. The balance of the villas will open in late 2003 and in 2004.
"The Westin Mission Hills Resort is a world-class property complete with golf, tennis and an incredible spa. Our vacation ownership resort is the perfect compliment to the resort's traditional lodging and will give guests an opportunity to own weekly intervals and enjoy the area year after year or exchange their interval through the Starwood Vacation Network," said Jeffrey A. Adler, president and co-chief executive officer of Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc.
The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Villas will become part of the newly formed Starwood Vacation Network (SVN), an innovative exchange program that gives its members easy access to other exciting Sheraton and Westin Vacation Ownership resorts as well as to Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.'s more than 750 properties around the world. SVN will provide its members with worldwide opportunities to experience Starwood's exceptional brands including St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton and W Hotels. SVN was developed to meet the needs of today's travelers resulting in a user-friendly system that emphasizes flexibility and access to all of Starwood's hotels and resorts worldwide. In addition to SVN, The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Villas owners will also have access to Interval International, an external exchange program.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 750 properties in more than 80 countries and 110,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. With internationally renowned brands, Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts including: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, Sheraton®, Westin®, Four Points® by Sheraton, W® brands, as well as Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwood.com .
Contact:
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
David Matheson
914/640-5204
Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Feb 18, 2003, 6:40 pm
#13
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 129
Westin Mission Hills Timeshare Share Promo
Westin Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage CA is running a vacation ownership promotion special. It goes like this 3/2 days/nights, 2 rds of golf -Pete Dye & Gary Player courses and $50 gift certificate for $169. Here is the catch you must go through the 90 min presentation. It's a wonderful property and worth the 90 minutes of your time. I had heard you might have to be referred by a existing vacation owner but I could not verify that-if this is true and you are indeed interested I will be happy to put you on.
P.S. I recieve no points or any other considerations!
P.S. I recieve no points or any other considerations!
May 5, 2003, 3:50 pm
#14
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Miami, FL
Posts: 75
The Westin Mission Hills Resort
Anyone visited Palm Springs lately?? Just booked an award stay for June. What are the chances of an upgrade?? Hows the golf at the hotel?? Things to do at night?? Casinos??
Any info would be great...thanks
Any info would be great...thanks
May 5, 2003, 5:14 pm
#15
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: YYZ
Posts: 6,138
I tried unsuccessfully to line up an award stay here for the Coachella music festival in Indio last weekend. All the bands were staying there so we decided to swing by and check it out. Verrry nice for a westin. Golf course looked great.
I've got a revenue res for Coachella 2004
... Rack rate of $480 makes for a good use of an SPG50 when Best Available Rates start at $375.
I've got a revenue res for Coachella 2004
... Rack rate of $480 makes for a good use of an SPG50 when Best Available Rates start at $375.